ALEXA RAY MOLANO
Jersey City,New Jersey
Summary
Knowledgeable and Passionate professional with strong background in retail, purchasing, vendor management and inventory control. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to learn and take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Offers excellent communication and organizational skills, with talents for negotiating and building relationships with vendors.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Buyer
Hudson Group Inc.
09.2022 - Current
- Guaranteed timely delivery of merchandise through consistent communication with distribution centers and vendors.
- Negotiated prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise.
- Analyzed sales data and conducted competitor research to efficiently order merchandise according to sales trends.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities for 4 buyers
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Computed and created purchase orders in SAP to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Developed and improved account relationships.
- Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
- Oversaw and streamlined daily operations of purchasing department to maximize productivity and revenue.
- Collaborated with buyers for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies by evaluating sales performance of top selling categories
- Monitored invoices and backup documentation for proper authorization.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Traveled domestically several times per season to observe newest trends and make proactive buying choices.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate efficient and timely product delivery
- Researched and evaluated market trends and industry developments to optimize purchasing strategies
Chargeback Coordinator
Nespresso, Jhhf
07.2021 - 03.2022
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
- Worked with accounting department to manage budgets for charge backs.
- Maintained current and compliant financial records for over $500k of chargebacks, monitoring and addressing variances through detailed analyses.
- Entered data, generated reports and produced tracking documents.
- Drove workflow improvements by streamlining processes.
- Oversaw project logistics using industry expertise and independent judgment.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
Buying Assistant
Macy's Backstage
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Assisted with development of trend boards for future market buys
- Monitored and resolved issues involving UPCs, orders and shipments with MIO, planning, and distribution center teams
- Researched trends market through competitive shopping and store visits for new business opportunities
- Prepared sales analysis for market appointments/visits
- Analyzed sales reports for weekly open to buy meetings
- Created monthly best selling styles/ brands presentations by department upcoming strategy meetings
- Entered daily purchase orders for new styles and reorders over 20 daily
- Selected top seasonal buys based on previous selling history and future forecasted departmental pans
- Maintained effective and lasting vendor relationships through dynamic communication, collaboration and intelligent questioning skills.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Managed database of vendor details and pricing information to maintain organization
- Utilized software to order, track and invoice product shipments
- Provided accurate and up-to-date records of leading procurement procedures
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
Sales Assistant
Jackson Handbags
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Organized data into excel spreadsheets accurately and quickly
- Communicated effectively over phone and email
- Efficiently sorted sales data for appointments and weekly internal sales meetings
- Resolved data discrepancies by investigating multiple resources
- Processed orders for sales person
- Packaged and tagged samples to send out to customers
- Composed buy sheets for production and factory order placement
- Managed and kept account of showroom and vendor sample requests 20 daily
- Planned and sought out different vendor relationships for new domestic and international business development
Sales Assistant
Brooklyn Cloth
11.2017 - 04.2018
- Collaborated with cross functional teams including design, production and marketing
- Analyzed and produced reports for weekly vendor sales reports
- Provided administrative and operation support to brand owner and sales account executives
- Researched and communicated new trends for design inspiration
- Participated in weekly market appointments
- Compiled seasonal final boards that reflecting committed buys
- Assisted in creating FOB and domestic negotiation of pricing for various retailers
- Responsible for review and input of purchase order entry, reentry, modification and cancellation for 7 main retail accounts
- Created analytical recap reports of vendor weekly sales data
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to establish accurate representation of products marketed to customers
- Facilitated ordering and processing of business cards and nameplates for sales team
- Gathered and prepared sales materials in preparation for sales meetings
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database
Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator
Monsieur Touton
03.2017 - 07.2017
- Complied open to order inventory reports for purchasing selection analysis
- Generated, implemented and executed strategies to effectively manage demand planning and forecasting, and inventory and supply planning
- Managed relationships with and monitor for performance logistics and fulfillment partners; oversaw development of systems and processes to continually improve performance
- Collaborated with management team to ensure all aspects of product supply chain, including quality control, are well developed and maintained throughout product lifecycle
- Assisted in process of transferring stock in warehouse move for up to 50 vendors
- Negotiated volume-based purchase orders, while securing favorable terms and sustainable supply chains by leveraging key partnerships
- Devised and implemented policies and procedures for purchasing and inventory control
- Maintained and reviewed computerized records of items purchased and costs associated with purchases
- Employed expert inventory management and oversight skills to formulate business metrics and meet corporate goals
- Solved diverse supply chain problems involving numerous sources, logistics, and scheduling factors
- Monitored inbound and outbound freight operations to establish timely delivery of packages
- Coordinated shipping requests for expedited delivery and documented accurately to achieve correct billing
- Assisted in development and implementation of logistics policies and procedures to provide roadmap for daily operations
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations
