Experience

757 Accelerate

• United States
• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Program Manager

  • Jun 2023 - Present

  As the Program Manager for the 757 Accelerate Program, I spearheaded the growth and success of a premier startup accelerator in the Norfolk area. This intensive program provided mentorship, resources, and support to high-potential startups, fostering innovation and driving economic development within the region. Key Responsibilities: Managed the end-to-end operations of the program, including the application process, startup selection, and program logistics. Led a team of mentors, advisors, and subject matter experts, facilitating valuable connections and knowledge sharing among startups. Provided strategic guidance and mentorship to startup founders, helping them refine their business models, develop growth strategies, and navigate challenges. Organized and executed a series of workshops, seminars, and networking events to foster a vibrant startup community and promote collaboration. Built and maintained relationships with local and regional stakeholders, including investors, government agencies, and corporate partners, to enhance program visibility and attract resources. Developed and implemented program evaluation metrics to measure startup progress and program impact, continually improving program effectiveness. Show less



The Gap Partnership

• United Kingdom
• Business Consulting and Services
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Sr. Negotiation Consultant

  • Dec 2022 - Apr 2023

  Delivered renowned behavioral change workshops and consulting projects to major brands and C-Suite leaders, contributing to the delivery of TGP’s full solution portfolio Achieved high mastery levels in the delivery and facilitation of all core development products, delivering workshops virtually or face to face Led on client engagements alongside the wider Client Delivery team, contributing to the execution of TGP’s overall sales strategies and business plans Used client relationships to identify sales opportunities and managed the conversion to the relevant client lead Built and maintained positive relationships with all key stakeholders across the organization, fostering collaborative ways of working based on trust, transparency, and respect Developed a successful commercial background, personally conducting negotiations on a medium to large scale across multiple industries or from a leading consulting company Demonstrated a highly developed interest in the field of negotiation Exhibited a high degree of comfortability with public speaking and presenting in front of groups Enjoyed working with business leaders and keeping up to date with clients’ businesses and wider industry news Proficient in technology, multi-tasking, and being in control while remaining flexible when issues occur Possessed a growth mindset and a drive to take responsibility for self-development while seeking out learning opportunities Show less



Dollar Tree Stores

• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Merchant

  • Nov 2020 - Nov 2022

  Grew a $1B category by 9% YOY by creating a high-quality assortment that offers value to customers. Led and coached a specialized support team, improving inventory levels and processes YOY through weekly touch bases and monthly department reviews. Oversaw day-to-day operations of ecommerce merchant assistant, managing reporting and analysis. Guided communication between photography, marketing, vendors, and UX and web architecture team. Ensured proper SEO, photography, and item spec information is displayed on website. Championed messaging and creative design for all promotional activity. Grew a $500M tableware category by 12% YOY through strategic partnerships, rebranding, and innovative items. Assisted in managing +$1B in sales and inventory across 2 departments, supporting 2 buyers. Developed, presented, and executed annual and seasonal KPIs, identifying market and consumer trends. Worked with cross-functional teams to identify and implement assortment gap opportunities and redesigns. Partnered with cross-functional teams to manage through domestic freight issues and foam ban legal restrictions. Advised/consulted with financial planner and support team member to create achievable sales goals. Executed item testing and creation from concept to shelf, monitoring customer satisfaction. Monitored competitive market retail prices and visual landscapes. Implemented team-building activities and recognized team achievements weekly. Responsible for building, tracking, and approving all ads, events, store flow guides, and artwork. Show less



Lidl US

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Purchasing Manager

  • Oct 2019 - Nov 2020

  Managed buying for a $43.8M category of ice cream, dairy, processed meat, convenience, and frozen products. Developed and executed category strategy to meet KPIs by identifying market trends and consumer needs. Worked directly with major global grocery suppliers for proper product selection, timing, and placement. Successfully listed new items through market analysis, product development, quality assurance, packaging, and cost negotiation. Proactively sourced over 13 new supplier partnerships with growth brands. Monitored sales data, competitive prices, and visual landscapes to ensure assortment accuracy and efficiency. Effectively communicated category strategy to cross-functional teams. Show less



Michaels Arts and Crafts

• Irving, TX

• Inventory Analyst

  • Dec 2016 - Oct 2019

  Determine the amount of seasonal inventory that Michael's should make available to operate most efficiently and achieve financial goals. • Strong analytical skills, organized and self-directed. • Ensures that an adequate amount of products are available for sale in different venues. • Produces reports on financial data and fixes inventory problems that arise • Create strong product-availability plans for various seasons of the year by engaging in forecasting activities Determine the amount of seasonal inventory that Michael's should make available to operate most efficiently and achieve financial goals. • Strong analytical skills, organized and self-directed. • Ensures that an adequate amount of products are available for sale in different venues. • Produces reports on financial data and fixes inventory problems that arise • Create strong product-availability plans for various seasons of the year by engaging in forecasting activities



Pier 1

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Allocation Analyst

  • Sep 2015 - Dec 2016

  • Determine the amount and type of inventory that Pier 1 should make available to operate most efficiently and achieve financial goals. • Strong analytical skills, organized and self-directed. • Ensures that an adequate amount of products are available for sale in different venues. • Conducts market research to help with the planning process. • Produces reports on financial data and fixes inventory problems that arise • Create strong product-availability plans for various seasons of the year by engaging in forecasting activities and also determine which types of items will be most in-demand in different market areas. Show less



Dillard's Inc.

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Asst. Buyer

  • May 2014 - Sep 2015

  • Executed product selection including identifying potential brand and product business opportunities • Developed merchandising strategies that successfully delivered specific category goals by staying current on customer purchasing and product movement trends • Built direct relationships with key suppliers, driving sales and increasing gross margin • Effectively developed product assortment plans that maximized inventory productivity while ensuring proper receipt flow of merchandise • Continually stayed knowledgeable with industry and competitor trends • Effectively led and communicated with vendors, the internal buying group, marketing and upper management Show less



Claire's

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Manager

  • Aug 2013 - May 2014



Coldwater Creek

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Allocation Analyst

  • Oct 2012 - Aug 2013



JCPenney

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Visual Merchandising Specialist

  • Mar 2011 - Apr 2012