Summary
Philosophy
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Interests
Work Preference
Software
Hi, I’m

Karen McKernan

Kearney,MO
Karen McKernan

Summary

Innovative product management professional enthusiastically pursuing a Senior Product Manager opportunity to leverage in-depth knowledge of product lifecycle management. Highly skilled in trend forecasting and competitive market analysis illustrated over 20+ years of superior industry performance. Successful project leadership with proven accomplishments in driving growth and increasing profits. Hardworking team builder motivational in maximizing personnel performance and surpassing business objectives.

Philosophy

I offer a work process that is centered on creativity, collaboration and clear direction. Team members connect through active listening and open communication, and I work to create a culture that inspires good work and personal growth. I believe in hard work and public recognition, and have learned valuable lessons throughout my career.

Work History

American Crafts/EK Success

Senior Product Manager

Job overview

  • Oversaw product development of paper crafting and memory keeping products, ensuring strategic retail pricing, assortment size, and line balance align with channel-specific needs
  • Lead quotation creation, detailing material requirements and manufacturing specifications, while guiding design team in material selection and cost-effective production strategies
  • Served as primary contact for supplier relations: negotiating prices, overseeing preproduction sampling, and securing final product approvals, as well as coordinating with Asian sourcing for order logistics
  • Support sales initiatives by preparing essential materials and product samples, conducting product presentations, and maintaining showroom displays, in addition to handling specialized documentation for key accounts.

Bitterman Family Confections

Director, Product Development & Design

Job overview

  • Oversaw creation and launch of innovative candy products, ensuring alignment with market trends and distribution channels
  • Manage key account relationships and provide tailored product solutions for corporately owned stores within the Hallmark Gold Crown network
  • Designed and produced comprehensive marketing collateral, including catalogs and trade show exhibits, to support product promotion and customer engagement.

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Creative Merchandising Leader

Job overview

  • Develop creative strategies and concept development for visual merchandising programs, ensuring solutions align with brand objectives and product presentation needs
  • Lead cross-functional team encompassing Retail Design, Environmental Graphics, and Product Presentation to deliver cohesive merchandising designs
  • Manage key merchandising projects including Keepsakes Ornaments and Seasonal gift programs, facilitating product engagement and enhancing the retail environment.

Hallmark Cards, Incs.

Creative Product Manager

Job overview

  • Develop creative direction and oversee design execution for Christmas Specialty product lines, encompassing seasonal Home Decor, Plush Toys, and General Gifts.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary Product Development teams to craft cohesive and market-responsive product assortments.
  • Engage with international vendors in India, China, and Philippines to ensure product quality and adherence to design specifications during approval processes.

Education

William Jewell College
Liberty, MO

Bachelor of Arts

Harlaxton College
Grantham, Lincolnshire

International study

Skills

  • Design Analysis
  • Creative Direction
  • Product Development
  • Project Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Team Leadership
  • Communication
  • Presentation Skills
  • Retail Buying
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Strategic Planning
  • Asana, Smartsheet, Google Docs
  • Adobe Creative Suite
Availability
See my work availability
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Available
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tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Interests

Performing Arts: Theater, Film, Live Music

Arts and Crafts

Reading

Graphic Design

Gratitude Exercises & Activities

All things Mac!

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract Work

Work Location

RemoteHybridOn-Site

Important To Me

Company CultureWork from home optionWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsPaid sick leave

Software

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Smartsheet

Google Docs

Asana

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Karen McKernan