Design Manager
Resume:
Lee Svet
913-***-**** m *****@*******.***
linkedin.com/in/leesvet
Proven visual merchandising professional who thrives in fast-paced
corporate and consulting environments. Utilize design and branding to
respond to external market forces and trends to expand business and
increase profits. Experienced working in complex organizations and various
cultures to spearhead and facilitate successful and timely execution of
retail strategies, visual merchandising, store planning and design
concepts, and brand merchandising programs.
Key Strengths
Team Development Creative Vision
Project Management Visual Merchandising Strategies
Retail Design Brand Leadership and Development
Experience
Helzberg Diamonds, N. Kansas City, Missouri
2005-2009
National jewelry retailer (Berkshire Hathaway company) with 250 stores and
over $550mm annual sales.
Director of Visual Merchandising
Led strategic development and management of in-store customer shopping
experience. Created retail store design, visual merchandising, and
packaging programs from inception to retail implementation. As part of the
Marketing organization, partnered with all levels and areas of the company
to ensure marketing, branding, operational needs and merchandising were
consistently represented across the retail chain.
. Led company through the development of a new store concept to appeal to
younger customer base. First store was completed within eight months of
the inception of the project. Value engineered prototype to reduce total
cost by 20%. Exceeded project objectives of increased appeal to a wider
customer audience, improved functionality and reduced payroll.
. Significantly improved retail brand image by initiating strategic
framework for packaging and bag program, including development of new
proprietary production methods. Program launched within previous year's
annual budget.
. Garnered ongoing annual savings of $300,000 through creation and
implementation of an electronic store packaging order management system.
. Established best practice standards and new display systems, improving
merchandise density while enhancing visual merchandising design quality
consistency.
. Oversaw store layouts and merchandising plans for all new, remodel and
paint and paper locations. Reviewed and updated 25% of chain annually.
Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri
1991-2005
International social expression manufacturer and retailer with five brands
across 42,000 retail outlets.
Studio Manager, Merchandising Creative 1998-2005
Directed design, and professional development of a multi-disciplined visual
merchandising studio of twenty-five. Produced visual merchandising programs
from inception to retail implementation for all distribution channels and
brands.
. Developed initial comprehensive design standards for studio, which
reduced outside resources and overtime by over 50%, and improved design
quality and on-time performance.
. Within six-month period launched four programs in Gold Crown Channel as
result of in-store marketing test. Test consisted of twelve new product
programs from merchandising strategy through design to retail every two
weeks.
Season Design Studio Manager, Merchandising 1997-1998
Managed overall design quality of visual merchandising studio and
professional development of staff for Season programs, including five
graphic designers and one visual merchandiser.
. Created comprehensive Design Campaign for Season programs, which
enhanced consistency of message and provided a design framework for
Promotions and Advertising, including retail research, financial
analysis, design strategy development, messaging hierarchy, and brand
differentiation.
. Established a new design team to develop the strategy, design and
implementation of retail communication tools for 99 test, which was
implemented within a three-month time span. Test resulted in launch of
Warm Wishes cardline.
Product Presentation Leader - Season Cards 1995-1997
Developed and implemented merchandising strategies for Season Card
business. Liaison between Season Card business unit and Merchandising
division.
. Tested and launched New Directions retail merchandising strategy.
Included product organization and merchandising of Hallmark brand cards,
which sustained increased sales (dollars and units) of 3-7% per season.
Architectural Retail Designer 1991-1995
Developed and implemented new Hallmark retail concepts; coordinated
implementation with other departments and divisions of the company.
Spearheaded design brief, merchandise mix, and design vocabulary for
Shoebox store concept. Developed innovative merchandising, within
constraints of Hallmark systems.
Developed and implemented standardized store design vocabulary for all
corporate stores. Vocabulary allowed for regional differences while it
maintained brand image and saved development and construction budgets.
Fitch, Worthington, Ohio (Fitch.com)
1983-
1991
International retail and industrial design firm with five offices and staff
of 400.
Design Director
Managed multiple, simultaneous project teams of up to 15 people, and
construction budgets to $5 million. Clients achieved sustained sales
increases up to 130%. Led program and account management for US and
foreign retailers, including Hallmark, Sara Lee Corporation, Coin (Italy),
Marithe and Francois Girbaud, and Vanity Fair.
FRCH (FKA Space Design International), Cincinnati, Ohio (FRCH.com)
1982-1983
Interior architecture firm specializing in retail, hospitality and mall
development.
Retail Planner/Designer
Developed interior designs for specialty retail and department stores.
Clients included Federated Stores.
Education
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Architecture
Graduated with Highest Honors
Attended University of Cincinnati
College of Design, Art, and Architecture, School of Architecture
Memberships, Awards & Publications
. Member of ARE (Association of Retail Environments) Retail Council
. Institute of Business Designers/Columbus Interior Design - Award of
Excellence
. Interior designs and articles chronicled in: Interior Design, Progressive
Architecture, Exhibitor, University of Kansas Masters of Architecture
Management News
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