- Generated monthly performance reports to track and analyze shipping trends
Analyst
Jet.com
06.2016 - 03.2017
- Coordinated purchase orders to ensure timely deliveries
- Managed data to support creation of new and existing purchase orders
- Proactively identified and implemented processes to improve workflow
- Provided high level of customer service and communication
- Guided drop shipment of placed purchase orders
- Organized delivery of 3rd largest grossing category sector– 260 vendors plus and growing
- Created list of additional points of consideration for vendor account set up; including onboarding new Walmart vendor base
- Served as main point of contact between vendor distribution centers and internal warehouses
- Conducted system analysis and implementation to maintain and improve computer systems
- Identified clear connections between policies and business results to eliminate or reduce confusion and help employees achieve goals
- Assessed data modeling and statistics to integrate high-level business processes with data rules
- Recommended process improvements to continually identify, analyze and fix constraints and challenges
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications
- Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications
Marketing and Licensing Assistant
Vivienne Westwood
09.2015 - 11.2015
- Responsible for maintaining communication links between internal marketing and design departments
- Collected and distributed marketing decks and PR for distributors
- Was responsible for communication marketing directives with licensing partners and relevant sales teams
- Prepared line sheets across 7 categories for vendor/ buyer appointments
- Conducted in store and online research for product development inspiration and market competition analysis
- Analyzed results of digital marketing campaign initiatives for licensing partners
- Provided legal support with licensing contracts for international channels of distribution
- Organized preparation and set up for shoots
- Stayed up-to-date on licensing requirements to complete accurate and efficient reviews
- Recorded and edited minutes of meetings and distributed to appropriate officials or staff members
- Responded to in-person and telephone requests for information from general public, attorneys and other involved parties
- Performed routine data entry or document management
- Updated operational records or licensing information using computer terminals
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment
Sales Associate
JCREW
02.2015 - 11.2015
- Proactively greeted and assisted customers in store
- Merchandise, stock and replenish product on selling floor
- Met and exceed sales goals
- Aided in visual merchandising and coordination of new product
- Assisted and helped on execution for in - store events
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance
- Generated new sales leads to achieve and exceed monthly sales goals
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing
Legal/Licensing Coordinator
F.A.B. Startpoint
06.2013 - 09.2014
- Assisted Director of Licensing in drafting and revising licensing agreements, letters of intents and other legal documents
- Maintained database of trademarks and patents for in-house designs
- Responded to inquiries pertaining to contractual obligations and limitations
- Managed product approval process from concept for final production for several categories for iconic character brand for 5 categories
- Liaised between Licensor, design and sales teams to ensure brand and sales objectives are met
- Reviewed reports to track sales performance; Identify and outline best-selling products, silhouettes for design inspiration
- Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
Fashion Closet Intern
W Magazine
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
Public Relations/Merchandising Intern
Anne O'Dowd Agency
09.2009 - 12.2009
- Organized store merchandise racks by size, style, and color
- Promoted seasonal products and trends to move stock and prepare for incoming inventory
- Created visual displays to highlight new and featured products
- Used props and lighting to enhance appearance and visibility of displays
- Developed visual merchandising plans and strategies to promote store offerings
- Proposed new ideas and concepts to enhance merchandise displays
Public Relations Intern
Adrienne Landau
06.2009 - 08.2009
- Developed original content for blog posts and website articles
- Helped plan and execute private, company, and client events
- Coordinated media events, photo opportunities and press interviews to drive client engagement
- Created media kits and utilized promotional materials to meet specific strategic initiatives
- Maintained and updated media contact lists and databases for ease of access
- Responded to media inquiries, monitored media coverage and created press reports to influence public narrative
- Cleaned, closed, and secured store at end of shift
- Dressed and accessorized mannequins to highlight featured clothing and accessories
Education
Master of Science - International Fashion Marketing
Glasgow Caledonian University
London, England05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Rider University
Trenton, NJ06.2011
Skills
- Software : Navisphere, Navison, SQL, Salesforce, BlueCherry, Simparel, Quality Works, Slack, Fashion GPS, MAC and MS Office, Photoshop, Google Drive, EDI, FedBuy; LOG, SPS, WEBI, Meridian, SAP, NuOrder
- Data Analysis
- Brand Awareness
- Logistics Evaluation
- Trend Assessment
- Assortment Planning
- Inventory Management
- Document Organization
- Trend assessment
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Critical Thinking
- Excellent Communication
- MS Office
- Assortment Planning
- Category Growth
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Professional Working
Timeline
Assistant Buyer
Hudson Group Inc.
09.2022 - Current
Chargeback Coordinator
Nespresso, Jhhf
07.2021 - 03.2022
Buying Assistant
Macy's Backstage
08.2018 - 07.2020
Sales Assistant
Jackson Handbags
07.2018 - 08.2018
Sales Assistant
Brooklyn Cloth
11.2017 - 04.2018
Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator
Monsieur Touton
03.2017 - 07.2017
Analyst
Jet.com
06.2016 - 03.2017
Marketing and Licensing Assistant
Vivienne Westwood
09.2015 - 11.2015
Sales Associate
JCREW
02.2015 - 11.2015
Legal/Licensing Coordinator
F.A.B. Startpoint
06.2013 - 09.2014
Fashion Closet Intern
W Magazine
05.2011 - 08.2011
Public Relations/Merchandising Intern
Anne O'Dowd Agency
09.2009 - 12.2009
Public Relations Intern
Adrienne Landau
06.2009 - 08.2009
Master of Science - International Fashion Marketing
Glasgow Caledonian University
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Rider University
Similar Profiles
Lesley GalindoLesley Galindo
Supervisor at Hudson Group Inc.Supervisor at Hudson Group Inc.
Sabina Y RashidSabina Y Rashid
Shift Supervisor at Hudson Group Inc.Shift Supervisor at Hudson Group Inc.
ARETHA M. SNADONARETHA M. SNADON
Sales Associate at Hudson Group Inc.Sales Associate at Hudson Group Inc.