Experience

Klutz

• Retail Art Supplies
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Manufacturing Planning Manager

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  -Manage product development from conception through completion of final product, acting as liaison between product development team and overseas vendors, while working closely with business managers on packaging, function and design direction -Ideate with the manufacturing and product development teams to troubleshoot product issues during development and into production -Analyze bids and negotiate pricing to make vendor recommendations in order to achieve gross margin and savings goals. Focus on balancing savings with features, quality, and display of product -Work closely with product development manager to track reprint purchase orders and ensure updates are properly implemented while meeting target schedules -Ensure that all titles go through safety testing and work through issues with safety team to resolve prior to final production and testing -Track and report vendor issues to share with global procurement team -Work closely with Marketing and Sales to develop promotional items and sales materials as needed -Oversee approvals at all stages of development through color proofing and production. -Work directly with procurement, supply, logistics and vendors to prioritize title lists and ensure that products are completed and shipped in time to meet end use dates -Review work processes on a regular basis to determine ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and incorporate new technology -Responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our partners inside and outside of Scholastic Show less



Scholastic

• United States
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Oct 2018 - Sep 2019

  -Coordinate global product safety for Klutz Product line (2 seasons per year, 10-14 titles per season) -Conduct design hazard-risk assessments throughout the product development cycle while continually advising the production team of any concerns or potential issues-Provide feedback on instruction clarity and user friendly level of activity while identifying any possible foreseen or unforeseen risks or hazards to design out or warn against.-Develop testing strategy for products to determine what pre-production and production is required -Work closely with production on product schedules and confirming enough time is built into conduct all necessary reviews and testing-Arrange for toxicological reviews for art supplies and cosmetics as applicable-Provide test request forms and handle sample submissions between the vendors and testing labs-Review and approve test quotes and reports and keep detailed track of testing progress for all components and titles-Coordinate corrective action with production team, vendor, and lab for any failures-Maintain adherence of backlist titles to current compliance standards as they come up for reprint-Complete retailer compliance and set-up forms and supplying reports and documentation as needed-Code and process all Klutz safety testing related invoices Show less

• • Sep 2015 - Sep 2019



Kid O

• • Jun 2012 - Aug 2015

  -Producing and implementing production and shipping schedules for over 70 products-Managing orders, samples and payments with our oversees factory and European vendors-Overseeing sales logistics for our key accounts including Amazon, Toys R Us, Giggle-Coordination across departments with emphasis on market research for design team-Organizing and managing the company’s presence at top industry trade shows and events including Spielwarenmesse, Toy Fair and NY NOW-Coordinating orders, payments and shipments for our 12 international distributors in 20 countries-Ensuring all products meet and exceed safety standards for US, European and Australian/New Zealand markets by maintaining test reports and staying abreast of changes in the safety regulations, while also testing products in-house as an added safety measure-Providing daily office support including managing the company website, organizing sample shipments Show less

• • Sep 2011 - Jun 2012

  -Confirmed and processed all retail orders from over 3,000 retailers for an international toy manufacturer. -Coordinated US, Canadian and international shipments with our third party warehouse.-Acted as retail and consumer customer service rep.-Produced weekly sales reports and conducted analysis of sales data.-Managed collections and accounts receivables for individual retailers and key accounts.



Norcostco, Inc.

• United States
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Costume Rental Manager

  • Aug 2008 - Jun 2011

  -Managed all storefront and phone costume rentals and sales for a professional costume manufacturer/retailer. -Coordinated orders between branches, clients and vendors. -Worked with clients to fill orders for theatrical supplies including drapery, lighting and scenic materials. -Assembled detailed costumes for private individuals and large-scale theatrical productions. -Maintained 5,000+ costumes, including mending, cleaning, organizing and monitoring inventory. -Daily office management duties included shipping orders and invoicing. Show less



Learning Express

• Allendale, NJ

• Assistant Manager

  • Mar 2007 - Aug 2008

  -Opened and closed the store and registers for a specialty toy store. -Processed incoming and outgoing shipments, including inter-store transfers. -Completing weekly inventories. -Managing staff and new employee training. -Keeping the store stocked and cleaned. -Personalizing children’s gifts for customers. -Opened and closed the store and registers for a specialty toy store. -Processed incoming and outgoing shipments, including inter-store transfers. -Completing weekly inventories. -Managing staff and new employee training. -Keeping the store stocked and cleaned. -Personalizing children’s gifts for customers.



Marvel Entertainment

• Entertainment Providers
• 700 & Above Employee

• Writer/Director

  • Feb 2008 - Apr 2008

  Wrote, filmed, and directed the "Kinsey" viral marketing campaign consisting of eighteen 1-2 minute episodes of a faked video blog posted on-and in conjunction with-Myspace.com to promote the comic book event Secret Invasion. Collaborated with the producers during pre-production to develop the characters, sets, and hidden clues within the project. Wrote, filmed, and directed the "Kinsey" viral marketing campaign consisting of eighteen 1-2 minute episodes of a faked video blog posted on-and in conjunction with-Myspace.com to promote the comic book event Secret Invasion. Collaborated with the producers during pre-production to develop the characters, sets, and hidden clues within the project.



FAO Schwarz

• Retail
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Assistant Manager

  • Aug 2007 - Nov 2007

  -Acted as floor manager for the world famous toy store. -Functioned as liaison between my department and management teams. -Named head salesperson and sales coach for other employees. -Maintained and updated employee sales training and product knowledge. -Acted as floor manager for the world famous toy store. -Functioned as liaison between my department and management teams. -Named head salesperson and sales coach for other employees. -Maintained and updated employee sales training and product knowledge.



Toy Joy

• United States
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Sales Associate

  • Jun 2006 - Jan 2007

  -Customer service representative for Austin's premiere gift shop. -Conducted constant learning and training to maintain immense product knowledge and spread enthusiasm. -Merchandised the store in creative ways on a regular basis. -Received shipments and processed them immediately, constantly finding new ways to merchandise the store effectively with no stockroom. -Customer service representative for Austin's premiere gift shop. -Conducted constant learning and training to maintain immense product knowledge and spread enthusiasm. -Merchandised the store in creative ways on a regular basis. -Received shipments and processed them immediately, constantly finding new ways to merchandise the store effectively with no stockroom.



Dougherty Arts Center

• Austin, TX

• Arts Counselor

  • May 2004 - May 2006

  Developed and organized art oriented activities for children ages 6-8 Kept the kids on a daily schedule and maintained a high level of energy and creative fun Organized, filmed and edited a documentary style advertisement intended for the local television stations and job fairs Developed and organized art oriented activities for children ages 6-8 Kept the kids on a daily schedule and maintained a high level of energy and creative fun Organized, filmed and edited a documentary style advertisement intended for the local television stations and job fairs