Lindsay Delano
Wrentham,MA
Summary
Results-driven Category Manager with 15+ years of experience in retail, CPG, and e-commerce. Managed a $300M+ portfolio, delivering a 13% sales increase in 2 years through data-driven strategies. Proficient in optimizing assortments, launching new products, and leading cross-functional teams. Committed to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
VENDOR & PRIVATE LABEL MANAGER
Animal Supply Company
Grand Prairie, TX
11.2024 - Current
- Oversee a $342M animal consumables portfolio, leveraging market insights and consumer trends to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies
- Drive the relaunch of a private label brand by sourcing key vendors and crafting a compelling brand identity to boost growth and market share
- Manage vendor negotiations and coordinate cross-functional teams to secure first-to-market status for new brand launches
- Cultivate robust supplier relationships to optimize costs, enhance service levels, and ensure timely delivery
CATEGORY MANAGER
Roche Bros. Supermarkets
Boston, MA
11.2020 - 11.2024
- Directed key categories-including Snacks, Cookies/Crackers, Commercial Bread, and International Foods-across 4,000+ fast-moving SKUs, generating over $48M in annual gross sales
- Developed and implemented comprehensive category strategies-including targeted promotional initiatives and first-to-market positioning-that increased sales by 15.4% across all categories over a one-year period
- Surpassed sales targets by generating an additional $6M in revenue through effective promotional funding and the successful launch of over 500 new items
SENIOR MANAGER SOURCING & PROCUREMENT
Purple Carrot
Needham, MA
06.2019 - 11.2020
- Lead a high-performing group of 6 buyers and sourcing specialists, achieving 100% promotion rate for all team members during my tenure
- Implemented new KPIs, including monitoring fill rate, turns and out of stocks to track teams' performance leading to a reduction of hand inventory by 10%, aiding in the reduction of cost of goods
- Collaborated cross-functionally to deploy a new ERP purchasing system giving buyers and operations more detailed information leading to higher turns, less spoilage and higher in stock position
SELF EMPLOYMENT
Stay At Home Mom
Norfolk, MA
11.2011 - 05.2019
- Managed household budgeting, ensuring on-time bill payments and cost-saving strategies.
- Coordinated family schedules and events, balancing multiple priorities efficiently.
- Led day-to-day operations, demonstrating strong time management and multitasking abilities.
CATEGORY MANAGER
Trader Joe's
Boston, MA
09.2001 - 11.2011
- Managed five high-performing categories, driving annual sales growth from $265M to $300M by leveraging data insights to optimize assortments, enhance product performance, and expand market share
- Leveraged consumer insights, strategic supplier negotiations, and marketing collaboration to introduce market-leading products that generated an additional $15M in gross profit, resulting in a 13% overall increase
- Led 40+ successful private label product launches across multiple categories, strengthening brand presence and sales
- Directed a purchasing team overseeing 2,500+ SKUs, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining in-stock rates above 98.5% across five distribution centers
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA05.2001
Skills
- Strategic Category Planning
- Data Analysis
- Strategic Procurement
- Product Strategy Development
- Category development
- Pricing strategies
- Contract Management
- Market Trend Analysis
- Strategic Promotional Planning
Websites
Affiliations
Mass Food Association - MFA
Areas Of Expertise
Supplier Relationship Management, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Nielsen Data & POS Analysis, Forecasting & Budgeting, Product Development, Go-To-Market Strategy, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Team Leadership, Staff Development, Dropbox, Google Sheets, MS Office, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, SAP, Gold, Retalix, AS400 ERP, Ascent, Fishbowl ERP, Power BI
Timeline
VENDOR & PRIVATE LABEL MANAGER
Animal Supply Company
11.2024 - Current
CATEGORY MANAGER
Roche Bros. Supermarkets
11.2020 - 11.2024
SENIOR MANAGER SOURCING & PROCUREMENT
Purple Carrot
06.2019 - 11.2020
SELF EMPLOYMENT
Stay At Home Mom
11.2011 - 05.2019
CATEGORY MANAGER
Trader Joe's
09.2001 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Massachusetts