Experience

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  BBC International LLC

  • Boca Raton, Florida, United States

  • Director of Operations

    • Oct 2021 - May 2024
    • Boca Raton, Florida, United States

    • Responsible for overseeing and managing all operational aspects of the wholesale business.This includes developing and implementing operational strategies, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.• Develop and maintain relationships with Asia sourcing team to ensure timely shipments.• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, finance, and HR, to ensurealignment and integration of operational activities with overall business objectives.• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the operations team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.• Implemented new tools, reports and enhancements to automate daily price verification process and return to vendor process. Open returns were reduced by 78%.

• 

  Global Brand Consultants

  • University City, MO

  • Founding Partner

    • Aug 2017 - Sep 2021
    • University City, MO

    • Develop and implement market entry strategies which enable brands to expand worldwide.• Identify and introduce potential distribution partners and agents. Prepare market analysis and lead contract negotiations.• Develop strategic partnerships for U.S. retailers and China-based footwear factories.negotiations.• Engaged by Li & Fung International to manage sales and product development for 3 strategic accounts.

• 

  Caleres, Inc.

  • United States
  • Retail Apparel and Fashion
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Regional Brand Director - Middle East, North Africa, India, Pacific Rim, Europe, Australia

    • Jan 2014 - Jul 2017

    Supervised 4 account managers with 25+ key accounts in 40+ countries. Set regional sales goal and led team in goal achievement. Managed all aspects of interactions with accounts, including sales meetings, weekly calls, annual plans, regular market visits, and management of distribution agreements.Collaborated with key partners to add 15+ new stores in the first 2 years when regional responsibility increased to include Pacific Rim and Australia, achieving 10% increase in sales. Managed request for proposal process, generating 50% increase in first year sales by identifying and selecting new distribution partner in Philippines.

  • Director Internatioal Sales - Middle East, Africa, India, Emerging Markets

    • Jan 2010 - Dec 2013

    Oversaw 2 account managers with 10+ key accounts in 10+ countries in similar capacity as role above. Drove $7M in incremental business by developing new Naturalizer distribution partnerships in India, Ukraine, and Russia and managing contract negotiation and completion, including 5-year strategic business plans.Surpassed sales plan 15% while directing project team in design and opening of 3 Ukraine and Russia Naturalizer stores, encompassing site selection, design, merchandising, and grand opening event. Coordinated and managed multifunctional team across Bata India and Caleres, increasing gross margin 25% by improving country production from 10% to 50% of total production.

  • Director, International Sales / Product Development

    • Jan 2003 - Dec 2009

    Led private label and Caleres branded product development for 60 international markets. Shopped domestic and international markets to understand fashion trends and key items. Collaborated with global and brand design teams to determine line plan, assortments, classifications, and big ideas. Spearheaded UK private label business development with BHS and Tesco, achieving $5M in sales in 3 years.Established assortment of comfort casual shoes well received by Italy and UK Export teams, driving incremental market share and doubling SSL Scholl business from $3M to $6M.

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  Payless ShoeSource

  • United States
  • Retail
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Buyer

    • Jan 1997 - Mar 2003

    Managed 2 associate buyers responsible for assorting and purchasing children's athletic shoes for 4500+ stores. Functioned as matrix team lead on product development, pricing strategies, initial mark up, promotional strategies, and gross margin. Delivered $250M in 2003 full-year sales

  • Director Corporate Purchasing

    • Sep 1995 - Dec 1997

    Responsible for all non-merchandise purchases and vendor relationships including store furniture and fixtures, leased cars, hotel contracts, distribution agreements and in-store signage. Annual budget $65M.

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  May Department Stores

  • Greater St. Louis Area

  • Manager Expense and Operations Analysis

    • Apr 1994 - Sep 1995
    • Greater St. Louis Area

    Completed special projects focused on productivity improvement and expense savings across all operating companies including 14 department store companies and Payless Shoe Source.

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  Waldenbooks Bookstore

  • Stamford, CT

  • Manager of Financial and Capital Planning

    • Jan 1993 - Apr 1994
    • Stamford, CT

    Responsible for all aspects of store operations budget and strategic planning for a 1,100 store chain. Managed a team of 5 financial analysts.