Molly A. Kraft
C: 612-***-****
**********@*****.*** http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraft11358
SUMMARY
Seeking a position in Category or Inventory Management in which my experience will lead initiatives to drive sales, minimize company risk and maximize account growth and opportunities.
High Reliability, rain, snow, traffic, I’m at work on time.
Expert in the use of a wide variety of financial reporting systems and quickly become proficient with any new computer programs introduced.
Proactively review business to identify opportunities and shopper insight
Record of consistently exceeding goals
Ability and life-skills to interact effectively and professionally while maintaining relationships with suppliers, senior leadership and all support personnel
I take pride in personal initiative and ability to prioritize and focus on the important and urgent, while meeting deadlines
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AM Retail Group, Brooklyn Park, MN
2016 to March 31, 2020 Inventory Analyst (Store Planner)
Developed and implemented allocation strategies based on historical trend, current inventory position, and store’s volume group sales plans.
Managed inventory flow to stores based on store capacity, productivity, and traffic trends.
Ensure style minimums & maximums are consistently maintained and replenished.
Analyze productivity and make recommendations to optimize available inventory.
Produce weekly store trend reports that tell inventory levels, turn, and key item performance then make recommendations.
Analyze and recap style/color/size selling trends by store attribute in-season and post-season.
Review and update size breaks by store volume group by class each season.
BLUESTEM BRANDS, Eden Prairie, MN
2012 – 2016 Fingerhut Media and Inventory Analyst
Responsible for the placement of products in catalogs ensuring product is presented in a compelling way to generate sales.
Assist in the buyer’s merchandise strategies and key initiatives to drive seasonal sales with profitable margin goals.
Work with multiple internal and external departments to achieve consensus forecasts
Analyze historical shipment data to identify variability, patterns, and trends
Assists in administration & maintenance of data
Weekly performance analysis by department/group/style code; providing daily/weekly input and insight to leadership team.
Analyzed and reconciled budget vs. forecast for family at catalog level.
Analyze performance to make recommendations for catalog placement, presentation and promotion based on productivity and sales performance.
Lead pagination review with creative team ensuring placement and product was correct to generate sales and productivity
Collaborate with inventory planning team to determine exit strategies on end of life product.
Responsible for life cycle pricing management which includes set, stage, adjust for active and various promotions in a timely manner to maintain campaign/advertising deadlines all while assuring accuracy of retail price during a promotion
Proficient in systems such as Microsoft Office, Oracle Systems, Microstrategy, Direct Tech, PIM and various other reporting systems
5+ years’ experience in multi-channel merchandising (internet, catalog, retail)
HH BROWN- SOFFT SHOE CO, Andover MA
2006 – 2011 Business Analyst/Planner
Planned and managed Sofft Shoe business in key US department stores such as Macy’s, Bon-Ton stores and Von Maur.
Developed, presented and implemented yearly P&L business plans
Forecast monthly and quarterly sales and effectively communicated internally for production planning for future seasons
Negotiated with Department store buyers, seasonal gross margin vendor assistance, advertising co-op dollars and markdown dollar assistance
In depth analysis of sales and profit components, including promotional and supply chain opportunities
Analyzed individual store performance and opportunities, developed strategies that improved sales growth.
Trained and mentored newly hired Planners
BROWN SHOE COMPANY – NATURALIZER, Clayton, MO
1998 - 2006 Business Analyst/Planner for Marshall Fields (Macys)
Strategic liaison for Naturalizer sales team and Macys Buyer in developing assortment plans based on store profile, velocity, productivity and sales trend
Consistently increased Naturalizer receipt penetration in Macy’s stores
Recognized as a Four Star performer by exceeding sales, gross margin, gross margin%, and turnover
Managed the most profitable Naturalizer fall boot business in the Macy’s operating divisions
Leveraged point of sale data to forecast trends,
Analyzed in-stock levels in order to determine the impact on supply chain key performance indicators
Monitored and tracked sell through performance to provide information to buyer
Prior to 1998 held a variety of positions in Financial Institutions (Banking) and Retail Industries
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
South Central College – North Mankato Campus - Business Management
Numerous seminars and continuous education programs relating to financial administration
Accomplishments:
2012 Silver Star Award winner; sales, margin and profitability
YTD 2013, my first full year forecasting product, Footwear division, +45% to LY, and +25% to plan.
Volunteerism
Habitat for Humanity
Lifesource
American Heart Association