Jennifer Witkowski
Gahanna,Ohio
Summary
Solution oriented professional with a strong background in relationship building and business analysis. Proven track record of developing and executing strategies to maximize sales and profits and minimize risk. Considered valuable asset to any team.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Buyer
DSW
11.2022 - Current
- Manage a $40M annual business with a plan increase of $4M over the prior year
- Develop, present and execute this business strategy through recognizing trends, white space opportunities and analyzing sales weekly to minimize risk and optimize trends while ensuring company objectives are met and listening to the customer needs and wants
- Increased supplier efficiency by negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships with vendors
- Mentor 4 associates who all have different personalities and goals, one who I guided through an interview process and then was recently promoted
Buyer
Groupon
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed a $15M annual business, 20 categories including over 2k SKUs which required efficient time management
- Supported a $1M growth strategy and financial plan by identifying new opportunities through cold calling and presenting our value proposition to national brands and manufacturers which established new partnerships
- Facilitated creative monthly Career Development virtual presentations as the committee leader
Senior Account Manager
Atrium
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Responsible for managing a $5M annual portfolio of profitable and established procurement accounts while developing a network of new business
- Maintained high client satisfaction and retention by delivering $500k growth through innovation and customer insight
- Led development of products, coordinated pricing, invoicing, shipping and distribution logistics for products with both domestic and international points of origin.
Senior Buyer
Justice – Ascena Retail Group
04.2013 - 03.2020
- Managed a $90 million business, setting records for sales and margin dollars for three consecutive seasons
- Drove double digit growth for eight consecutive seasons by implementing chase strategy
- Developed new promotional strategy for BTS products selling season to increase sales and profitability
- Negotiated costs, quantities, payment terms, product details and exclusivity terms with vendors
- Created and presented strategies to executive team, leadership, and cross functional partners to gain alignment
- Product development with third party vendors to fill white space in assortment with a speed model
- Patterned competition, identified relevant trends, traveled and searched for new sources/vendors/inspiration
- Coached and developed team members through multiple leadership changes and company challenges, promoted 3 assistant merchants to associate merchants
- Acting interim VP MM, attended all leadership meetings and drove total specialty division strategy while continuing to successfully drive individual departments.
Buyer
Express
09.2010 - 04.2013
- Managed a $105 million business; drove product improvements, rebalanced and repositioned the assortment to achieve a trend change with +8% sales increase and +5% margin increase
- Implemented testing strategy in department to minimize risk, 75% of assortment was proven to be a top seller before going to total company
- Built and presented a balanced assortment to President, GMM, and senior management for seasonal meetings
Buyer
Torrid
04.2006 - 09.2010
- Managed the execution of product development, sourcing and buying totaling annual volume of $55M
- Traveled both internationally and domestically to research market trends and develop product for assortment
Assistant Buyer
Lane Bryant
06.2003 - 04.2006
- Supported Buyer through researching new suppliers and vendors and identifying trends
Education
Bachelor of Science, Fashion Merchandising -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH06.2003
Skills
- Business Plan Development
- Budget Planning and Execution
- Relationship Building
- Demand Forecasting
- Business Objective Analysis
- Presentation Skills
- Coaching and Mentoring Team
- Identify White Space in Assortment
- Prioritize Customer Wants/Needs
- Manage Life Cycle of Product
- Analytical Problem Solver
- Customer Trend Analysis
Awards
- Nominated as Sponsored Listings champion which provided marketing support to both team members and vendors (April 2022)
- Winner of 6 “Hearts on Fire” awards that recognize Justice employees who go above and beyond
- Presented growth initiative in company town hall that streamed globally to over 500 associates (May 2018)
- Received JAM - an award given by a peer, recognized for being a great teacher and mentor (Spring 2017)
- Winner of Specialty division courage award for challenging status quo and being a role model (BTS 2016)
Timeline
Buyer
DSW
11.2022 - Current
Buyer
Groupon
08.2021 - 11.2022
Senior Account Manager
Atrium
09.2020 - 08.2021
Senior Buyer
Justice – Ascena Retail Group
04.2013 - 03.2020
Buyer
Express
09.2010 - 04.2013
Buyer
Torrid
04.2006 - 09.2010
Assistant Buyer
Lane Bryant
06.2003 - 04.2006
Bachelor of Science, Fashion Merchandising -
The Ohio State University