Katie O'Hara

Working closely with special needs students in the Special Education department. ADHD, Autism, depression, anxiety and other psychological disabilities. Work in all areas of classroom; assist in teaching, mild to moderate behavior problems, and all other areas of need.

Sourced ceramics from China and local suppliers for holiday gift packaging.

Coordinated end-to-end logistics from order placement to final destination.

• Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
• Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
• Coordinated with logistics teams to resolve any shipping delays or discrepancies while minimizing impact on operations.
• Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
• Oversaw purchasing process from initiating requests to finalizing contracts to deliver smooth transaction.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure product specifications were met, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
• Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.

• Maintained timely product deliveries by effectively communicating with vendors, merchants and distribution center.
• Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data, driving better-informed buying decisions that maximized profit.
• Enhanced supplier relationships by negotiating contracts and securing advantageous pricing.
• Mentored junior buyers, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
• Negotiated pricing for materials and supplies from vendors to secure best value.
• Built lasting partnerships with suppliers through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, fostering trust and reliability within the supply chain network.
• Facilitated the resolution of any delivery or quality issues in a timely manner, minimizing disruptions to business operations and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.
• Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
• Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.

Aided buyer with a focus on earrings, necklaces, and a minor portion of other department products.

Conducted analysis of Open to Buy to optimize inventory management.

• Collaborated with other departments to develop effective merchandising strategies, boosting overall store performance.
• Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
• Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.