Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Bridget Hall-Stewart

Lake Oswego

Summary

I am eager to contribute my extensive experience in merchandising, product buying, and design to a leading global brand like Nike. With a robust background as a Brand Director, Buyer, and Product Manager, I have successfully driven product development initiatives and strategic merchandising efforts that align with market trends and consumer needs. My expertise in design enhances my ability to create visually compelling product assortments that resonate with diverse audiences.

Leveraging my skills in cost negotiation and supplier management, I optimize product offerings while ensuring profitability and quality. I am passionate about using data-driven insights to inform buying decisions and implement effective merchandising strategies that enhance brand engagement and elevate the customer experience.

I am excited to bring my unique blend of merchandising expertise, strategic buying acumen, and design innovation to Nike, driving business growth and profitability through compelling product offerings that resonate with consumers and exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand Director

Hall's Taekwondo Pty Ltd
11.2016 - Current
  • Assisted in developing brand strategies that align with market trends and consumer insights.
  • Supported the execution of marketing campaigns across various digital platforms to enhance brand visibility.
  • Conducted competitor analysis to inform branding decisions and identify growth opportunities.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and positioning.
  • Spearhead creative and strategic initiatives as the in-house Graphic Designer, crafting all visual and written materials to enhance brand identity and engagement.
  • Design and develop comprehensive marketing materials and ensuring consistency in messaging across all platforms.
  • Oversee the production of building and facility signage, ensuring effective communication of brand values and enhancing the overall environment of the facility.
  • Lead the management of digital content, including website updates and social media platforms, to drive engagement and increase brand visibility. Marketing campaigns, analyzing performance metrics to optimize future strategies.
  • Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
  • Coordinate closely with offshore suppliers to ensure timely product delivery while strategically managing pricing and implementing Open-to-Buy (OTB) strategies, which involve budget management and depth analysis to optimize inventory levels and maximize profitability across 6 full time facilities.
  • Managed social media accounts, engaging audiences and fostering community relations around brand initiatives.
  • Monitored and reported on brand performance metrics to guide strategic adjustments and enhancements.
  • Cultivated and enabled points of intersection between business opportunities and community-led initiatives.
  • Researched and identified new opportunities for product and brand development.

Buyer & Production Manager

Decjuba
08.2011 - 11.2016
  • Played a key role in planning and executing seasonal product ranges, identifying market trends and customer preferences to drive sales.
  • Developed strong long-term relationships with suppliers, negotiating costs, terms and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products while maintaining budgetary constraints.
  • Conducted regular analyses of best and slow-selling items, adjusting product selections and strategies to maximize sell-through rates.
  • Oversaw fabric and trim sourcing, ensuring alignment with seasonal trends and quality standards, while managing inventory effectively.
  • Implemented buying strategies that reduced FOB costs, resulting in increased profit margins and streamlined operations throughout the supply chain.
  • Conducted regular international travel to U.S and U.K
  • Analyzed market trends to identify potential purchasing opportunities and risks.
  • Trained junior buyers on procurement processes and best practices to enhance team performance.
  • Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.

Account Manager & Product Developer

Covert Fashion
11.2010 - 08.2011
  • Led the development of styles for womenswear and childrenswear accounts, managing a team of graphic, design and production staff to ensure high-quality outcomes.
  • Conducted regular international travel to China for production check-ups, fostering relationships with suppliers and negotiating costs to achieve competitive pricing.
  • Responsible for organizing sampling from initial designs to production, ensuring all specifications and quality standards were met.
  • Collaborated closely with the Quality Assurance department, negotiating product approvals and addressing any discrepancies or issues that arose during production.
  • Successfully presented new product lines to key retail partners, including K-mart and Myer, resulting in significant orders and increased market presence.
  • Led strategic account planning sessions to align client needs with company objectives.
  • Traveled extensively to China

Design & Product Assistant

Witchery
10.2009 - 11.2010
  • Assisted the lead designer in all aspects of the design process, from initial concept development through to final production, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
  • Conducted market research to identify fashion trends and color palettes, providing valuable insights that informed product development.
  • Managed communication with offshore suppliers, coordinating sample development and ensuring that production timelines were met.
  • Responsible for the approval of lab dips and trims, maintaining quality control throughout the production process to protect brand integrity.
  • Developed visual merchandising strategies in collaboration with the marketing and PR teams, enhancing the presentation of products in-store and online.
  • Coordinated product development activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines and stakeholder expectations.
  • Streamlined communication between cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration on product launches.

Account Coordinator & Designer

Covert Fashion
03.2008 - 10.2009
  • Managed the efficient production of children’s wear, overseeingcustomer service, administrative duties, and liaising with clients todeliver exceptional results.
  • Ensured all fit samples were accurately measured and met specifications, facilitating timely communication with offshore factories.
  • Developed and maintained robust relationships with suppliers,ensuring all shipping and production schedules were adhered to.
  • Championed the development of storyboards and graphic design direction, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market demands. Managed client communications to ensure alignment on project deliverables and timelines.
  • Implemented tracking systems for monitoring account progress and reporting outcomes effectively.
  • Traveled extensively to China

Education

Bachelor of Design & Business -

Melbourne School Of Fashion
Melbourne, Australia
12-2007

Graduate - Graduated Year 12 (VCE)

Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School
Melbourne, Australia
12-2004

Skills

  • Creative Design: Proficient in graphic design tools (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) to create cohesive visual branding
  • Brand Management: Expertise in developing and executing effective branding strategies
  • Product Development: Strong background in overseeing product design and ensuring market alignment
  • Marketing Communications: Skilled in creating promotional content and managing digital marketing campaigns
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Supplier Relations: Extensive experience in negotiating and managing vendor relationships
  • Trend Analysis: Ability to identify market trends and translate insights into actionable strategies
  • Team Leadership: Experience managing teams and mentoring staff
  • Digital Marketing: Competent in SEO and social media management across multiple platforms
  • Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality assurance and brand consistency

Awards

Featured in Fashion Journal Magazine (Autumn 2008)

Costume Designer for Australia’s Got Talent Finalists (2008)

Article in Rag Trader (March 9, 2007)

Artisian Military Award (2007)

Graduated top of class, Student of the Year (2006)

Artistic Award for Excellence & Design (2004) 

Prefect & House Captain at Lowther Hall A.G.S (2004) 

Timeline

Brand Director

Hall's Taekwondo Pty Ltd
11.2016 - Current

Buyer & Production Manager

Decjuba
08.2011 - 11.2016

Account Manager & Product Developer

Covert Fashion
11.2010 - 08.2011

Design & Product Assistant

Witchery
10.2009 - 11.2010

Account Coordinator & Designer

Covert Fashion
03.2008 - 10.2009

Bachelor of Design & Business -

Melbourne School Of Fashion

Graduate - Graduated Year 12 (VCE)

Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School