Tara Zerr Email & Phone Number

Kansas City, Missouri Area

Lenexa, Ks

Managed the US Design Department consisting of 14 associates across Tech Design and Design Admin Departments. My primary responsibilities included working closely with the Chief Creative Officer and VP of Design in the planning and execution of design departmental processes, projects, and timelines. In addition, I worked closely with cross functional peers in Kansas and Australia to ensure the US Design timelines and initiatives were in sync to hit company deadlines and meet our goals.

Managed buying team of 8 across 3 accessories departments to drive sales and deliver company high margin rate by developing trend right assortments, negotiating with key vendor partners, and building a strong competitive pricing strategy.

Topeka, Kansas Area

Responsible for creating merchandise strategy, building a trend right assortment for the customer, and fostering strong cross functional and vendor relationships. Led buying team of 4 while partnering with distribution and planning teams to deliver financial goals

Managed buying team of 4 and delivered comp store increases every year. Achieved strong performance by utilizing multiple trend shopping trips to Europe, Canada, and New York to build a trend right assortment.

Managed a buying team of 5 across 4 women’s footwear and 3 accessories departments in Central and South America.• Lead merchant in launching business in Colombia• Expanded agent base to include local partners• Traveled seasonally to local markets

Developed long term merchandising strategies by establishing a core business across all classifications and adjusted receipt flow on core product.

• Buyer Core Accessories (2005-2006)• Senior Business Analyst/Assistant Buyer, College/Pro (2004-2005)• Business Analyst, Women’s Woven/Denim (2003-2004)• Business Analyst, Trim-A-Tree (2001-2003)

Education record

Fashion Merchandising W/ Communication Emphasis