Manager Development

JANICE E. OKUDA

**** ***** ******, **** * ? Glendale, CA 91205 ? 818/265-1001 ?

*******@*****.***

PROFILE

* Creative fashion industry professional with solid technical training and

over nineteen years of diverse experience in buying, logistics, product

development, production and sourcing product from Asia and Europe.

* Recognized for exceptional leadership, organizational skills, attention

to detail and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in

fast-paced environments to effectively coordinate multiple projects and

meet critical deadlines.

* Strong interpersonal skills. Projects a positive and professional image,

quickly building rapport and addressing concerns with tact and diplomacy

to ensure optimum results.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Product Development, Sourcing & Production Consultant (Apparel & Home)

2009 - Present

OKUDA CONSULTING, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

* Specializes in global sourcing, international business, import logistics,

merchandising, product development and production apparel and home

consumer products.

* Analyzes areas for cost reduction and gross margin improvement.

* Develops and manages domestic / overseas sourcing and logistics teams.

* Creates processes and streamlines procedures.

* Develops vendor partnerships, ensuring a balanced matrix.

* Manages and supervises teams.

Sourcing/Production Manager 2007 -

2009

ANCHOR BLUE RETAIL GROUP, ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

* Managed the seasonal development, sourcing and production of Men's Tops

(Knits, Wovens, Screen Tees and Outerwear) for this apparel retailer.

* Previously oversaw Men's / Junior's Casual Bottoms, Outerwear and

Hardline Accessories.

* Regularly traveled to the Pacific Rim to meet with suppliers to present

new seasonal line development for cost negotiation, review factories and

monitor pre-production and production processes.

* Worked closely with both Merchant and Product Development teams to ensure

timely delivery of quality products for over 200 retail stores.

Sourcing Manager

2003 - 2007

DELTA CREATIVE INC., CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA

* Managed a department responsible for sourcing new product and import

logistics for this $28 Million manufacturer / importer of crafts, beauty

products & toy craft.

* Regularly traveled overseas to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan to evaluate

and pre-qualify vendors and factories, monitor production and present new

development projects.

* Ensured suppliers met agreed standards and requirements. Performed random

checks.

* Negotiated costs with foreign suppliers to achieve company financial

goals.

* Provided solutions for streamlining procedures, improving the development

/ logistics process, which also in turn brought cost savings and improved

lead times to the company.

Product Manager

2001 - 2003

INTERCONTINENTAL ART, INC. / MICHAEL ALAN DESIGNS, RANCHO DOMINGUEZ,

CALIFORNIA

* Sourced and developed import product lines for this manufacturer /

importer of wall art and d cor.

* Managed the Michael Alan product line, which accounted for $10 Million

wholesale. Increased the Michael Alan import product line by more than

triple in less than 1 year. Also sourced and developed the ICA and Art

Americana product lines, which accounted for $20 Million wholesale.

* Surveyed market to track fashion / color / product trends and translated

them to meet business needs.

* Reviewed and negotiated costs with suppliers to achieve company's overall

margin goals.

Associate Sourcing Manager- Adult Better Knits & Wovens

1999 - 2001

Associate Buyer- Gallery Animation Collectibles

1998 - 1999

Associate Buyer- Gifts, Stationery & Trim

1997 - 1998

Assistant Buyer- Housewares 1996 -

1997

WARNER BROS STUDIO STORES, BURBANK, CALIFORNIA

* Placed consistently in high volume / high SKU count departments. Last

responsible for Adult Apparel, which accounted for $32 Million in FOB

purchases and $81 Million retail volume.

* Sourced suppliers to produce product at lowest cost, consistent with

considerations of quality, reliability of source and urgency of need.

* Monitored Open to Buy, stock / receipt plans, sale of products and

recommended reorders / markdowns.

* Worked closely with Warner Bros. artists in the development of designs,

coordinated signings and production of collectible art pieces.

Assistant Merchandiser

1990 - 1996

NAK CORPORATION, HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA

* Utilized extensive knowledge of industry trends, importing and

merchandising for this private label wholesaler / importer of men's,

women's and children's apparel.

* Managed product lines and licensee contracts with Generra / Gold's Gym.

* Developed graded garment specifications. Created technical sketches for

line items and presented to US Customs for assignment of pre-

classification codes.

* Conducted fittings with fit model. Ensured fit comments and graded

specifications were completed on calendar.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

* MS Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Word, AS-400, JD Edwards, Oracle,

STS and Gerber.

* Basic knowledge of Mandarin and French languages.

FORMAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Associate of Arts Degree - Merchandising & Marketing Management

1987

FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Image & Wardrobe Development, Line Development and Fashion Illustration

OHLONE COLLEGE, FREMONT, CALIFORNIA

Home Office Training, Franklin Covey Course, Karrass Negotiation Seminar

WARNER BROS. STUDIO STORES, BURBANK, CALIFORNIA

5-S Lean Manufacturing Training

DELTA CREATIVE, INC., CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA

Negotiations Training, Great Leaders Journey

ANCHOR BLUE RETAIL GROUP, ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

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