John Kafaf

Tel: 973-***-****

Email: ad4ucj@r.postjobfree.com

** *********** ****

Morristown, NJ 07960

Executive-level manager with over 30 years of experience in retail and manufacturing. Led margin-expansion initiatives at UFI, Land and Sea Inc., and Marcade Industries by building new international supplier relationships to reduce product lead-times and raw material costs. Established emerging market divisions with over $150M in annual sales at Land and Sea Inc. Co- founded and successfully exited an apparel design company with over 250 employees. Seasoned veteran in retail sales operation, team management, and vendor relations.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Planning

Price Optimization

Production Management

Supply Chain Management

Business Operations

Competitive Analysis

Corporate Compliance

Environmental Sustainability

Business Transformation

Go-to Market Strategy

Marketing Strategy

Merchandising Design

Multi-Million Dollar P&L Direction

National/Regional Account Mgmt

Negotiations

Networking

New Business Development

Business Process

Brand Management

OSHA Compliance

Product Assortment & Development

Quality Improvement

Research & Development

VMI & TSS Production

Executive Experience

President, J.K. Consulting and Sales, New York, NY 2016-Present

• Established corporate offices in both New York City and Dhaka and oversaw global recruiting, hiring, and staffing capabilities

• Created supplier networks of best-in-class, Walmart-approved vendors to enhance manufacturing capabilities for denim assortment, improving product quality by 28%

• Redesigned the denim assortment strategy, improving sales by $40M

• Orchestrated health and beauty line at Walmart including introduction of new brand, Color Club

• Brought first-to-market nail polish dip kits, generating new revenues of $10M in first year

• Collaborated cross-functionally with Executive Leadership teams to develop cohesive brand strategy with Color Club line, resulting in six-year replenished items Vice President, Merchandising/Sales, Sportaculture, New York, NY 2014-2016

• Designed, branded, and sold complete line of NCAA-licensed dog products and SKU’s including dog collars and leashes, bowls, toys, and beds resulting in $5M in sales in over 500 Walmart stores

• Increased department profitability by 6% and unit turns by six per year Vice President, Sales, Land and Sea Inc, New York, NY 2001–2014

• Managed the Mass Retailer division’s global sales team, consisting of thirty staff and $150M in annual revenue

• Revitalized the Women’s and Girl’s divisions by creating new strategic partnerships in key, undervalued markets, improving profitability by 20%

• Achieved $7M cost reduction in manufacturing by establishing production partnerships in Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam

• Implemented company health, safety, and labor standards within the manufacturing process globally

• Launched the company’s fashion denim division, generating $60M in sales in 3 years President/Principal Next Day Apparel Inc, New York, NY 1991–2000

• Co-founded and led a corporation of 250+ employees and independent contractors until its successful sale to Oxford Industries

• Developed a robust Vendor Managed Inventory production model, generating $75M in sales

• Awarded “Vendor of the Year” at both K-Mart (1995) and Walmart (1997) by achieving exceedingly stringent profitability, quality, customer-centric, and on-time delivery standards

• Produced and shipped Low-Cost Items (LCI) for Walmart, maintaining in-stock levels of 92%, product margins of 41%, and inventory turns of 7 weeks over the course partnership

• Implemented JIT management techniques, which accurately aligned demand forecasting with production planning to improve coordination across all supply chain functions Vice President, Raw Materials Procurement, Marcade Industries, New York, NY 1986–1991

• Created two new divisions with fifty direct reports

• Achieved corporate cost savings initiatives by optimizing raw material usage, reducing cost of raw materials by 15% equating to a $10M savings

• Managed all production allocation responsibilities, moving 80% of all production capabilities overseas, generating $15M in cost savings

• Orchestrated a 6-month excursion through Central America to establish an offshore manufacturing network Management Trainee, Burlington Industries, New York, NY 1982–1986

• Participated in a rotational leadership program that takes promising talent and exposes them to various departments across the corporation’s portfolio, providing trainees with a holistic understanding into the complexities of a diversified corporation

• Introduced a new line of “Juniors Dress”, generating $15M in incremental sales

• Responsible for conducting market research and competitive analysis

• Evaluated product development capabilities and identified opportunities to integrate consumer feedback into product

Volunteer Experience

Mentor, Maroon Council for Colgate University 2008-Present

• Guided Colgate University Football players on time management, academic and athletic rigors and expectations, social engagement, networking, and job placement

• Fostered effective communication and relationships with Colgate University’s coaches, professors, and student athletes to monitor and aid in students’ academic progress and success Dog Trainer, Hal Wheeler Dog Training, Cedar Grove, NJ 1976-1984

• Worked with 20 dogs and clients per year on tailoring programs to meet their needs

• Thoroughly assess dog behavior and issues to identify causes and at-home solutions

• Proficient in Schutzhund Training and educated clients of practices and exercises to strengthen and reinforce positive behaviors

Education

Colgate University 1978–1982

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Hamilton, NY

NCAA-Division-1 Varsity Football 1978-1982

Contact this candidate