KATIE SCHARER
Seattle,WA
Summary
Multi-faceted Design Industry professional with an extensive background in Product Development, Sourcing, Design and People Management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sourcing Manager
Lulu And Georgia
05.2022 - Current
- Establishes and maintains long-term supplier relationships, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Develops and manages product development and sourcing process for Decor, Walls, and Tabletop based on designs, target costs and quantities.
- Manages and runs cross-functional product development meetings to ensure successful product launches and timely delivery of goods.
- Experienced in home furnishings and apparel QA, testing, and packaging requirements.
Associate Product Development Manager
Pottery Barn
05.2017 - 05.2022
- Managed Product Development (formerly Sourcing) for Pottery Barn Candles, Homescents, and Decorative Accessories
- Negotiated cost and advises proper product placement based on cost, MOQ, customs regulations, tariff impact, vendors' skills and capabilities and knowledge of product
- Worked closely with Product Development, Inventory, QA and Merchandising to insure timely PO placement and timely in-DC arrival
- Collaborated with our cross-functional partners and our overseas offices to find ways to strategically reduce costs, improve vendor relationships, and mitigate risk and tariff impact
- Initiated new vendor set up for three new high risk vendors outside of South East Asia
- Researched competing brands, products, and potential new vendors and partners with our overseas teams
- Built multiple SOPs to help streamline system processes for the company's sourcing organization
- Previous roles included sourcing roles in Pottery Barn Teen and Kids Decorative Accessories, Walls, and Lighting.
Materials Development Project Manager
Fitbit
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Lead the organization of Materials Development for the Accessories division at Fitbit
- Created, managed, and maintained ownership of color, development, SOPs, and testing timelines for all materials, including textiles, leather, resins, and metals
- Worked closely with a team of Designers, CMF Designers, QA, textiles consultants, engineers and project/program managers to ensure timely deliverables
Product Development + Color Manager
Tea Collection
01.2015 - 08.2016
- Developed and managed new trims and fabrications within price and MOQ requirements for Boy channel
- Worked closely with Design, Merchandising, and Production to ensure on-time in-DC delivery of product
- Managed color approval for all lab dips, samples, and production for all channels
User Operations Manager + Community Operations
Yelp.com
07.2008 - 01.2015
- Managed the User Operations Support team of 12 who interacted with business owners and users, providing instructions and support for best utilizing Yelp's products and services
- Previous roles at Yelp included User Operations Associate and Seattle Community Manager
Associate Designer
Cutter & Buck
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Designed all Womens golf knit tops and Mens technical golf and CBUK knit tops
- Traveled domestically and internationally for trend research, fabric, print, and color development, and to ensure garment quality and proper specifications
- Previous roles at Cutter & Buck included Color Manager and Design Assistant
Education
Associate of Arts - Apparel Design
Art Institute of Seattle
Seattle, WANorth Seattle Community College
Seattle, WASkills
- Well-versed in Product Development, Sourcing, and Supplier Relationship Management
- Experienced in the creation and management of Timelines and Seasonal Calendars
- Well-versed in FlexPLM, Blue Cherry PDM, PLMon
- Cost Analysis
- Well-versed in the creation of SOPs
- Knowledgeable in QA and testing regulations pertaining to home furnishings, apparel, and wearables
Additional Information
Winner of Williams Sonoma Inc. Catch the Spirit Award - Q3 2018
Timeline
Sourcing Manager
Lulu And Georgia
05.2022 - Current
Associate Product Development Manager
Pottery Barn
05.2017 - 05.2022
Materials Development Project Manager
Fitbit
08.2016 - 02.2017
Product Development + Color Manager
Tea Collection
01.2015 - 08.2016
User Operations Manager + Community Operations
Yelp.com
07.2008 - 01.2015
Associate Designer
Cutter & Buck
01.2005 - 01.2008
Associate of Arts - Apparel Design
Art Institute of Seattle
North Seattle Community College
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