Amanda Hartman
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS,IL
Summary
Experienced with strategic planning and project management. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence. Track record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Production, Jewelry
Claire's
09.2024 - Current
- Oversee production functions for all Jewelry departments, making up 40% of Claire's total business
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- New function within Claire's, that I have been a part of building and developing
- Manage vendor relationships
- Reduce costs by xx% for Holiday buys, makes up xx% of ttl year receipts
- Shift production outside of China, have grown receipts out of Vietnam by xx% for Holiday buys
- Lead a team of 5
Director of Merchandising, Pierced Jewelry
Claire's
08.2021 - 09.2024
- Manage and oversee Earring and Specialty Jewelry businesses, accounting for $xx in annual sales, 20% of Claire's business
- Identify product and pricing opportunities in market through market visits and competitive research
- Work with Global merchants and design to identify and develop exclusive product needs for the business
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with members in cross-functional teams; product development, planning, marketing and in store presentation
- Develop line plans and product strategy for all channels
- Lead and manage a team of 7 merchants fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development
Senior Buyer, Fashion Tree Earrings
Claire's
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Lead merchant for Fashion Tree Earring business, accounting $110M in annual sales and driving 8% of company sales
- Managed highest gross margin department
- Drove growth for five consecutive seasons and drove $6.0M in additional sales in 2021 compared to 2017
- Partner with planning team to manage all aspects of business from financial plans, maintaining productive inventory levels and building high level strategies for the department
- Manage strong partnerships with overseas vendors which account for 95% of the business
- Successfully promoted 4 assistant buyers to associate buyers from 2017-2020
Buyer, Fashion Earrings
Claire's
08.2011 - 07.2014
- Achieved growth for five consecutive seasons, reaching $90M in annual sales
- Align with planning team to manage $100M open to buy, develop assortment plans, manage SKU count, calculate reorders and identify markdowns
- Developed, introduced and launched successful categories to Claire’s business, including ear cuffs, 14K gold plated earrings, sterling silver necklaces and rings
- Train, mentor, and develop assistant to effectively become a successful buyer
- Create global, trend right assortment for customers
- Maintain relationships with overseas vendors to create styling, negotiate costs, ensure timely shipments and explain testing standards
- Partner with marketing, in-store presentation, quality control and logistics to drive and improve sales
Associate Buyer, Fashion Earrings, Personal Accessories
Claire's
04.2007 - 08.2011
- Generate and analyze weekly reports to aid with managing business and driving sales
- Effectively communicate with vendors daily to manage orders, quality and shipments
- Collaborate with the in store presentation team in order to ensure product was presented in an effective way in store
- Work in partnership with buyer to create assortments and plan monthly product flow
Assistant Buyer, Personal Accessories
Claire's
09.2005 - 04.2007
- Organize and streamline daily tasks for department
- Communicate with vendors to confirm orders, request model store samples and track late shipments
- React quickly to source new opportunities to vendors
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising and Design, Business Administration
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois05.2005
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Team management
Timeline
Director of Production, Jewelry
Claire's
09.2024 - Current
Director of Merchandising, Pierced Jewelry
Claire's
08.2021 - 09.2024
Senior Buyer, Fashion Tree Earrings
Claire's
06.2018 - 08.2021
Buyer, Fashion Earrings
Claire's
08.2011 - 07.2014
Associate Buyer, Fashion Earrings, Personal Accessories
Claire's
04.2007 - 08.2011
Assistant Buyer, Personal Accessories
Claire's
09.2005 - 04.2007
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising and Design, Business Administration
Illinois State University
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