Strategy Driven Account and Marketing Manager
Resume:
Christopher R. Kassner
*********@*****.***
Charlotte, NC 28277
Summary
Strategy driven Account and Marketing Manager with solid experience in a broad range of functional areas including advertising, marketing, sales, merchandising, accounting, purchasing, planning and management of vendor/supplier relationships. A persuasive communicator with strong relationship building and interpersonal skills. Talent for quickly gaining customers’ confidence and trust.
Competencies include:
* Brand Management
* Promotion Execution
* P&L Responsibility
* Collaborative Sales
* Field Marketing
* Trade Marketing
* Category Management
* Strategic Planning
* Cooperative Advertising
Professional Experience
HT MARKETING, Charlotte, NC 2008 - 2009
Marketing consulting firm providing brand and product launch services for retail and manufacturing clients
Director Business Development – (Contract)
* Analyzed customer needs and performed market research to develop a name brand.
* Created a brand identity for a niche pet food client.
* Lead creative design of sales, packaging and POP materials, including, scheduling all RFP, photography, and copywriting activities.
* Facilitated several in-person and online focus groups to gain an understanding of consumer needs and hot buttons.
* Increased company growth by 21% as a result of all development efforts.
SPRINGS GLOBAL, INC. Fort Mill, SC 2006 - 2008
International manufacturer and marketer of home textiles
Account Manager
* Facilitated strategic plans for increasing sales volume to mass (Kmart) and small to mid tier retail accounts.
* Directed and recruited team of six independent sales representatives in order to increase market share.
* Prepared renewal, up sell/cross sell proposals, based on study of individual retail account needs, while collaborating with merchandising/sourcing for vendor capability and delivery timelines.
* Presented new product lines including Disney, Fisher Price, Mattel, NASCAR, John Deere and Wamsutta directly to retail chains including Wal-mart, Meijer’s, AAFES, Pamida, Duckwall-Alco and Amazon.
* Linked directly with retail customer (Retail Link and Workbench) websites to monitor point of sales information for their private label, licensed products and Springs Global brands.
* Examined point of sales data along with customer specific inventory stock levels then compare to Springs inventory and incoming receipts position, to maintain required inventory levels.
* Assisted with issues pertaining to pricing, product development and supply chain management.
* Researched and resolved consumer phone and email inquires.
UNITED AMERICAN VIDEO, Fort Mill, SC 2004 - 2006
National distributor of home video and audio products
Key Account Manager
* Collaborated with Sales to develop, present, implement, and monitor all components and functions of the UAV audio and video program.
* Monitored incoming receipts from Disney, Warner Brothers, Columbia, and various studios to maintain on time receipts.
* Recognized and proactively make resolutions for all delivery and shipment issues whether the issue is from incoming studio deliveries or issue with retail client.
* Forecasted, Planned and Scheduled all shipments of products, racks, promotions, and new releases to all CVS Pharmacy and Pilot Travel Centers.
ISACO INTERNATIONAL, INC. Miami, FL 2002 - 2003
Manufacturer of men’s sleepwear, underwear, ties, and hosiery
Director of Marketing and In-Store Service
* Directed national marketing and in-store service functions to promote sell-through of licensed product, including the Perry Ellis designer brand, and private label product in national retailers such as May Company and Federated Department Stores, as well as, JC Penney, Wal-mart and Kohl’s.
* Oversaw the daily operations of the Marketing Department to ensure the timely performance of objectives.
* Advocate of change with a specific goal and purpose to promote Isaco as a Value added supplier.
JOCKEY INTERNATIONAL, INC. Kenosha, WI 1989 - 2002
Manufacturer and marketer of men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ underwear
Director of Marketing Services (1996 – 2002)
* Created a zero-based budget required to provide marketing services. Total accountability $15 million annually.
* Managed staff of six professionals and a team of 160 national field merchandisers.
* Directed outside vendors supplying packaging, print materials, fixtures, etc. by communicating design and construction objectives, providing specifications, and ensuring compliance with standards.
* Directed the conceptualization, development, and delivery of Shop – In Shop concepts, point-of-sale materials, and fixture programs.
* Responsible for cooperative advertising, trade shows, and direct mail programs, with a focus on strengthening relationships with retailers and consumers.
* Reported to the National Sales Manager for the Jockey Brand business unit, and partnered with managers of the International and Domestic Licensees to promote consistency of product presentation and brand awareness throughout multiple retail channels worldwide.
* Participated in the business planning process and assisted in determining the most appropriate allocation of retail marketing dollars based on customer profitability, goals, and marketing strategies.
Retail Marketing Manager (1992 to 1996)
* Managed retail service programs to maintain and expand the presence of Jockey brand and licensed product categories at 6,000 retail locations nationwide.
* Cross functional team member developing and presenting retail concepts for Jockey’s Life launch into Wal-mart.
* Worked closely with customers, suppliers of point-of-purchase materials, and fixture manufacturers translating concepts into designs, defining merchandising requirements, and executing plans to achieve timely deliveries.
* Directed the execution of promotional events at the stores and managed activities required to gather consumer information collected from these events.
Assistant Advertising Manager (1989 to 1992)
* Managed marketing programs to enhance brand awareness.
* Supported the merchandising and sales efforts of department store and specialty stores accounting for approximately 4,000 locations nationwide.
* Developed, presented, and negotiated store fixtures and displays programs communicating directly with retailers’ visual merchandising, and store planning groups.
* Directed fixture manufacturers in the implementation, and scheduling of shipments for all retail fixture programs.
* Coordinated the planning, scheduling, and execution of in-store promotional events including appearances by corporate spokespersons (Jim Palmer, Bart Conner, and Nadia Comaneci).
* Assisted with strategic media planning and negotiated directly for placements in Sports Illustrated and GQ.
Education
B.S., SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, Springfield, MO
Major: Industrial Management with emphasis in Construction and Electronics
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project and Email Applications, Retail planning applications including NPD, Retail Link, Workbench, Item Maintenance and Business Intelligence Systems
References
Available upon Request
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