Susan E. Smith

***** ***** ***** . ********, ** *1354 . H 661-***-**** . C (805) 302-

5555

. email: acfyqd@r.postjobfree.com . LinkedIn (URL):

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-smith/8/159/b44/

A highly qualified Product Development & Sourcing professional.

. Over 15 years of Global Sourcing experience. .

Expert in Product Development bringing quality & margin.

. Ability to manage product through the entire life cycle. . Adept at

process improvement and productivity.

. Proficient in Supply Chain Management. . Experience with

Import/Domestic Suppliers.

. Outstanding leadership and communication skills.

Professional Experience:

Harbor Freight Tools, Calabasas, CA

October 2013 - PRESENT

Category Product Manager

Responsible for the marketing, pricing analysis and strategic development

of outdoor, security, electrical, household and other accessories for a

hardware retailer that operates a chain of 500+ retail stores, mail-order

catalog and eCommerce in 46 states with sales of over $2.5B in 2013.

. Establish strategic marketing plans to achieve corporate objectives

for consumer products in the hardware industry to drive average basket

and increase sales per square foot in stores.

. Emphasis on deep dive analysis on pricing strategies and the

monitoring of financial, technological and demographic factors to

capitalize on market opportunities and minimize effects of competitive

activity

. Leverage data analytics to drive product, go-to-market, and

monetization strategy insights by product positioning and pricing

strategy

. Oversee and evaluate market research and adjusts marketing strategy to

meet changing markets and competitive conditions

. Lead organization as overall business owner for assigned product lines

with Executive level visibility

. Develop product roadmaps and business plans by prioritizing product

requirements, features and functionality.

. Ensures effective control of marketing results, and takes corrective

action to guarantee that achievement of marketing objectives falls

within designated budgets.

. Provide product management activities that stimulate the development

and introduction of new products utilizing new and/or emerging

technologies providing strategic and competitive advantage.

. Execute defined business plans, including strong and detailed

promotional programs. Maximizing GP $ and improving profitability of

programs

. Collaborate across a cross functional team to maximize sales and

profit for assigned business unit

. Inventory collaboration for sales planning, forecasting and

allocations of products properly

Guitar Center Inc., Westlake Village, CA

June 2010 - September 2013

Product Manager- Bags, Cases and Accessories

Responsible for the development and sourcing of bags, cases, straps and

other accessories for musical instruments for the world's largest music

retailer. $2.1 Billion in 2013 sales from 251 stores and (4) online

channels of distribution.

. Strong negotiator responsible for a product category of $31 Million in

sales for 2013 with an average 64.5% GPM across

500+ SKU's.

. Maintained a sales increase of 9% comp store and over 14% overall

during my tenure.

. Successfully launched a secondary sourcing procurement for highest

velocity SKU's providing an additional gross margin impact of over

$500K.

. Co-chaired design role for Tradestone lifecycle management system $1

Million software upgrade and integration (300+ hours)

. Evaluate category line performance to identify opportunities for

increased consumer engagement, sales and profitability by

collaborating with the merchant team for the development of product

assortments based on goals including target retail, GM, for the entire

life cycle and exit strategy of products.

. Strategic deep dive analysis of product categories and the

understanding of Retail Merchandizing, support and operations.

. Steer concept-to-distribution process, working in concert with

creative, sourcing, legal, licensing and global manufacturing and

distribution partnerships to bring product to market.

. Collaborate with internal departments to improve forecasting,

inventory management, and other business processes based on best

practices.

. Manage the overall quality, cost, schedule and development of projects

and brands in scope of responsibility.

. Strong comprehension of raw material costing for product development

and negotiation purposes as well as an understanding of the overseas

markets.

. Implemented social compliance and quality audits with International

suppliers.

. Work with Asian partners to bring concepts to life in a cost-

effective, quality-centric and consumer-focused manner.

. Travel extensively to conduct negotiations with manufacturers in China

and Vietnam and overseas trade shows.

. Employee Service Award for 2012 and nominated again in 2013.

Susan E. Smith

Page 2

Furi Brands Inc. division of Ultra Pro, Los Angeles, CA

November 2009 - June 2010

Director of Product Development - Rachael Ray Cutlery

. Category Director responsible for sourcing and development of all

RACHAEL RAY and INGRID HOFFMANN kitchen gadgets and cutlery products.

. Drive the overall project and technical design development efforts for

product lines.

