JENNIFER LEAN
Albany,NY
Summary
Strategic, results-driven operations, product, and sales leader with 14+ years of experience accelerating revenue growth, optimizing supply chains, and building omni-channel strategies within consumer goods and e-commerce. Proven success in scaling brands, driving operational efficiency, developing products end-to-end, and strengthening customer and vendor relationships. Recognized for cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to streamline processes to support rapid growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations & Sales
Pretty Rugged
Latham, NY
11.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: Pretty Rugged is an e-commerce brand selling windproof, waterproof, and washable blankets, women’s outerwear, and accessories. The brand has been featured on Shark Tank, Oprah’s Favorite Things, Forbes, CNN, and at Super Bowl LVIII.
- Led full product sourcing and development lifecycle. Collaborated with overseas factories from concept through production, quality control, and delivery.
- Scaled wholesale revenue by expanding into boutique retail (300+ stores), hospitality (50+ resorts and country clubs), and university licensing (4 programs), driving significant multi-vertical growth.
- Oversaw all day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, scalability, and alignment across product, operations, sales, finance, and marketing.
- Negotiated supplier pricing. Managed tariffs and international logistics using both DDP and FOB methods, reducing costs and improving margins.
- Designed trade show booths and brand experiences that increased visibility and strengthened relationships with key retail and wholesale partners.
- Managed budgeting, cash flow, and expenses to support sustainable scaling and profitability.
- Directed inventory planning, purchasing, and forecasting to support growth and seasonal demand.
- Partnered with the Marketing Director to achieve 618% DTC revenue growth, including improvements in e-commerce optimization, customer retention, and integrated marketing campaigns.
- Cultivated long-term, collaborative relationships with key accounts, internal teams, and agency partners.
Product Manager
Macy's
New York, NY
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Managed sourcing and development for three men's private label sportswear brands with annual sales of $100M.
- Drove end-to-end product development across fabric sourcing, cost negotiation, pricing, and production oversight.
- Monitored daily sales performance and implemented actions to maximize margin and profitability.
- Negotiated vendor costs to meet target mark-ups, and improved overall margin performance.
- Collaborated with buyers and planners on brand strategy, seasonal buys, and reorder plans aligned with customer demand and market trends.
- Finalized style placements with buyers, collaborating with the design, color, and technical teams.
- I traveled internationally to factories to oversee production.
Associate Product Manager
Macy's
New York, NY
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Managed sourcing and development for men’s private label sportswear brands.
- Analyzed daily sales trends, and responded quickly to drive profitability.
- Negotiated vendor costs to surpass required markups.
- Partnered with buyers and planners on brand strategy.
- Partnered across merchandising, design, technical, and overseas teams to ensure alignment and quality.
- Trained and managed two product assistants and summer interns.
Product Assistant
Macy's
New York, NY
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Completed the Macy's Product Development Training Program.
- Created order sheets, reconciled orders, and managed purchase orders with overseas partners.
- Supported the development of eight seasonal collections per year.
Education
Bachelor of Science - International Trade & Marketing
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY01.2003
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05-2001
Skills
- Supply chain optimization
- Vendor negotiation and management
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Customer relationship management
- Product development and strategy
- Data-driven decision making
- Operations management and planning
Affiliations
- Vice President, Board of Directors at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center
- Schenectady Jewish Community Center Gala Co-Chair
- Schenectady Jewish Community Center Fundraising Co-Chair
Timeline
Vice President of Operations & Sales
Pretty Rugged
11.2018 - Current
Product Manager
Macy's
01.2008 - 01.2013
Associate Product Manager
Macy's
01.2007 - 01.2008
Product Assistant
Macy's
01.2004 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - International Trade & Marketing
Fashion Institute of Technology
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology