Amanda J. Kettner
Slinger,WI
Summary
Strategic leader with expertise in developing innovative revenue channels and optimizing business models to drive results. Proven ability to build and sustain high-performing teams and partnerships. Strong focus on long-term growth and operational efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development
Alpha Custom Apparel
West Bend, WI
09.2023 - Current
- Drove start-up strategy for retail, wholesale, corporate, and non-profit partnerships, added over 100 new customers and built half of the company sales volume.
- Developed an offshore sourcing network that improved gross margin by 25 bp while maintaining on-time delivery and fueling innovative product offering.
- Created communication and business tools to enhance learning and streamline processes.
- Developed contractual and planning tools to manage supplier and customer partnerships effectively.
- Cultivated a fun, productive culture that fostered team synergy in a competitive environment.
Senior Category Manager, IT Professional Services
Johnson Controls Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for $500M IT Professional Services spend, supporting ERP transformation, enterprise applications, and software-embedded product categories.
- Accomplishments in this role include managing the largest business process outsourcing RFP in the company’s IT history, resulting in 10% operational savings, $30M in capital spend reductions and a 17% increase in trade working capital while strengthening supplier relationships.
- Reduced risk by aligning contractual terms with business processes through training programs for over 500 Project Managers and IT Delivery Leaders.
- Selected by the legal team to lead confidential negotiations on cyber security and data breach matters
- Recognized as a subject matter expert within the procurement team for developing an RFP framework and leading early talent development initiatives.
Strategic Sourcing Manager – Brand Label Product
Johnson Controls Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Built best practice and strategic process for $450M Brand Label spend in a newly created role as I expanded my career into the manufacturing industry.
- Created a data driven blueprint to identify 85 high risk suppliers that made up 50% of the category spend, then defined both current and future state requirements for data management and reporting, creating a framework for ownership and governance.
- Developed a suite of work products to support complex contract negotiations and robust supplier vetting, which reduced risk for product quality, scalability, warranty, and liability.
- Influenced a new organizational structure to improve development and retention within existing procurement teams while carving out a strategic home for Brand Label business.
- Trained over 50 Category Managers on the process globally and led large-volume Private Label contract negotiations across Fire, Security, and HVAC Business Units, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure all requirements were met.
- Nominated to lead the Global Products Procurement initiatives for Secure Sourcing and Future Leaders Internship Program, then selected by Executive Management to join the JCI Women in Leadership Training Program.
Multi-Channel Category Manager, Women’s Athletic Footwear
Kohl’s Department Stores
Menomonee Falls, WI
06.2016 - 02.2020
- Led the turnaround strategy for a $440M national brand business while the company evolved into an Omni-Channel Organization.
- Increased sales volume by $80M within 2 years while exceeding turn and margin goals.
- Strategically negotiated $100M in vendor-supported inventory reductions that fueled inventory turn, all while maintaining strong partnerships.
- Streamlined lifecycle management and pricing strategy which profitably reduced aged inventory by $27M, less than 3% of the total.
- Improved the customer experience increased productivity that warranted a 25% expansion in floor space.
- Awarded Buying Office of the Quarter for 4 successive quarters and personally received accolades by executive leadership.
- Launched 2 new national brands and redefined the structure of 2 mature brands in this timeframe.
- Led the efforts for Omni-Channel Planning Tools and Training & Development for the Footwear Division.
Category Manager, Frames & Decorative Art
Kohl’s Department Stores
Menomonee Falls, WI
09.2011 - 05.2016
- Orchestrated a successful $275M business transformation strategy, driving the business to a positive comp in 2014, the first in 5 years.
- Implemented a market-wide test strategy to swiftly identify new product trends, price points, and advertising that created speed to market and a better customer experience; resulted in exceeding gross margin plan for 8 consecutive seasons.
- Developed a seamless planning process between the brick and mortar and ecommerce channels, achieving a 40% year-over-year comp within the Digital business.
- Collaborated with Human Resources to revamp the Planner Training Program, earning 'The Greatness Award' from Senior Leadership.
- Led the Home Division as the expert in OTB Management and JDA Enterprise Planning.
Category Manager, Children’s Footwear
Kohl’s Department Stores
Menomonee Falls, WI
10.2007 - 08.2011
- Successfully managed a $260M private label and national brand business, resulting in a significant increase in annual volume from 2008-2011.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by driving a 30% private brand penetration, leading to a notable 130bp improvement in gross margin.
- Mentored a team of 5 and served as the Divisional SME for JDA Enterprise & Ecommerce Planning, as well as Professional Training & Development.
Managing Consultant, Test Lead
IBM Global Services – Supply Chain Management/Retail
08.2004 - 09.2007
- Drove the development of 4 Oracle Retail Planning Applications, cross-functional team interaction best practices, approval processes and governance standards from an organizational perspective; led the business team through UAT testing, completed ahead of plan and was offered a full-time role with the client.
Assistant Buyer/Associate Buyer/Replenishment Manager/Manager of Merch Systems Support
Frank’s Nursery & Crafts
07.2000 - 07.2004
- Promoted 4 times in 4 years by driving automated solutions across the Replenishment, Planning & Merchant systems; gaining management experience and cross-functional leadership responsibilities across the organization.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University
Skills
- Sales & sourcing strategy
- Category Management
- Supplier management
- Contract negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Market analysis
Professional Volunteer Involvement
- Networking Lead for ACA - Slinger Business Network, West Bend Chamber of Commerce, ABC of Wisconsin
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Event Volunteer, 2007 – Present
- MSU SCM Counsel, Lead for JCI Global Products Procurement, 2020-2023
- JCI Women’s Global Network BRG & Women In Leadership Program, 2021-2023
Timeline
Director of Business Development
Alpha Custom Apparel
09.2023 - Current
Senior Category Manager, IT Professional Services
Johnson Controls Inc.
11.2021 - 07.2023
Strategic Sourcing Manager – Brand Label Product
Johnson Controls Inc.
03.2020 - 10.2021
Multi-Channel Category Manager, Women’s Athletic Footwear
Kohl’s Department Stores
06.2016 - 02.2020
Category Manager, Frames & Decorative Art
Kohl’s Department Stores
09.2011 - 05.2016
Category Manager, Children’s Footwear
Kohl’s Department Stores
10.2007 - 08.2011
Managing Consultant, Test Lead
IBM Global Services – Supply Chain Management/Retail
08.2004 - 09.2007
Assistant Buyer/Associate Buyer/Replenishment Manager/Manager of Merch Systems Support
Frank’s Nursery & Crafts
07.2000 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University