. Partner with US based marketing, research and engineering teams to

create innovative, robust, user-oriented and consumer-centric new

products.

. Manage external design, research and technology groups, as well as

internal Far East support teams.

. Interpret field research to gain an understanding of target

user/consumer lifestyle and address consumer needs and preferences;

leverage existing solutions and available technologies in product

development.

. Responsible for all aspects of vendor management, making dramatic

sourcing changes from Trading Companies to direct to factory which had

a 20% decrease in product costs..

. Devise merchandising & planogram schemes as part of an overall

solution proposal to National Chain retailers.

. Create Product Launch Kits as support & guideline to Sales Department.

Identify appropriate Marketing Communication strategies to retailers

& consumers.

. Liaise and negotiate with vendors on targeted costs, entitlement,

quality control, shipping and perceived value.

. Maintain currency in new technology and design methods and mentor

others to seek opportunities to develop their skill base.

Creativity Inc., Van Nuys, CA

August 2004 - November 2009

Director of Product Development - Home D cor, Toys & Crafts

. Category Director responsible for sourcing and development of on-trend

product with annual sales of $150m.

. Extensive experience throughout the product sales lifecycle, from

initial planning and design through in-store placement, advertising,

and sales analysis.

. Conceptualized and developed promotional and inline plan-o-gram

strategies, which were directly responsible for sales volume increases

of over 16% in 2007 and 11% in 2008 by increasing product placement in

key accounts (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, JoAnns and MSI).

. Regularly achieved the highest brand placement in product categories

within department.

. Analyze product centric business process flows and system

functionality for performance improvements, improved short and long

term strategies and cost reductions resulting in 2% margin improvement

vs. LY. ($2m in 2008).

. Evaluate current and new vendors to correctly align with suppliers

resulting in operational improvements, increased speed to market by

15%.

. Advanced analytical skills that include make-vs- buy analysis, value

analysis and trend identification.

. Strategic thinker with proficient presentation oral and written

communication skills.

. Extensive international travel to source new vendors, evaluate factory

capabilities and attend international trade shows.

Kristall Classics, Inc. Los Angeles, CA

September 2002 - August 2004

Director of Merchandising & Sales

. Designed, branded and launched the "Paula Abdul Innergy" fine jewelry

line in June 2004.

. Responsible for the product direction and execution in accordance with

branding initiatives and brand image, gross margin requirements and

key account needs. (Sam's Club, JC Penney)

. Executed and managed vendor selection, negotiated costs and terms

resulting in sales volume increase of $6.5m to $25.5m.

. Developed in-store POP collateral, created plan-o-grams and schematics

for all accounts.

. Planned and executed new designs from concept to completion, managing

the process with designers, model makers, contractors and factories,

domestic and international.

. Responsible for over 3000 active styles buying raw and finished good

product from domestic and import suppliers.

. Responsible for vendor selection, negotiation and establishment of

terms.

. Manage all merchandise collateral to ensure accuracy of pricing,

description and product code.

. Conduct industry, competitive and customer research to identify and

target focused market merchandising opportunities.

. Analyze and recommend new business plans for achieving sales

objectives and goals.

Susan E. Smith

Page 3

Nova/MWI, Van Nuys, CA

January 1995 - September 2002

Marketing & Merchandise Manager

* Created marketing programs, product launches and promotional campaigns

for fine jewelry programs for Zales Jewelers, Kay Jewelers and

Helzberg Jewelers. Annual volume: $15m

* Designed and managed product assortments, pricing and the margin

execution.

* Manage and mentor the merchandising, design and product coordinator

staff to develop strength and foster growth.

* Established special event "Designer Trunk Shows" utilizing excess

inventory that resulted in additional sales of $1.8m.

* Partner and communicate with senior management on key initiatives,

issues and opportunities on a regular basis.

* Managed calendar deadlines between cross-functional partners:

merchandising, product coordinators, design and sourcing to execute

"speed to market" key corporate initiatives.

* Defined target markets, performed competitive analysis, set pricing

and implemented marketing strategy.

* Execute and manage contractual obligations with suppliers.

* Designed, sourced and oversaw all overseas production for all jewelry

product.

* Established and maintained inventory levels for 5,000 sku styles.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Emphasis in Marketing

National University, San Diego, California 1990

Computer Skills:

MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)

JDA, AS400 CMS, CRAFTnet,

Smart Forecast and MRP applications

Retail Link

Tradestone

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