Danielle Buckley
Cincinnati
Summary
Strategic merchandising and HR professional with over ten years of experience in driving sales growth and optimizing inventory management. Recently transitioned into HR leadership, demonstrating expertise in communication, data analysis, and organizational planning. Proven ability to identify performance trends and foster collaborative partnerships across functions. Committed to leveraging merchandising skills to enhance planning and profitability in a retail environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Lead
Designs Direct Creative Group
Covington
09.2023 - Current
- Oversaw all HR operations for creative company with over 50 employees.
- Led development of policies and process improvements to enhance organizational health.
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance management.
- Utilized data and analytics to inform strategic planning regarding staffing and retention.
Merchandise Strategist
Designs Direct Creative Group
Covington
12.2011 - 09.2023
- Guided merchandise planning decisions for retail buyers based on OTB and SKU performance.
- Optimized inventory flow, pricing strategy, and product mix to support approximately $3M in revenue.
- Aligned assortments with customer needs by collaborating with design, logistics, and sales teams.
- Conducted weekly performance analyses to adjust promotions and manage excess inventory effectively.
- Analyzed productivity and style-level ROI to recommend liquidations and assortment shifts.
- Trained new hires in merchandising department processes and best practices.
- Led special projects and analyzed product data to prepare executive-ready reports supporting business pivots.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Design
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH04-2008
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Design
International Academy of Design And Technology
Chicago, IL05-2004
Skills
- Merchandise planning and SKU analysis
- Sales forecasting and inventory optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- HR strategy and policy development
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Data analysis and reporting
- Employee training and engagement
- Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop proficiency
Key Achievements
- Increased SKU productivity by identifying gaps and shifting assortments toward high-performing categories.
- Played a pivotal role in maintaining key retail partnerships through on-time delivery and strategic inventory planning.
Earlier Experience
Costume Designer • Costume Castle — Cincinnati, OH • 2010 – 2011
- Designed and constructed costumes for theatrical productions; managed small team in costume shop operations.
Stylist & Visual Merchandiser • Ivy & Leo — Charlotte, NC • 2009 – 2010
- Selected inventory, styled visual displays, and delivered personalized customer service to drive boutique sales.
Timeline
HR Lead
Designs Direct Creative Group
09.2023 - Current
Merchandise Strategist
Designs Direct Creative Group
12.2011 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Design
University of Cincinnati
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Design
International Academy of Design And Technology
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