Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Industry Achievements
Timeline
Generic

Aja Dieye

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

Innovative Product Development & Operations professional with a 10-year+ background in the apparel and technology industries. A hardworking and ambitious leader obsessed with fashion, vendor relationships, and ethical production.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Sourcing Manager

ILIA Beauty
07.2023 - Current
  • Negotiated pricing and managed all cost of goods with suppliers to secure best value for company
  • Led contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions, reducing overall expenses
  • Conducted 15+ supplier audits to evaluate capabilities, assess risks, and identify areas for improvement
  • Managed and developed relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers to attain maximum cost efficiency and leverage buying power.

Sourcing & Product Development Manager

ModCloth
05.2022 - 07.2023
  • Execution and management of product development and sourcing needs while serving as primary contact between Design, Merchant, Planning, and Suppliers
  • Managed full product lifecycle of all apparel categories from handoff to production approval
  • Contribute to costing strategies and review final costs for all styles to meet IMU goal expectations
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key suppliers for smooth communication and to meet required expectations.
  • Creation and management of full seasonal calendar in order so all milestones and deliverables are met
  • Collaborate with new factories and develop/train current vendors in PLM system
  • Attend trade shows/fabric shows to maintain supplier relations and foster new opportunities

Product Development & Operations Manager

SWIRLYCURLY Hair
07.2020 - 07.2021
  • Strategize and work directly with CEO & founder to oversee entire design, development, and production of quality hair products
  • Lead buying for RTW hair jewelry and headscarves
  • Direct planning, budgeting, vendor selection, and quality assurance efforts
  • Monitor market trends and competitor performance to help company make data-driven decisions
  • Oversee 15+ international vendors while building positive and long-lasting relationships
  • Direct, merchandise, and style product photoshoots for product launches
  • Oversee Assistant Product Development Manager throughout development process

Production Manager

Anomalie
12.2017 - 03.2020
  • Pioneered first bridal production team in San Francisco office and managed over 400 brides in production
  • Communicated daily with overseas factories and Hong Kong team
  • Managed production operations including workflow management, supply orders, and on-time delivery
  • Onboarded and managed production team of 6 in Hong Kong
  • Implemented performance, quality, and efficiency measures to achieve aggressive production goals
  • Created monthly reports to support executive decision making
  • Implemented technical and dress construction standards to improve quality and reduce cost

Assistant Manager

Margaret O'Leary
07.2016 - 12.2017
  • Partnered with Store Director to develop innovative and creative merchandise displays to drive store growth
  • Trained and managed associates in customer service and sales techniques
  • Developed compelling outfit designs that exceeded client expectations and resulted in sales of $1000+ per transaction on average
  • Drove sales and exceed monthly goals by 5%
  • Led selection of merchandise for styled photoshoots

Garment Production Assistant

Sarah Seven Bridal
07.2015 - 07.2016
  • Constructed internal foundations for all wedding dressings
  • Assisted with gown fittings and alterations
  • Fabric draping and lace hand-sewing

Education

Associate of Arts - Fashion Design

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM
San Francisco, CA

Skills

Business Management

  • Project management
  • Inventory and materials management
  • Vendor management and relationships
  • Data and analytical analysis

Creative

  • Trend and market research
  • Fashion and product design
  • Fabric sourcing
  • Fashion merchandising

Product Tools

  • MS/Google Suite
  • PLM
  • Adobe Suite
  • Netsuite

Industry Achievements

Anomalie

2017-2020

  • Successfully transferred production management from the U.S. to Hong Kong.
  • Lived in China in March of 2019 to work with patternmakers, cutters, and seamstresses in factory.
  • Sourced lace and fabrics from fabric markets in China and Hong Kong.
  • Learning Mandarin.

Timeline

Sourcing Manager

ILIA Beauty
07.2023 - Current

Sourcing & Product Development Manager

ModCloth
05.2022 - 07.2023

Product Development & Operations Manager

SWIRLYCURLY Hair
07.2020 - 07.2021

Production Manager

Anomalie
12.2017 - 03.2020

Assistant Manager

Margaret O'Leary
07.2016 - 12.2017

Garment Production Assistant

Sarah Seven Bridal
07.2015 - 07.2016

Associate of Arts - Fashion Design

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Aja Dieye