✯ Managed product development from ideation to commercialization for security and solar landscape lighting.✯ Managed timeline from concept to launch of new products ensuring alignment of quality, testing, and financial targets. ✯ Worked with engineering to develop new product concepts. ✯ Designed and managed development of new security light launching at Menards in February 2025.✯ Managed the development process of 1st security light to launch at Costco Canada. Created slogan for packaging. ✯ Communicated product concepts and negotiated costs with suppliers.✯ Worked with graphic team to develop packaging and technical instruction manuals for new products.✯ Collaborated with team to create instructional videos for websites and images for packaging. ✯ Evaluated factory samples by testing and communicating results to factories. ✯ Created presentation decks that detailed product assortment/specs and pricing for several accounts including Lowe’s, Menards, Home Depot, Meijer, Rona, Tractor Supply, Costco US, and Costco Canada.✯ Created and maintained a data library for the life cycle of products in PDM system.✯ Conducted comprehensive competitor and market analysis research evaluating value propositions, competitive landscape, and pricing strategies to drive business decisions. ✯ Created and managed documents to maintain customer offerings and monitor competitive activity.✯ Provided application support for assigned products, including creating spec sheets and training for customer service team on new products.✯ Collaborated with sales team to gather market feedback to ensure customer insights were integrated into product strategy. ✯ Worked with cross-functional teams encompassing engineering, sales, sourcing, operations, customer service, and graphics to drive product introductions.

✯ Directed the strategic planning for product development of decorative pillows and throws, managing from initial concept to delivery. Drove process to determine assortment to ensure brand integrity.✯ Facilitated new product development and worked with suppliers to source products. Negotiated cost, quality, product minimums and lead time with suppliers.✯ Collaborated with design, channel managers, and sales on assortment to develop product specific for key accounts: Walmart, Big Lots, Ross, Kohls, JCPenny, Meijer, and Home Goods.✯ Executed pricing and mark-up strategy for product categories. ✯ Worked with cross-functional teams to mitigate and resolve any issues with quality and production of goods.✯ Conducted market research to understand customer needs and monitor competitive landscape. ✯ Worked closely with art studios to select artwork for projects. ✯ Created and executed core basics and on-trend assortment buys for Surefit Brand (including SureFit Direct and catalogs).✯ Process improvement: redefined and streamlined data for technical specifications and vendor costing.

✯ Managed product development strategy of specification grade LED architectural outdoor and recessed lighting from ideation to commercialization.✯ Cross - functional project management to meet time sensitive deliverables and deadlines.✯ Collaborated with design and engineering to develop and launch new products. ✯ Planned and managed the launch calendar process to ensure on time delivery and quality from vendor partners. ✯ Owned and managed P&L for product category: executed pricing and mark-up strategy. Prepared pricing lists. ✯ Monitored performance through Power BI to identify trends, formulate business strategy and aid in decision making. ✯ Executed recommendations to expand current product offerings and markdown/discontinuation of underperforming products.✯ Led SKU rationalization efforts in recessed lighting that led to a 20% reduction in SKUs that did not meet KPI.✯ Collaborated with marketing team on catalog, brochures, website and sample kits for sales team.✯ Provided new product training to sales and customer service representatives.✯ Led showroom presentations to sales and customers on product attributes and benefits.✯ Conducted product analysis to research new opportunities in existing and competitive market landscapes.✯ Collaborated with engineers on proto and production approval process. Reviewed protos with engineers to make sure product specifications were being met.✯ Responsible for planning and providing initial unit buy and 3-month forecast for new product placements to buying team.

✯ Developed and managed strategies for product development, strategic sourcing, negotiations, and order execution of Kmart Private Label Outerwear and Swimwear (Babies, kids, ladies and men’s) generating $150M in sales.✯ Directed import placement of categories partnering with Design, Merchants, Technical Design, Inventory, and IBO teams.✯ Negotiated cost, quality, and delivery with matrix vendors. Allocated production with approved mills and vendors.✯ Identified and drove Direct Import opportunities with a focus on improving margin and quality.✯ Managed the Multi Area Pipeline (MAP) process to ensure on-time development, placement and delivery of merchandise.✯ Developed and managed vendor matrix and production strategies.✯ Leveraged Kmart and Sears programs when necessary to achieve best overall costing.

✯ Supported Sourcing Manager in the development of financial information, time lines and merchandise details to ensure on time development, production and delivery of products.✯ Assisted in preparation for target pricing, development of samples and price negotiations.✯ Worked collaboratively with design and merchants to prepare sourcing details for products.✯ Negotiated cost, quality and delivery.

