Jessica Foutty
Oral,F
Summary
I’m a passionate leader bringing 13 years of experience in merchandising, sourcing, product development and private brand strategy to my next role. I enjoy helping my team learn and grow while inspiring consumer-focused development. I am a strategic thinker, using analytics and industry knowledge to create a strategy that both achieves company metrics and drives a love of the brand.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Retail Strategy
The Walt Disney Company
11.2023 - Current
- Create strategies for business portfolios equaling $2B+.
- Led and Implemented "Magical Finds" strategy for under $25 impulse items
- Stood up new immersive experiences & led interactive experience and tech updates in merchandise experiences worth over $60M.
Increased merchandise exposure in experience marketing by 15% YOY - Merchandise architect for the “Own Your Magic” Merchandise Brand Platform & social media campaign.
- Integrate a highly matrixed and relationship-based organization.
- Created and rolled out new go-to-market process.
Global Brand Merchant- Collectibles
The Walt Disney Company
09.2021 - 11.2023
- Led team to re-imagine and implement global brand strategies worth over $200M
- Redefined core collector guests.
- Increased Gen Z shopper penetration with 5 new brands such as Disney Lacers (Toy of the Year Nominated).
- Increased revenue by 13% in ornaments for Mickey and Classic Characters.
- Responsible for 54% increase in artist diversity and a 35% growth in new materials in the gallery space.
Sr. Director, Product Dev. & Go-To-Market
PAMEE
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Hired as a Director of Engagement, promoted to Sr. Director to drive sales and marketing strategy.
- Mentored and led team of 38 members.
- Created initiatives and metrics to drive effective daily operations, strategic partnerships and meet P&L goals.
Director, Product Development & Sourcing
Creative Home Ltd.
04.2017 - 10.2020
- Led team of 11 designers and merchandisers across multiple countries focused on creating the highest quality, consumer focused, trend right product lines.
- Achieved 344% growth in revenue over 3 years and acquired 6 new key customers.
- Scaled million-dollar private brand programs from 3 to 12.
- Managed team in direct factory strategy, cost negotiation, and metrics to achieve 30% savings in factory cost YOY.
Global Sourcing Manager
InterDesign Ltd.
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed team of sourcing and product development specialists in both the U.S. and Asia.
- Developed, presented and implemented omni-channel strategy for sampling, quoting, vendor introduction, onboarding and quality control.
Senior Global Sourcing
Jo-Ann Fabric
07.2013 - 09.2016
- Hired as Product Development Specialist, promoted to Sourcing Specialist II and Sr. Sourcing Associate during tenure.
- Managed supplier strategies, product merchandising communications, and performance metrics to achieve $3.1 million in cost savings.
- Mentored and trained team members on systems and processes. Implemented and customized PLM system.
- Increased gross margin 17% in the Import Ribbon category.
- Reduced supply chain risks by implementing robust contingency plans and diversifying the supplier base.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop product specifications, aligning them with strategic sourcing objectives.
Sales Development Manager
PepsiCo
06.2011 - 07.2013
- Managed team of 12 to increase foodservice region sales by 20% and achieve all sales initiatives.
- Completed market analysis & consumer insights projects for the region to determine competitive risk and make strategic recommendations to leadership.
- Managed 30 warehouse loaders, created and implemented process improvements to increase 1st hour loader efficiency by 16%.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
The University of Akron
2013
Bachelor of Science - Economics & History
The University of Akron
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operations Management
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
- Data Analytics
- Talent Development
- Organizational improvement
- Influencing and negotiating
- Process Improvement
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Analytical Thinking
Timeline
Senior Manager, Retail Strategy
The Walt Disney Company
11.2023 - Current
Global Brand Merchant- Collectibles
The Walt Disney Company
09.2021 - 11.2023
Sr. Director, Product Dev. & Go-To-Market
PAMEE
10.2020 - 06.2021
Director, Product Development & Sourcing
Creative Home Ltd.
04.2017 - 10.2020
Global Sourcing Manager
InterDesign Ltd.
10.2016 - 03.2017
Senior Global Sourcing
Jo-Ann Fabric
07.2013 - 09.2016
Sales Development Manager
PepsiCo
06.2011 - 07.2013
MBA - Business Administration
The University of Akron
Bachelor of Science - Economics & History
The University of Akron
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