Jessica Coates
Centerton,AR
Summary
Retail sales professional versed in product placement and merchandising. Extensive experience in inventory management, shipment processing, omni strategy execution, P&L management and supplier engagement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Merchant
Walmart
04.2023 - Current
- Lead pricing strategy and execution for assigned product categories, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and customer needs
- Negotiate pricing and promotional agreements with suppliers and vendors to drive profitable growth and enhance customer value
- Develop and implement pricing models and methodologies to optimize assortment and maximize sales and margin, both in-store and online
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Sourcing, and other teams to design, develop, and launch new products for Private Brands
- Utilize market research, data analysis, and competitive intelligence to inform pricing decisions and identify improvement opportunities and negotiate with suppliers
- Monitor and analyze pricing performance metrics, making data-driven recommendations for adjustments and enhancements
- Set and execute modular assortment updates
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and business partners to drive collaborative initiatives and ensure alignment with category strategy
- Stay abreast of industry trends, consumer preferences, and market dynamics to anticipate changes and proactively adjust pricing and assortment strategies
- Drive continuous improvement in pricing processes and methodologies, identifying and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Category Manager
Wayfair
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Developed detailed sales forecasts based on historical data, allowing for proactive inventory management decisions.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for customers.
- Monitored industry trends to identify new business opportunities and emerging product categories for expansion.
- Reduced inventory costs through effective vendor negotiations and optimizing product assortments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop promotional campaigns that effectively increased category awareness and sales growth.
- Analyzed sales performance and adjusted marketing strategies to optimize revenue generation.
- Implemented data-driven pricing strategies to maximize profit margins while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Conducted competitor analysis to stay informed about market dynamics and adjust strategic plans accordingly.
Assistant Buyer
Dillard's
06.2016 - 07.2020
- Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.
- Maintained accurate purchase order records, ensuring timely delivery of goods and smooth communication with vendors.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted advertising campaigns, highlighting key product features and driving sales growth.
- Managed open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking expenditures and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
- Assisted in creating engaging visual displays by providing input on product placement and selection based on sales data analysis.
- Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
- Generated financial detailing performance metrics and savings achieved through strategic buying.
- Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.
Education
- Graphic Design
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville2014
- Graphic Design
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS2012
Skills
- Merchandising Strategies
- Pricing strategy
- Marketing Coordination
- E-commerce management
- Promotional planning
- Negotiation expertise
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Associate Merchant
Walmart
04.2023 - Current
Category Manager
Wayfair
02.2022 - 12.2022
Assistant Buyer
Dillard's
06.2016 - 07.2020
- Graphic Design
University of Arkansas
- Graphic Design
Delta State University