LORI KIEL

HEYWORTH, IL T: 309-***-**** E: acw4a1@r.postjobfree.com

Objective

Seeking an opportunity to utilize my strong leadership abilities in an organization that encourages personal development and values commitment. Professional Experience

Director of Sales & New Business Development

French Studio Imports (Limited Partner)-Chicago, IL (2013-2016) Sales & Business Operation

§ Oversaw the sales direction and general wholesale operations for 7 International brands

§ Provided profit building and sales growth strategies

§ Researched and analyzed marketing trends at the National and International level

§ Efficiently and effectively filled open positions and conducted the interview process

§ Utilized strong sales skills to assist employees and retailers

§ Created the French Studio Imports retail website and social media profiles New Business & Vendor Relationships

§ Responsible for creating all new business opportunities with overseas vendors. This included buying trips to France, Germany, and Italy.

§ Directly provided proposals and negotiated exclusive US distribution contracts.

§ Created a US marketing plan, pricing strategies, and implemented sales growth chart based on 3 years.

§ Managed vendor relationships, which includes analyzing sales summaries to create purchase orders & buying plans, organized the logistics and provided importing documentation to US Customs.

§ Provided a Bi-annual review based on sales, product feedback, and US competition. Key Accounts

§ Personally targeted, developed, opened, and managed Key Accounts.

§ Managed online retailers and drop-ship programs.

§ Consulted retail buyers to drive sales within their business and conducted brand training

§ Strengthened relationships with current customer base with follow-up phone call, emails, on-site appointments, and tradeshow appointments National Sales and Marketing Manager

French Studio Imports (2011-2013)

§ Brand & Marketing Management- National marketing accountability for 4 imported luxury brands (home décor’, home fragrances, & personal care). Responsible for creative marketing projects such as email blasts, designing brochures, price lists, signage and booth planograms.

§ Sales Management- Provided sales support, guidance, and training for 30-40 sales representatives throughout the US.

§ Account Management- On-going interactions with 100-200 upscale retail accounts (Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, & Anthropologie).

§ Daily management & administration of a 6-person office: Invoicing, billing, accounting, logistics, and inventory management & planning. Stadium Store Manager

Delaware North Company (Soldier Field)-Chicago, IL (2010-2011)

§ Oversaw all store operations including cash handling, inventory, and staffing needs

§ Supervised up to 30 employees

§ Responsible for merchandising 3 retail stadium stores based on my ability to analyze data and to place product accordingly Retail Store Manager

Claire’s Boutique-Oak Brook, IL (2008-2009)

§ Led and inspired employees to exceed expectations, and to meet specific sales targets and planogram deadlines

§ Responsible for recruiting, developing, and managing store assistants while creating a fun motivational working environment

§ Completed The Claire’s Loss Prevention Certification Program which resulted in a significant lower shrinkage during my employment.

(8.3% to 4.9% based on approximately 100,000+units)

§ Selected to work at the Claire’s Headquarters to assist visual merchandisers with the Holiday Planogram Market Leader & Retail Store Manager

Crocs Incorporation-Chicago Area (2006-2009)

§ Maintained and exceeded store financial projections and maximized revenue opportunities (#1 highest revenue for a new store opening)

§ Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills

§ Delivered a high level of operational excellence including store appearance, loss prevention, cash handling, inventory control, and visual merchandising.

§ Hired, trained, and retained employees

§ Assisted in new store openings and worked closely with district managers

§ Promoted twice within my employment with the final promotion being a Market leader of the Chicago-land area. Education

The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, IL

Oct. 2003-Dec. 2005

Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Marketing & Management Lincoln Land Community College-Springfield, IL

Aug. 2001-May 2003

General Studies

Skills

§ Self-starter, organized, & structured manager

§ Resourceful & effective autonomously and as part of a team

§ Passionate about simplicity and detailed oriented Technical

§ Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, & Outlook)

§ Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, & InDesign)

§ QuickBooks, Retail Pro, and VogueRep

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