Chicago, Illinois, United States
Strategic retail planning leader overseeing top-earning company portfolios with responsibility for financial forecasting, inventory optimization, and cross-functional execution. Experienced in leading team development, driving systems improvements, and establishing scalable processes across PO management and new item lifecycle tracking. Known for combining deep analytical rigor with collaborative leadership to proactively mitigate risk and unlock margin opportunities. Key Expertise: Financial Planning, Item Planning, Demand Forecasting & Replenishment, Pricing Strategy & Markdown Optimization, Assortment Planning, Project & Process Management, Vendor Negotiation, New Hire Onboarding & Training, Data & Analytics, Systems & Technology.
I oversee planning for Upholstery, the top earning sector of company. In addition to essential planning responsibilities, I manage an associate-level direct report to support reordering and maintaining the constant and stable flow of receipts through distribution centers; I engage is weekly and monthly sales meetings with top furniture vendors to maintain strong working partnerships; and I participate as a Subject Matter Expert in future planning and allocation initiatives.
I worked closely with the Director of Allocation to build a robust, demand driven allocation team. With that, I managed the Allocation Analysts in the houseware departments, guiding them on best practices that aligned with category-specific initiatives and company strategies. I led pre-release meetings prior to new season floor sets for all of Merchandising. And frequently, I performed hind sights to identify future allocation strategies that will drive profit and efficiencies. As well, I am a stakeholder for allocation in company projects that pertain to inventory management.
While in this position, I implemented efficient Omni-channel allocation practices based on regional, channel, and market trends; built enhanced reports that provide visibility to inventory ownership and new item tracking for cross-functional teams; collaborated with store planning to maximize store-level sales and inventory productivity that met service level KPIs; partnered with merchandise planning to identify and react to business needs and category-specific initiatives; and governed levers that impacted store auto-replenishment systems.
I completed the new listing and delisting item processes through integrated data systems including SAP, ORMS, and Web PDM. I worked with cross-functional teams, including product developers, supply chain, and allocation analysts, to ensure purchase orders are sent to vendors and deliveries arrive at stores correctly and efficiently. Also, I executed sales reports: monthly style reviews and ad-hoc analyses based on size, style, and historic performance; and, I coordinated the implementation of JCPenney and other international assortments for the Children’s Department. Furthermore, I participated in a company-wide workshop that aimed to improve data integrity and streamline processes within a multi-system business.
Implemented visual merchandising at store level that adhered to company standards. Monitored the creation of in-store signage at the home office to ensure prices were accurate, visual standards are maintained, and packages were sent to all stores on time.