Manager Construction

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Highly creative, detail oriented and focused executive with over eight

years experience in merchandising, design, product development and

manufacturing. Thorough understanding of textiles, garment construction and

garment patterns. Adept at sourcing new products domestically and overseas

to develop quality merchandise. Strong analytical, communication,

negotiation and leadership skills. Ability to organize, track, and control

heavy workflow while able to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment.

SKILLS:

Computer knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Corel

Draw and Design, U4ia, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Kanan Fashions Inc, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Merchandise Manager October 2005-January 2010 (company closed)

. Develop and execute apparel lines with an annual revenue of $27M for

Kohl's, Macy's, and Gander Mountain

. Responsible for product development and presentation of new product

lines to retailers

. Actively manage and track manufacturing timelines in conjunction with

factories and logistics team to meet buyer deliveries

. Coordinate with planning team to insure appropriate inventory levels

and maintain margin goals

. Work closely with General Merchandise Manager in determining

profitable cost structure

. Identify and evaluate current and future trends in local markets.

Frequently traveling abroad to identify new trends, fabrics, and

techniques

. Recruited, trained and managed a team of merchandisers on basic

understanding of textiles, trims, garment construction and

workmanship, garment specs, grading and patterns

. Responsible for implementing new processes to organize department

Apparel Designer January 2003-October 2005

. Developed exclusive NordicTrack apparel line for Men, women, and kids

at Sears. Contributed in growing business from $3M-$20M.

. Responsible for product design process including color, print, fabric

and trim research, concept board creation, sketching and fit as

pertains to styling

. Create garment sketches with construction details for buyer

presentations and factory reference

. Primary contact for retailer's technical design department.

Responsible for ensuring fit, trim components, construction and

workmanship meet required specs and construction standards, while

meeting development and production timelines

. Lead in house model fittings with merchants and provide detailed

evaluation for each fit sample

. Daily correspondence/follow up with overseas factories for all

development and production styles

. Actively manage QA procedures for fabric, garments and trims

Trim Buyer April 2001-January 2003

. Actively manage trim orders in accordance with production calendar,

working directly with factory and trim suppliers domestically and

overseas

. Negotiate prices and timing with suppliers for samples and stock

. Provide visual and instrumental color approval decisions for lab dip,

trims and bulk

. Extensive communication with overseas offices, suppliers, and mills on

color correction and performance issues

. Produce a detailed and organized trim and fabric reference library

. Use basic laboratory equipment to determine weight, hand and color of

fabric submits

. Maintain item maintenance for over 1,000 SKU'S; set-up items,

generated UPC's

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major: Fashion Design

International Academy of Design and Technology, Chicago, IL

Graduation date: June 2000

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