Seasoned Buyer bringing in-depth retail and professional 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.
Hi, I’m
Jessica Bittorf
Hilliard,OH
Summary
Overview
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Designer Brands, Inc
SENIOR BUYER
07.2011 - 03.2025
Job overview
- Throughout my time at Designer Brands, I bought and managed various footwear and accessories categories across multiple banners, including DSW, Stein Mart, Gordman's and Hy-Vee
- Achieved up to $190M in annual sales and managed a team of up to five Associates
- Analyzed business performance weekly and evaluated strategy shifts as the business evolved
- Managed a vendor base of 50+ vendor partners, working to develop, purchase, and flow product to best meet the needs of the customer
- Monitored Industry and Fashion trends, determining relevancy and how to best interpret them
- Minimized duplication through cross-functional style reviews
- Grew Exclusive Brands, working cross-functionally with Product Development team
- Engaged with Planning on pre-season, in-season, and Key Item plans to maximize opportunities
- Selected markdowns based on seasonality, performance beneath expectations, and end of life
- Developed niche businesses to complement the core
- Increased Digital footprint and profitability through owned inventory and vendor dropship
- Contributed to the growth of my direct reports and the broader merchant organization by helping to design and deliver Merchant University courses for Merch Clerks, Assistant Buyers, and Associate Buyers
Sears Holdings Corporation
BUYER
11.2006 - 06.2011
Job overview
- Purchased Work Boots/Shoes and Men's Footwear for 880 Sears Full Line Stores (up to $125M annually)
- Fostered vendor partnerships, including price negotiation and collection of vendor subsidy (totaling $1.4M in 2010, a 55% increase to plan)
- Developed product in conjunction with SHC Direct Sourcing and Indirect Agents for Sears' private brands
- Aligned with Planning on markdown strategy and sales forecasts by week and day for each category
- Actively participated in the Marketing process: Selected candidates for Marketing vehicles, Provided estimates for features and input on concept alignment, Proofed ad art and copy, Ensured all items were loaded for transmission of promotional pricing and signage to the stores
- Partnered with Marketing to develop Sears' first Work Shoe catalog, with distribution of 2.5 Million copies in September 2007
- Mentored and trained members of the Sears Holdings Buyer Apprentice Program in 2008 and 2009
- Served as a Subject Matter Expert for the rollout of Sears' Assortment Planning system
Belk, Inc
STORE ALLOCATOR
11.2004 - 11.2006
Job overview
- Managed initial allocation and replenishment of footwear and boys' apparel in 275 stores, $115 Million in volume
- Identified high trend items and recommended reorders to Buyers
- Monitored inventory levels for advertised items and worked with Buying to ensure high in-stock levels at the time of the ad
- Built store inventories for National Sales Events and Peak Seasonal Selling
- Updated and maintained vendor matrix to ensure assortment integrity within the stores
- Received 'Allocator of the Month' award in July and August 2005 for outstanding sales performance
- Received 'Team Award' for outstanding sales and margin performance in April 2006
Famous Footwear
ASSORTMENT PLANNING MANAGER/ALLOCATOR
04.2001 - 11.2004
Job overview
- Built assortments to meet needs of various customer groups at the style level for Kid's shoes ($60 Million) in 950 stores
- Accurately managed inventory flow to maintain size effectiveness
- Provided direction to Allocation for product distribution
- Continually provided Buyer with updated OTB information and remaining assortment needs
- Traveled and attended Vendor Meetings with Buyer to effectively translate and execute the Buying Vision
- Distributed initial purchase orders and replenished stores weekly for area volumes totaling up to $110 Million annually
- Monitored store inventory levels and analyzed sales trends and item performance on an ongoing basis
Education
University of Wisconsin - MadisonMadison, WI
Bachelor of Arts Degree from International Relations
University Overview
Skills
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Influencing Skills
- Purchasing Strategy
- Industry Expertise
- Market Trend Analysis
- Customer Focus
- Quantitative Analysis
- Strategic Vendor Negotiations
- Category Management
- Forecasting
Timeline
SENIOR BUYER
Designer Brands, Inc
07.2011 - 03.2025
BUYER
Sears Holdings Corporation
11.2006 - 06.2011
STORE ALLOCATOR
Belk, Inc
11.2004 - 11.2006
ASSORTMENT PLANNING MANAGER/ALLOCATOR
Famous Footwear
04.2001 - 11.2004
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Arts Degree from International Relations
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