Tim McElwain
469-***-**** ******@*****.*** The Colony, Texas 75056
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
High-achieving executive successful at business and operations leadership. Manages day-to-day operations with strategic vision and tactical approaches built on sound industry knowledge and expert business acumen. Poised to contribute continuous improvement and resource optimization to make lasting impact. SKILLS
• Vendor Sourcing and
Negotiations
• Effective Communication • Organizational Skills
• Time Management • Product Development • Team Building EXPERIENCE
President-Portable Lighting Product Development, International Sourcing and Business Development TMI, LLC, 2007 - Current
• Daily communication with factories and overseas offices on product development, capabilities, sourcing needs and cost-effective manufacturing methods.
• Develop proprietary products for domestic and international large retailers, adapting strategies and messaging through our trademarked brand Bridgeport Designs.
• Attend domestic and international trade shows to diversify knowledge of market, consumers and products.
• Opened a China Sourcing Office with well-trained associates experienced in quality control, factory audits, third-party testing labs, logistics, product design and factory communication. Buyer-Lighting, Clocks and Decorative Home Accessories JCPenney-Plano, Texas, 2002 - 2007
• Made optimal buying decisions, regularly researching new trends and competitive analysis.
• Handled sourcing, product development, marketing and purchasing for assigned product categories.
• Achieved a 16% EBIT vs. company 10% through effective pricing, negotiation and marketing strategies.
• Leveraged costs and margins through vendor consolidation from 18 down to 6 total sources. Divisional Project Manager-Home Division
JCPenney-Plano, Texas, 1999 - 2002
• Collaborated with senior management to align projects with organizational goals and strategies.
• Identified areas for improvement by analyzing processes and evaluating modifications.
• Oversaw inventory management and collaborated with internal buying teams and external vendors to facilitate replenishment.
• Reduced total SKU by -30% through Assortment Optimization recommendations while increasing sales
+6% with a 96% average In-Stock Rate for the entire Home Division. Assistant Buyer-Home Division
JCPenney-Plano, Texas, 1997 - 1999
• Created detailed reports highlighting product performance metrics for management review.
• Participated in weekly meetings with Senior Buyer and VP-DMM to discuss sales, market trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Reviewed and analyzed KPI reports to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Analyzed competitor offerings and pricing strategies to maintain competitive edge in market. Senior Merchandise Manager-Men’s
JCPenney Stores-Austin, Texas, 1994 – 1996
• Established merchandising plans, implemented action steps and adjusted based on progress towards goals for the largest sales and profit department within the store.
• Implemented markdowns and clearance events strategically to minimize excess inventory while maximizing revenue potential.
• Mentored a staff of 52 associates in customer service, proper merchandising techniques, driving increased sales performance.
Merchandise Manager-Children’s, Luggage and Family Shoes JCPenney Stores-Sacramento, California, 1990 - 1994
• Established merchandising plans, implemented action steps and adjusted plan based on progress towards goals.
• Implemented markdowns and clearance events strategically to minimize excess inventory while maximizing revenue potential.
• 2-time Western Regional Back to School winner for the highest sales and profits. District Merchandise Manager of The Year award.
Management Trainee
JCPenney Stores-Stockton, California, 1990 - 1990
• Participated in well-structured training program to gain knowledge of all store retail business aspects.
• Finished a 12-month training program in 5 months. Commission Sales Associate-Family Shoes
JCPenney Stores-Fresno, California, 1984 - 1989
• Demonstrated selling experience in fast-paced, service-oriented retail setting.
• Made the company All-Star Commission Sales List. EDUCATION
Associate in Arts (A.A.): Marketing