Sales Assistant

KARI LYNN WAUGH

**** ******* **. ******, ** *****

614-***-**** • abnrx8@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE To drive sales and margins through vendor communication, internal design and product

development, presenting new strategies and opportunities for sales and profits for their

classification.

EXPERTISE

Cost Avoidance Visual Merchandising

Negotiations Inventory Management

Domestic/International Assortment Planning

Distribution Management Process Improvement

Strategic Sourcing Supplier Performance

PROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE

Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio 2009

Procurement Analyst (Contractor)

Manage supplier relations to maintain competitive pricing

Works with internal customers to efficiently reduce product cost

Conducts data collection and analysis for contracts and business requirements

Executes shopping cart requests for the issuance of purchase orders

Applies in-depth skills and broad knowledge of the business to address complex

problems and non-standard situations

Trans World Entertainment, Albany, New York 2008-2009

Associate Buyer

Buyer for Electronics and Accessory categories totaling over $150M for 700+ stores

Increased sales 17% in the Q3 of 2008 by developing strategies based on competitive

landscape, market trends and new opportunities.

Started promotional policies and strategies and developed key differentiations which directly

accounted for the increase in volume.

Worked closely with Planning and Allocation team to maintain a strong in-stock position with

as little inventory investment as possible.

Developed an extensive variety of communication channels and networks which not only

helped in increasing product knowledge to counter sales personnel but also had a positive

affect in the systematic planning of retailer programs.

Reduced costs by 9% in Q4 by implementing cost savings strategies in packaging and

distribution

Value City Department Stores, Columbus, Ohio 2007-2008

Assistant Buyer/Buyer

Responsible for categories totaling over $100 million and 3,000 SKU’s

Created an entire merchandise assortment based upon a new pricing, promotion and

positioning strategy that drove business to a double digit increase.

Managed Inventory levels by adjusting quantities and delivery dates, returning product or

taking markdowns to drive productive sales and profit

Negotiated over $300,000 in merchandise returns for the year

Increased profit margins by 5 points and sales dollars by 10% in 6 months

Analyzed sales, aged inventory, merchandise placement and recommended strategies to

drive performance.

Sourced, planned, designed, and marketed new patterns and styles from overseas.

Executed consistent merchandise placement through hands-on in store training

Managed 2 Merchandise Assistants

Big Lots, Inc., Columbus Ohio 2006-2007

Merchandise Coordinator

Performed at Assistant Buyer level purchasing Lawn & Garden furniture and accessories for

a $500 million plus category.

Responsible for 7,000 product SKU’s from +50 vendors

Determined appropriate merchandising decisions by utilizing the open to buy through the

review of weeks of supply, on hand quantities, seasonal trends, and receipt and

replenishment patterns in partnership with the buyer.

Assisted the Sr. buyer to research merchandise lines, perform item analysis, review and

recap last season’s performance.

Continually exceeded margin dollars, margin percentage (6% increase) and planned turn

Developed a more competitive system of vendor relations that reduced product costs by 8%

in fall 2006.

Tracked Sales, analyzed weekly reports, and discussed reorder recommendations to Sr.

buyer based upon reported information.

Conducted market research that captures data on target market demographics, competitor

initiatives, and industry trends.

Abercrombie and Fitch, New Albany, Ohio 2005-2006

Merchant Assistant

Assisted Denim Merchant in preparation of plans for the season

Selected new products by tracking the brand target customer and analyzing the experience,

attitude and lifestyle which appeals to the customer’s taste

Achieved low to high single digit comparative store increases by targeting in on the current

and upcoming trends.

Build Key Items to develop assortments that drive the business

Analyzed performance regarding SKU’s, sales, margin and inventory

Negotiated fabric and garment hardware pricing with vendors

Ensured color, fit and quality of garments meet A&F standards

Tracked PO’s, deliveries and maintain vendor relations

Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas, Columbus, Ohio 2001-2005

Sales Auditor/Procurement

Performed weekly cost/value analysis of products to services usage

Prepared long and short term budget forecasts

Purchased all salon equipment and retail products

Responsible for defining specifications, communicating to suppliers, obtaining and analyzing

bids, validating pricing and delivery dates for all marketing materials.

Developed assortment planning methods to maintain a consistent positive flow of inventory

Negotiated profitable product costs and contract terms with suppliers to achieve sales and

margin goals.

SKILLS

Personal: Strong Leadership. Organizational. Independent. Creative. Research. Writing.

Presentation.

Technical Skills: MS Office, MS Access, People Soft, Oracle, AS400, JDE, MicroStrategy,

SAP, QuickBooks, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop

EDUCATION

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, Columbus, Ohio December 2004

Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences/ Market Research

Specialization in Finance and Political Science

- PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES UPON REQUEST -

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