Sales Assistant
Resume:
FATIMAH GIWA
Johns Creek, GA 30097
***********@*******.***
SUMMARY
• 10+ years’ experience in various buying positions
• Experience in jewelry, gemstone and watch products, collaborated with online
specials, pricing for sales and inventory planning.
• Excellent analysis skills; Experience includes product analysis, sales analysis,
trend analysis, etc.
• Expert level experience with Excel.
• Strategic sourcing experience includes travel to Europe and Asia with strong
negotiating skills
• Analyzed up to $60 Million in sales/product revenue for Macy’s northern region
• Excellent communication skills; Experience communicating with outside vendors
to ensure accurate and timely product delivery.
• Experience in luxury accessory buying.
EDUCATION
1995 - Bachelor of Science, Sociology
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
1999 - Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies
University of East London UK
2000 - Masters in International Relations / Economics
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Buyer
Macy’s Department Stores July 2007 – Present
• Analysis of up to $60 Million in revenue across Macy’s North region.
• Identify product opportunities, trends, and offerings which will impact the
business and provide results.
• Strategic sourcing experience includes travel to Europe and Asia, meeting with
manufacturers and various vendors resulting in best company products and cost
solutions.
• Liaise with visual team to ensure that all products are properly on sales floor for
optimization. Assist during market with product selection and assortment.
• Analyze product item costs vs. product sales, sales trends, key items, vendor
profitability and aged inventory as well as making recommendations for driving
improved performance.
• Performed sales analysis using Excel functions (pivot tables, V-look ups, etc.).
• Liaise with production and planning teams to ensure availability and the timely
delivery of merchandise.
• Negotiate with vendors and manufacturers resulting in company cost-savings.
• Participate in meetings and also responsible for product set up and maintenance.
• Ensure all markdowns and in store promotions are entered and set up properly in
system.
• Manages the development of the vendor matrix.
• Approves departmental sales and average stock targets.
• Executes the flow of the departmental topside plans by month.
• Participates in the review of and approves departmental topside financial plans.
• Participates in ensuring adherence to the company’s planning calendar.
• Furnishes information for and participates in the financial Business Review.
Senior Buyer and Consulting
Harrods Department Stores November 2004 – May 2007
• Responsible for procuring assigned commodities and services through sourcing,
negotiating and contracting.
• Focuses on developing and administering long-term contracts, sealed bids and
other cost savings tools.
• Promotes the most effective use of Company funds in the acquisition of goods
and services and maintains a high level of ethics in the execution of the function.
• Evaluates market conditions, trends and provides solutions that improve service
and reduce cost.
• Assists in effectively developing, communicating and implementing procedures
and strategies. Conducts analysis, audits, and reporting related to detailed
procurement programs.
• Corresponds and establishes relationships with suppliers.
• Provides general support to Director, Corporate Procurement with regard to
program administration, research and a variety of projects.
• Requires the use of independent judgment in areas like picking fabrics for
clothing.
• Establishes and approves pricing strategy.
• Evaluates target markup analysis and guidelines and applies appropriately to
buying decisions.
• Recommends and approves item price changes, and ensures that prices
changes are input in a timely manner.
• Evaluates financial impact of price changes.
• Reviews and provides information for the timely response to store visit notes.
• Manages ad in-stock on promotional items, and ensures the communication of in-
stock issues to stores.
• Oversees appropriate product ticketing. Supports visual team in providing store
presentation guidance.
Associate Buyer/Buyer
Debenham’s Department Stores October 2002 – October 2004
• Identify product opportunities, trends, and offerings which will impact the
business and provide results.
• Liaise with visual team to ensure that all products are properly on sales floor for
optimization.
• Assist during market with product selection and assortment scout and source
“collectibles” and special items for the stores analyze sales trend, key items,
vendor profitability and aged inventory as well as making recommendations for
driving improved performance liaise with production and planning teams to
ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise.
• Participate in meetings, responsible for product set up and maintenance.
• Ensure all markdowns and in store promotions are entered and set up properly in
system
Communication Coordinator Assistant/Assistant Producers Development Team
London BBC June 2000 – September 2002
• Contribute programmed ideas and treatments. Work with the producer in
developing ideas /treatments and producing workable pitches/scripts/structured
treatments.
• Creatively work with and manage researchers when allocated.
• Research /produce clear research/briefing notes/treatments for your development
projects when required to find suitable contributors and new on screen talent as
appropriate.
• Plan, schedule and organize taster tapes as appropriate. As in developing and
executing marketing projects, including special events and promotions and
presentations.
• Regularly update department’s business continuity plan and review and process
invoices.
• Maintain and update media results evaluation report and provide specific project
evaluations to customers.
SKILLS/TECHNOLOGIES
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Money
Corel Suite 7: WordPerfect
Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
Excellent interpersonal relation skills; able to relate with people from diverse
background and cultures
Highly motivated; work well both independently and as a team
Deliver animated conference level presentations with visual aids
Contact this candidate