Responsible for leading the Buying and Marketing teams to achieve and surpass the goals set forth by the company. Through effective training and team building, the teams set forth processes and procedures to effectively manage their day to day initiatives, with the ultimate goal of growing the companies overall sales. Partnered with Senior Leaders to develop long-term strategies to grow the business successfully. Led negotiations efforts, Buying and Marketing level, on purchase agreements and vendor contracts with a bias for achievement of quality, delivery, cost containment and process improvement. Led and supported company wide initiatives as they arose.

Responsible for optimizing the performance of the Buying and Marketing teams in order to obtain the best possible sales results for the company. Led a Buying team of 10 individuals to develop the right product mix through market trends, vendor partnerships and overseas procurement in order to maximize the goals and results set forth by the company. Led a Marketing team of 6 individuals to develop the proper marketing strategies and programs to create interest, demand and recognition for the Bentley Group and its products.Buying responsibilities:- Assisted in the development of annual budgets, company targets and sales plans within my categories.- Managed suppliers relationships to ensure high service levels and optimum terms and conditions.- Worked with the Buyers to develop and implement the product development and procurement.- Assisted in the development, production, negotiations and purchase of new products to assure that they met the company objectives and quality standards.- Ensured that the existing product mix along with the new developed product line were procured efficiently and that the sales were maximized.- Met key performance indicators including customer service, sales, margins, product to market on time and inventory levels.- Created a strong team atmosphere, working in collaboration with all departments throughout the company.Marketing responsibilities:- Efficiently managed an annual marketing budget of $5 million.- Responsible for the strategy and advertising programs used to create interest in the retail locations and products and to maximize and grow the annual sales volume.- Directed development and execution of marketing programs such as market research management, branding, communications, media planning and buying.

Responsible for planning, selecting and developing an assortment of travel products to be sold in over 350 retail locations across Canada. Sourced new merchandise and reviewed existing ones to ensure products remained competitive. Maximized profits and provided a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices. Kept up to date with market trends and reacted to changes in customer demands.Responsibilities:- Analyzed consumer buying patterns and predicted future trends.- Regularly reviewed performance indicators such as sales, stock levels along with markdown dollars.- Met and negotiated with suppliers concerning terms of contract, pricing, deliveries and quality control.- Attended trade fairs, in North America and Overseas, to select and assemble the right collection of products and suppliers.- Traveled to multiple countries to analyze the fashion trends and to utilize the findings to develop the company's private label program.- Presented the new product ranges to Senior Management along with the National Sales Team.- Trained, mentored and help junior staff grow within the organization.

Managed a Marketing team of five individuals. Helped train all team members to become the best at their respective responsibilities.Collaborated with many departments throughout the company especially the Buying department.Handle the planning and forecasting for an annual marketing budget of $5 million.Brought the national in-home flyer program to a new level. Reduced the costs of production, paper and printing along with maximizing the distribution of the flyers.Implemented national television advertising campaigns during the company′s 2 largest sales periods.Introduce and implemented various national outdoor advertising campaigns consisting of superboards, billboards, transit shelters, buses and commuter trains.Created an effective national radio campaign targeted specifically towards teenagers during the BTS time frame.

- Developed the Marketing department for the Bentley Group.- Created advertising strategies to help grow sales throughout the different divisions.- Managed the in-home retail flyer program.- Handle all store POP from creation, production and distribution.

- Analyze the sales of different products to effectively distribute new styles and on going styles in order to maximize the sales and liquidations. - Created product rankings in order to help the Buyers with their purchasing decisions.

- In charge of overseeing 17 stores for the Montreal and Ottawa area.- Led the sales team through effective coaching and training.- Ensured the sales and wage budgets by store were obtained and surpassed.- Created and maintained successful growth for all the employees under my supervision.

- Best Sales Gain 1996- Best Visual Merchandising Award 1996- Manager of the Year 1996

- Professional Umpire in the New York - Penn League and the South Atlantic League.