Cathy Cantu
Strongsville,Ohio
Summary
Detail-oriented professional bringing in-depth retail experience in diverse environments. First-rate planner, manager and communicator highly trained in purchasing and supply chain management. Proficient in managing purchasing needs in high-volume retail operations. Skilled research and forecasting abilities with strengths in communication and key relationship management.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Wilson Reading Systems Instructor
Self Employed
08.2011 - Current
- Certified Wilson Reading Systems Level II Instructor, a multisensory, structured literacy program.
- Developed individualized lesson plans tailored to each student''s unique learning needs and goals.
- Taught students remotely using online video chat platform.
Reading Specialist Substitute Teacher
Strongsville City Schools
09.2022 - Current
- Provided one-on-one and group tutoring sessions for struggling students, helping them improve academic performance and gain confidence in their abilities.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
Assortment Planner
Joann Fabrics
03.2002 - 10.2006
- Created seasonal financial plans to guarantee optimal inventory investment, increase merchandise flow, and reduce markdowns to maximize profitability.
- Reviewed historical data and joined forces with the buying team ensuring the right assortments were placed in stores at the optimal time.
- Tracked imported inventory and managed flow thorough distribution centers to ensure product arrived in store on time to attain sales plan.
- Traveled with buying team to China to source product and negotiate terms.
- Successfully managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines.
Website Content Manger
OfficeMax
06.2000 - 03.2002
- Managed content distribution across multiple channels, ensuring cohesive and consistent brand message.
- Coordinated with graphic design team to create visually appealing infographics.
- Strengthened content through proofreading and editing.
Commercial Sales Marketing Manager
OfficeMax
03.1999 - 06.2000
- Crafted persuasive marketing materials, including brochures and presentations, to support sales efforts.
- Orchestrated annual national sales meeting for 325 commercial sales associates.
- Created 9 OfficeMax catalogs.
Assistant Category Manager
OfficeMax
11.1997 - 03.1999
- Optimized product assortment by regularly reviewing sales performance and making data-driven decisions on SKU additions or discontinuations.
- Managed vendor contracts, ensuring adherence to terms while negotiating advantageous deals for the company.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, leading to better product availability and improved negotiation power.
- Analyzed cost of sourcing products thorough importing vs. domestic.
Replenishment Specialist - Furniture
OfficeMax
06.1996 - 11.1997
- Replenished Furniture for 650 stores and 12 Delivery Centers. Assessed historical sales data trends and seasonal fluctuations facilitating better anticipation of replenishment requirements.
- Supported sales team by providing timely updates on product availability, enabling informed decisions on promotions and pricing strategy.
- Forecasted purchase for vendor production.
- Ensured 100% in stock at store level for advertised merchandise.
Store Manager
Express
11.1992 - 06.1996
- Closely Monitored sales and made sure we were on track to make or exceed plan. Communicated sales goals to the team and updated our goals throughout the day.
- Managed all areas of business including merchandise presentation, scheduling of staff, payroll, shrink, cash control, opening and closing procedures.
- Recruited, hired and trained new staff members.
- Collaborated with merchandisers in Columbus Ohio every season to create innovative visual merchandising displays to be executed in all Express stores across the United States.
Education
BBA - Management And Marketing
Kent State University
Kent, OH12-1991
Skills
- Demand forecasting
- Vendor coordination
- Multi-tasking strength
- Relationship building and management
- Collaborative team work
- SAP
- Excel
- JDA
- Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
Timeline
Reading Specialist Substitute Teacher
Strongsville City Schools
09.2022 - Current
Wilson Reading Systems Instructor
Self Employed
08.2011 - Current
Assortment Planner
Joann Fabrics
03.2002 - 10.2006
Website Content Manger
OfficeMax
06.2000 - 03.2002
Commercial Sales Marketing Manager
OfficeMax
03.1999 - 06.2000
Assistant Category Manager
OfficeMax
11.1997 - 03.1999
Replenishment Specialist - Furniture
OfficeMax
06.1996 - 11.1997
Store Manager
Express
11.1992 - 06.1996
BBA - Management And Marketing
Kent State University
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