✯ Directed and managed the global strategic sourcing, negotiations, and delivery of private label brands: annual FOB placements of $54M.✯ Selected and managed vendor matrix based on appropriate brand product specs, program volume and expectations for private brands.. - Added $1.6M in quilt business for 2013 with cost savings of $158K.✯ Identified key leverage opportunities across Sears and Kmart programs and vendors.✯ Negotiated and managed collections of merchant allowances on programs from roll-out through replenishment for direct import purchases. - Negotiated and collected $9.7M in vendor allowances and subsidies.✯ Worked one on one with inventory teams on monthly forecasting and re-orders to make sure deliveries were met and vendors had production capacity.✯ Worked directly with design, technical design, Hong Kong corporate lab, packaging team, and vendor teams on product specifications, product quality approvals, testing, and construction.✯ Researched and proposed new technologies for existing and new program launches to compete with and differentiate assortments from the competition.✯ Identified and drove cost reduction opportunities to align with business goals.✯Tracked supplier performance metrics by measurement of Supplier Scorecards.

✯ Created and managed the assortment strategy and financial planning for private and national brands. - Launched Pink K EGP and packaged warmwear resulting in $1.2M in initial sales.✯ Worked collaboratively with vendor and brand partners on assortment and go-to-market strategy for in store and online placements.✯ Full P&L responsibility for Private Label brands in Warm Wear and Knit tops as well as National branded slips.✯ Planned and maintained promotional and pricing strategies for business. Planned and executed advertisements for Kmart circular and online.✯ Established vendor relationships and negotiated buying terms (cost, delivery, quantity, delivery terms, and subsidy).✯ Managed the markdown process and communicated variances to buyer.✯ Executed changes to Planograms for replenishment and seasonal buys.✯ Worked with Packaging and Marketing teams on packaging to determine and propose appropriate verbiage, and key features/benefits to communicate product value to customers.✯ Trained and mentored assistant buyers.

✯ Created and led assortment and line plan reviews for fashion jewelry and ear piercing to ensure best assortment, cost position and merchandising for category.✯ Negotiated cost, quality and delivery of product.✯ Traveled to China to work with suppliers and select merchandise for upcoming buys.✯ Worked collaboratively with UK buying team to select key common lines for US and UK retail stores.✯ Executed reduction of styles and inventory by over 25% working with vendor to convert ear-piercing sites over in Fall 2007 from 2 systems to 1.✯ Cross functional collaboration with supply chain, inventory and merchandising teams.

✯ Directed and managed strategies for product development, strategic sourcing, negotiations, marketing, sales, order execution, and delivery of private-label lines for 8 regional department stores. ✯ Executed financial planning and brand positioning for proprietary brands at national and regional level.✯ Directed achievement of profitable sales growth of brands through strong business plans, brand analysis, trend development and product assortment recommendations. ✯ Marketed and sold proprietary products to 8 store divisions and buyers during Assortment Planning Workshops and Product Placement meetings.✯ Led development of each season's product assortment: managing development process from initial class planning, product design, international vendor sourcing to in-store delivery, and floor assortment.✯ Traveled to Asia and Europe to negotiate program cost components, prices, quality, production capacity and deliveries with vendors. - Negotiated 58.2 MU% on spring 2005 Marsh brand.✯ Monitored and analyzed merchandise performance on a weekly basis to identify opportunities and sales risks. Initiated and directed sales promotion strategies and markdown/exit strategies for discontinued items. - Added $4.5M in sales focusing on novelty yarns and fabrics in key classifications.✯ Performed post-season analysis and incorporated into planning of new season.✯ Responsible for P&L for private label brands and vendor-specific brands.✯ Generated annual sales of $46M, +13% in 2005 with revamping and redesigning of brand.✯ Achieved annual sales of $93M, +13% for 2004.

✯ Responsible for the product development and strategic sourcing of private label and domestic brands for 8 regional department stores.✯ Partnered with Design, Creative Merchandising, Color and Fabric to identify merchandise trends, and key fabrics/yarns for each season.✯ Traveled to Asia and Europe to negotiate program cost components, prices, and deliveries with vendors.✯ Partnered with PM to develop each season's product assortment and merchandising strategies.✯ Grew largest domestic vendor to $75M, +11% vs. plan +7%. - Identified skirt and sweater trend and increased volume in leather and suede $10M vs. $3.9M.✯ Executed day-to-day program development: actively participated in product fittings evaluating and approving design and specifications throughout the development process to ensure product met targets and monitoring design changes throughout the development process.✯ Presented product and financial recommendations to MDSI management during Season Kick-off, Line Review, and Line Closing meetings.✯ Monitored, analyzed trends, and competitive landscape for in-season opportunities.

✯ Provided leadership on assortment planning for Young Attitude Collections private label and domestic brands ($176.8M sales) by monitoring sales and identifying key items within the assortment. - Developed, priced, and executed rayon georgette dressing resulting in $3 million in incremental sales.✯ Led showroom meetings between domestic vendors and 8 store buyers for quarterly product reviews and financial planning.✯ Reviewed sales performance against plan on a weekly and seasonal basis to identify opportunities and sales risk. - Added $4 million in sales by identifying opportunity in knit dressing and sweater coats.✯ Traveled to Asia and Europe to negotiate program cost components, prices, and deliveries with vendors.✯ Communicated big ideas and critical actions to senior management and buying team through Steering Committee meetings, video conferences and trend reports.