Arielle Brown
Sr. Category Manager
Dallas,TX
Summary
With over 15 years of experience as a Senior Category Manager, this strategic and results-oriented professional excels at driving category growth, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing supply chain processes. Expertise lies in leveraging data-driven insights to develop and execute effective category strategies that deliver tangible results. Has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, negotiating with suppliers, and achieving significant cost savings while enhancing category performance.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Category Manager
McKesson Corporation
09.2020 - Current
- Developed and executed strategic category plans with a strong focus on private label, leading to an increase in private label penetration of x%.
- Fostered a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating collaboratively with cross-functional teams to align category strategies with corporate goals and enhance overall category performance.
- Analyzed market trends and customer data to drive actionable insights, resulting in a x% improvement in category performance and alignment with market demands.
- Negotiate and establish vendor partnerships, securing favorable terms, and reducing excess inventory by $10M.
- Mitigated business risk and improved customer lead times through thoughtful supplier network design.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing coaching, mentoring, and training to junior category managers and analysts.
Enterprise Merchandise Buyer, Apparel
JCPenney Company
06.2017 - 09.2020
- Defined and executed the go-to-market strategy and grew sales by 45% comp in the ecommerce channel, resulting in being the #1 business unit in the Children's division.
- Managed a cross-functional team of 9 members, coordinating efforts across departments to achieve business goals.
- Contributed to annual budget planning by providing accurate sales forecasts based on historical data analysis and future market trends.
- Successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, including design, product development, sourcing, and marketing, on the relaunch of private label brand Okie Dokie, focusing on new customer acquisition.
Associate Buyer, Men’s Tailored Clothing
JCPenney Company
06.2015 - 05.2017
- Drove strategies and managed the suited separates and topcoat business that produced over $100M in omni-channel sales annually.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data, driving better-informed buying decisions that increased sales +31% over the previous year.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings by conducting thorough spend analysis reviews across various product categories.
Associate Buyer, Fashion Silver
JCPenney Company
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Enhanced the fashion silver business by +10% over the previous year, while reducing excess stock and increasing turnover rates, and gross profit return on investment.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, resulting in more effective product selections and increased profitability.
- Built lasting partnerships with suppliers through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, fostering trust and reliability within the supply chain network.
Assistant Buyer/Assortment Planner
JCPenney Company
02.2008 - 04.2013
- Achieved financial goals and surpassed expectations by shifting business to alternative metals.
- Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
- Facilitated communication between suppliers and logistics teams, ensuring timely delivery of products.
Business Analyst
JCPenney Company
07.2005 - 01.2008
- Actively participated in team meetings to share knowledge, exchange ideas, address challenges, and collaborate on potential solutions.
- Implemented best-practice methodologies that improved overall project delivery timelines while maintaining quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing Management
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 01.2005 - 05.2005
Skills
Category Management
Cross-Functional Leadership
Private Label Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Strategic Planning & Execution
Market Analysis
Inventory Optimization
Product Management
Negotiation expertise
Data Analytics
Project Management
Toolstechnology
- SAP/ Workday/ MS Office Proficient (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Teams)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Google Docs
- Google Drive
- Google Calendar
- Google Plus
- Dropbox
- Oracle
Organizations
- American Purchasing Society
- Association for Supply Chain Management
Awards
- JCPenney Founders Award #1 MAT
- JCPenney Chairman’s Award
Timeline
Sr. Category Manager
McKesson Corporation
09.2020 - Current
Enterprise Merchandise Buyer, Apparel
JCPenney Company
06.2017 - 09.2020
Associate Buyer, Men’s Tailored Clothing
JCPenney Company
06.2015 - 05.2017
Associate Buyer, Fashion Silver
JCPenney Company
05.2013 - 05.2015
Assistant Buyer/Assortment Planner
JCPenney Company
02.2008 - 04.2013
Business Analyst
JCPenney Company
07.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing Management
University of Arkansas
01.2005 - 05.2005