Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Heloisa Rito

Rye,NY

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Product Development and Brand Manager with over a decade of experience in the fashion, sportswear, and retail industries. Proven leadership in driving product innovation, enhancing brand positioning, and optimizing supply chain operations. Expert in managing cross-functional teams, supplier negotiations, and strategic planning. Adept at overseeing end-to-end product lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market demands. Recognized for strong analytical skills, market trend awareness, and the ability to deliver high-quality products within tight deadlines.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Product Development Coordinator

Lemon Jelly
09.2022 - 06.2023
  • Directed a multidisciplinary team of 4 in the development of injected fashion footwear collections, aligning product innovation with market trends and sales objectives.
  • Spearheaded the design and execution of seasonal collections, driving product lines that enhanced customer satisfaction and sales growth.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional departments, including sales, marketing, communications, and logistics, to streamline product launches and ensure alignment with corporate goals.
  • Conducted in-depth market research and consumer trend analysis to identify innovative materials and production techniques, resulting in improved product quality and differentiation.
  • Managed factory production timelines, ensuring strict adherence to delivery schedules while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Delivered comprehensive reports with key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide decision-making processes and measure product development success.

Head of Product Development & Sourcing

Ativo Kids
08.2021 - 08.2022
  • Led a product development team of 4, overseeing the design and execution of children's fashion collections that met both market demands and company growth targets.
  • Successfully restructured the brand’s vision and strategic positioning, enhancing its market competitiveness and driving revenue growth.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to optimize production costs and delivery schedules, resulting in improved profitability and operational efficiency.
  • Directed the sourcing strategy, ensuring that materials and manufacturing processes aligned with both quality standards and cost-efficiency goals.

Product Development Manager

Deeply Europe
02.2018 - 07.2020
  • Led the end-to-end development of casual surfwear collections, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.
  • Defined brand differentiation and positioning strategies, assessing target markets and spearheading the internationalization efforts of the brand.
  • Oversaw the production process, managing both local and international sourcing to ensure timely delivery and product quality.
  • Collaborated closely with design, logistics, and sales teams to optimize the product lifecycle from concept to final production, ensuring operational efficiency.

Product & Brand Manager

Sport Zone - Sports Goods Chain
07.2012 - 02.2018
  • Developed and executed comprehensive brand positioning and differentiation strategies, driving growth across multiple sports brands.
  • Managed the financial performance of product lines, including budget allocation for purchasing and sales, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
  • Led market analysis and benchmarking to establish competitive Retail Selling Prices (RSP), optimizing product profitability across international markets.
  • Directed the development of sportswear collections, focusing on innovation and market relevance throughout the product development process.
  • Negotiated pricing, production timelines, and delivery schedules with local and international suppliers, ensuring cost control and product availability.
  • Implemented corrective and preventive actions to address supply chain challenges, minimizing disruptions and ensuring timely product launches.
  • Conducted ongoing market research, attending global trade fairs and key international markets to stay ahead of industry trends and identify growth opportunities.

Commercial Manager

Sport Zone - Sports Goods Chain
01.2009 - 07.2012
  • Managed the product portfolio across various sports categories, driving the development of private-label products to enhance market competitiveness.
  • Developed tailored product assortments for individual stores, optimizing the product offering based on local market needs and consumer demand.
  • Led the budgeting process for sales, inventory, and profit margins, focusing on store-specific performance metrics to drive commercial success.
  • Analyzed consumer behavior and market trends, identifying new business opportunities and adapting product strategies to meet evolving customer needs.
  • Collaborated with Asian suppliers to identify cost-effective production options, successfully negotiating favorable terms to maximize product margins and profitability.

Stock Manager

Sonae - Non Food Product
07.2006 - 01.2009
  • Managed the supply chain and stock levels for Continente stores, overseeing both permanent and promotional product ranges.
  • Ensured alignment with key performance indicators, coordinating closely with Logistics and Operations teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Analyzed sales forecasts and historical data to improve inventory management processes, reducing excess stock and optimizing product availability.
  • Led the commercial management of discontinued items, driving sales through effective stock clearance strategies.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Economics And Management

Portuguese Catholic University
Porto, Portugal
06.2008

Skills

  • Product Development & Sourcing
  • Brand Strategy & Positioning
  • Supplier Negotiation
  • Market Research & Trend Analysis
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • ERP & PLM Systems
  • Strategic Planning & Budgeting
  • Quality Assurance & Process Optimization
  • International Market Expansion

Languages

Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
English
Professional Working
Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Product Development Coordinator

Lemon Jelly
09.2022 - 06.2023

Head of Product Development & Sourcing

Ativo Kids
08.2021 - 08.2022

Product Development Manager

Deeply Europe
02.2018 - 07.2020

Product & Brand Manager

Sport Zone - Sports Goods Chain
07.2012 - 02.2018

Commercial Manager

Sport Zone - Sports Goods Chain
01.2009 - 07.2012

Stock Manager

Sonae - Non Food Product
07.2006 - 01.2009

Bachelor of Science - Economics And Management

Portuguese Catholic University
Heloisa Rito