Stephen Prang Email & Phone Number

- Responsible for developing procedures and identifying opportunities to improve total inventory performance and in-stock through analysis and action.- Created and implemented a monthly merchandise planning calendar which served as the basis for all merchandise planning/inventory activities- Redesigned entire replenishment process for all active items resulting in a 20% overall improvement of In-stock position while maintaining turnover performance- Designed and implemented an Order Review Process incorporating Department/Class performance, Item trends, and vendor order processing time.- Developed and produced new monthly reports that measured sales and inventory performance at company/store levels. - Developed and produced monthly Aged Inventory Report that monitored/tracked on hand of aged inventory by unit and dollar amount.

- Responsible for identifying opportunities to improve total inventory performance and in-stock through analysis and action. Managed the implementation and use of inventory reports and replenishment systems to achieve goals. - Analyzed and redesigned replenishment processes and system use in Contract Sales division for home appliances. Established guidelines for purchasing coordinators. Set standards for determining reorder points, which resulted in improved in-stock ratios while reducing, stocked inventory levels 30%.- Developed a program for replenishment of appliances that resulted in $160,000 inventory reduction in 3 test stores. Established guidelines for expansion to all full line stores.- Redesigned fill rate report, which provided weekly, month to date and year to date tracking of order fulfillment by distribution center at department, line, item level. Provided training of the report as well as guidelines for improvement to all impacted associates.

- Worked as a member of a team of 20 experienced managers to fully analyze the planning, assorting, replenishment, physical flow and selling aspects of the Sears Supply Chain. Assisted in the creation of new organizational design, processes, tools and identification of systems needs to improve Sears overall inventory management performance.- Created parameters for use of replenishment system at store level. Provided process for establishing reorder points based on order life cycle data and use of exception reporting to improve in-stock while optimizing inventory productivity.

Responsible for managing, troubleshooting, training and system development for selected areas of the corporate inventory management system. - Conducted over 200 training sessions to field and store support employees on various elements of inventory management and inventory systems- Developed field training program and workshop on inventory management that was presented to over 1500 field managers.- Developed multiple buying/replenishment programs for numerous lines of merchandise, which resulted in improved in-stock position and increases in sales and turnover.

Responsibilities included providing ever-improving customer service, creating a high performance management team, identifying and solving business problems, setting high standards. Full P & L accountability with a direct reporting staff of 8 employees and 225 total store employees. Store Volume was $25 million. - Increased sales by 10% in apparel and 2% overall despite $700,000 sales diversion.- Reduced employee turnover 42% through improved training and communication program.

Responsibilities included providing ever-improving customer service, creating a high performance management team, identifying and solving business problems, setting high standards. Full P & L accountability with a direct reporting staff of 8 employees and 240 total store employees. Store Volume was $18.9 Million.- Increased sales 28% over a 3-year period while achieving up to 113% of profit plan.- Increased Customer Service Scores 20% by developing and implementing new programs. - Reduced employee turnover by 33% through creation of a store training program, management involvement and improved employee communications.- Improved Service Contract Sales rank from 21st to 2nd in Chicago District.

Started career with Sears in part-time sales. Other positions during this period included Department Manager, Sales Manager, District Replenishment Buyer, Inventory Management Systems Trainer, Soft lines Replenishment Coordinator and Store Manager