Buyer Positions

Karl J. Sabotka

**** ******** ***** ** • P*** • Atlanta, GA 30326 • 404-***-**** (H) 904-***-****(C) ********@*******.***

Profile

A dynamic, creative team player with excellent organizational and managerial skills with 16 years’ experience in retail sales, merchandise planning and buying. I have a proven performer with a track record of success, possessing exceptional problem-solving and leadership abilities. Seeking a career-oriented position with a growth directed company.

Professional Experience

Director of Operations, Sourcing & Strategic Planning and Development May 2006 to Present

Time Saver Products, LLC, Atlanta, GA

Responsibilities include, but not limited to the operations, sourcing, logistics and day to day running of the company. Our areas of concentration are the manufacture of home accent/decor, home storage and home improvement products, along with special customer development projects. The companies total sales for 2006 where $9.0 million. The 2007 fiscal year ended at $16.0 million with margins improving by 2%. The 2008 fiscal year ended at $22.5 million. Work on a daily bases with our office in Beijing China, Pampet India and other countries.

Buyer, Stein Mart Stores, Jacksonville, FL March 2005 to April 2006

As the buyer I was responsible for the Bath Department, which includes bath towels, all rugs and bath accessories. On average was in control of $30.0 million in sales with a monthly average inventory of $17.0 million. Handled all negotiations for product costing and sourcing with a key eye on market trends and product development. Manage each department’s open-to-buy, assortments, markdowns, margin and turn. Work closely with Planner on open-to-buy, inventory investment and sales plans.

Buyer, Rich’s-Macy’s, Lazarus, Goldsmith, Atlanta, GA June 2001 to Sept 2004 Responsible for the Collections Bedding Department from June 2001 to December 2002 and was in control of 7.1 million in sales with a monthly average inventory of $5.2million with plans for expansion. In December of 2002 was promoted to Utility Bedding Buyer and controlled of $22.0 million in sales with an average inventory of $7.5 million. Buyer for Down Comforters, Throws, Slipcovers, and Decorative Pillows, Blankets and Basic Bedding which consisted of bed pillows and mattress pads.

Buyer, HomePlace of America, Myrtle Beach, SC May 1997 to May 2001

Responsible for the Basic Bedding and Bath Shop Departments of a 122 Home Décor store chain and in control of $52 million in annual sales and a monthly average inventory of $27 million. The largest amount of time was handling all negotiations on product costing and sourcing with a key eye on market trends and product development. Develop and plan special events such as Back to School, Christmas and summertime. Manage each department’s open-to-buy, assortments, markdowns, margin and turn. Work closely with Planner on open-to-buy, inventory investment and sales plans.

Buyer, Ames Department Store • Rocky Hill, CT July 1993 to April 1997

I began as the Assistant Trim Buyer with responsibilities that included but not limited to assisting in planning, selecting and purchasing the Christmas assortment along with working with American Greetings Card Company. The basic day to day operations included; all aspects of advertising, conducted negotiations with vendors, visited vendor factories and showrooms. Attended trade shows and conferences with Sr. buyer and Divisional Merchandise Manager. Prepared yearly budgets and created holiday promotional sales. Was Promoted to Seasonal Buyer in February 1995 and was in charge of all holiday buying all year long.

Additional Professional Experience

Legislative Intern to Senator Phillip S. Robertson and Representative Dale Radcliffe 1991

Assistant to General Manager, Quality Men’s Shop • Torrington, CT

Education

Attended Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT. 1989 to 1993

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, concentration in Marketing, Minors in Psychology and World History.

Software Proficiency

MS Office, Peachtree, and Quickbooks

Excellent references available. Willing to travel/relocate.

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