Project Manager Development

DARLENE PLATTNER

*** *** ******* ***** . ******, Wisconsin 54016

715-***-**** . *******@*******-*******.***

Design/Product Development Director

Innovative executive focused on product enhancement and continuous process

improvement with proven results in 25% cost savings and up to 80% reduction

in development timelines.

Ability to produce results utilizing 15+ years of experience in product

design, development, manufacturing, and retail. Professional understanding

of the apparel development process from design concept to the consumer with

hands on experience in pattern making, grading, and production sewing.

Detail oriented and organized with proven ability to manage multiple

projects while maintaining a positive teamwork environment. Successful

leadership skills in problem solving, driving change, building

relationships, and managing execution. Excellent oral and written

communication skills to convey technical information.

Achievements & Results

. Created a fit evaluation template and streamlined a process for

expediting sample evaluations using consistent communication to the

vendors and reducing timelines by 50%.

. Increased quarterly sales by an average of 33% while maintaining a 43%

average margin.

. Developed innovative down/alternative down basic bedding and other home

products by working with overseas and domestic vendors and the IDFL

(International Down and Feather Lab). Partnered with buyers to position

brands of filled product and provided technical expertise during product

reviews and negotiation events with savings up to 25% or $13 Million.

. Received multiple recognition awards for developing guidelines and

supporting new processes. Recognized for outstanding contributions

toward developing an interactive product development system that would

reduce development timelines up to 70%.

. Directed development of corporate fit mannequins to improve consistency

of fit and reduce development time up to 80%. Created and managed an

approved mannequin matrix to communicate with technical team, vendors,

and overseas sourcing offices.

Professional Experience

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION, Plymouth, Minnesota

Senior Technical Designer - Women's Apparel (2008-2009)

. Mentored and supervised 2 technical designers

. Developed specification packages for missy, plus, and petite size woven

jackets

. Conducted fit sessions for 5 different departments and directed fit

corrections for all woven jackets

. Advised vendors on pattern and construction corrections

SIMPLY ECO, Hudson, Wisconsin

Store Manager/Buyer (2005-2007)

. Attended trade shows and bought ecological merchandise including

clothing, personal care product, and specialty foods for 1,000 square

foot store

. Designed the floor plan to reflect a lifestyle supporting a sustainable

economy and healthier living

. Oversaw business plan and all operations

. Created and implemented a website to support the store

. Managed 3 employees

TARGET CORPORATION, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Product Developer - Hardlines (2003-2005)/Technical Designer - Softlines

(1999-2001)

. Created and managed technical specifications inclusive of fabrics,

measurements, technical illustrations, construction and care/content

labeling

. Developed technical specification standards and evaluated product

regarding fit, construction, and labeling for apparel and soft home

product

DARLENE PLATTNER . Page 2

TARGET CORPORATION continued...

. Partnered with buyers, designers, fabric developers, CAD, sourcing,

compliance and domestic/overseas vendors to develop trend right product

aligning to quality standards for specific owned brands

. Organized/participated in vendor meetings and fit sessions to educate

vendors on product expectations

. Traveled to domestic and overseas factories

. Trained and mentored team members

Project Manager/Technical Specifications Systems Analyst - Softlines (2001-

2003)

. Managed multiple projects affiliated with 3 operating companies

. Analyzed technical business needs of current specification system used by

85 technical designers

. Defined research projects regarding fit, construction, and terminology

. Facilitated grade project research and meetings

. Analyzed changing business needs for body charts, presented proposals,

and received consensus from buyers and technical team to execute and gain

competitive advantage

. Developed a training guide and trained new hires and affiliated teams on

specification system

INSPORT INTERNATIONAL, INC, Beaverton, Oregon

Director of Pattern Engineering - Technical Apparel (1997-1999)

. Managed, trained, and supported staff of 4

. Partnered with designers, fabric developer, and contract manager to

create cost effective, quality constructed apparel for women, men, and

youth

. Managed fit sessions, product evaluations, and sample development

. Developed and directed an efficient process of first through production

patterns, grading, marker making, and sample development using GGT

Accumark, Web PDM, and Microsoft Office

. Created standard block patterns and grade rules

. Implemented a maternity wear-testing program for new product line

NIKE, INC, Beaverton, Oregon

Product Developer (1995-1997)

. Managed and tracked the development of collegiate football uniforms and

select sideline gear from concept through commercialization along with

prioritizing receipt of raw materials and factory production schedules

. Traveled to factories

. Coordinated and approved lab dips, fabrics, trims, screen graphics, and

embroideries

. Developed new fabrics with various vendors which provided players with

added comfort during play

Pattern Engineer (1994-1995)

. Created first through production patterns and specifications for women's

and men's active apparel

. Evaluated fit and communicated standards to designers, developers, cost

engineers, sewers, and vendors

. Built consistency and accuracy by creating blocks and style specific

grades

Education and Credentials

B.S. and B.A. Apparel Design/Business (Graduated with High Honors)

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

MBA Sustainable Management (2009-Present)

ANAHEIM UNIVERSITY, Anaheim, California

Professional Development/Affiliation

. Hudson Chamber Member/Downtown Ad-Opportunities Member/ Special Events

Planning Committee

. Excellence in Operations/University of St. Thomas

. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Member/Corporate

Representative

. Eco Leader Volunteer

Computer Applications

. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) and Apparel Design

(Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Karat Cad, Web PDM,

PLM Systems, Freeborders, GGT Accumark, Lectra)

Contact this candidate