Kelly Paynter
Astoria
Summary
Strategic and results-driven merchandising and planning leader with extensive expertise in footwear retail, focused on driving top-line growth and profitability through innovative, data-driven assortment planning and inventory optimization. Demonstrated success in aligning merchandising vision with financial objectives to achieve strong sell-through rates, margin expansion, and increased customer engagement. Recognized for fostering cross-functional collaboration, mentoring teams, and implementing effective merchandise strategies that enhance sales performance. A collaborative approach ensures adaptability to shifting market demands while maintaining strong vendor relationships and effective team leadership in dynamic retail environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Merchandise Manager / Senior Planner
Steve Madden
New York, NY
12.2025 - Current
- Directed end-to-end merchandising strategy for footwear division, managing multi-million-dollar revenue portfolios across key categories
- Developed and executed assortment strategies aligned with market trends, consumer demand, and brand positioning
- Led financial planning, including sales forecasting, OTB management, and margin optimization to consistently exceed business targets
- Partnered cross-functionally with design, sourcing, marketing, and allocation teams to ensure cohesive product execution
- Analyzed sales performance, customer behavior, and competitive landscape to inform in-season adjustments and long-term strategy
- Optimized inventory flow and allocation, reducing excess stock and improving inventory turnover and sell-through rates
- Negotiated with vendors to secure exclusive styles, favorable cost structures, and improved delivery timelines
- Mentored and led merchandising and planning teams, building strong talent pipelines and driving a performance-focused culture
- Spearheaded promotional and pricing strategies to maximize revenue while protecting brand integrity
- Develop and execute seasonal buying strategies aligned with financial goals, trend forecasts, and customer insights to deliver compelling, fashion forward, profit-driven assortments
- Collaborated with design teams to create innovative and fashionable footwear lines
- Conduct weekly business reviews to assess performance, manage inventory flow, and react to sales trends with timely product and pricing adjustments
- Lead line reviews and assortment planning meetings with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment across eCommerce, store and marketing channels
- Trained junior buyers on purchasing and supplier management best practices
- Attended trade shows to scout emerging fashion trends and partnerships
- Tracked data to forecast inventory requirements and establish reorder points
- Manage vendor relationships and onboarding, ensuring compliance with quality, sustainability, and delivery standards.
Senior Buyer and Planner
Steve Madden
New York, NY
12.2023 - Current
- Led strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize supplier relationships and reduce costs.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimize excess stock.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends and inform purchasing decisions.
National Operations Manager
Steve Madden
New York, NY
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Developed and maintained monthly and seasonal Open-to-Buy plans across multiple categories and divisions, ensuring alignment with sales targets, inventory levels, and margin goals.
- Led end-to-end merchandise planning across nine Women’s categories and five Men’s categories with annual revenue exceeding 70 million dollars, delivering margin and sales growth through data-driven strategies.
- Analyzed historical sales, current trends, and market insights to forecast demand and inform Open-to-Buy decisions; to optimize inventory turnover
- Partnered with buying, allocation, and marketing teams to build seasonal financial plans, establish inventory targets, and optimize assortment strategies by region and channel.
- Drove in-season business management by identifying risks and opportunities, executing markdowns and replenishment strategies that increased sell through by 10%.
- Spearheaded planning for product launches, promotional events, and peak seasons.
- Conducted cost analyses to identify savings and implement cost reduction strategies
- Foster cross-functional partnerships to streamline supply chain, reducing lead times and boosting operational performance across departments.
- Orchestrated company-wide leadership initiatives.
- Implemented operational policies, reducing expenses by $250,000.
- Fostered a high-performance culture with elevated morale.
- Provided strategic operation insights impacting business plans.
- Ensured a safe work environment adhering to CDC standards.
Associate Buyer
Steve Madden
New York, NY
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Streamlined buying process via innovative planning tools.
- Reduced duty costing errors by creating duty tracking sheet.
- Contributed to new store development and successful openings.
- Optimized sales potential through size selling analysis by location.
- Devised efficient buying strategies for women’s shoes across 53 retail outlets.
- Pioneered planning tools enhancing buying process efficiency.
- Developed a tracking sheet reducing duty costing errors.
- Participated in new store openings and development.
- Engineered assortment packages for all stores.
Store Manager
Steve Madden
New York, NY
02.2004 - 09.2014
- Orchestrated recruitment strategies and human resource documentation.
- Devised action plans, boosting sales and operational efficiency.
- Directed team of 15-60, imparting operational training and product development knowledge.
- Implemented an innovative organization system, enhancing profitability and inventory management.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Pace University, Lubin School of Business
New York, NY05-2009
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ05-2007
Skills
- Strategic planning and budgeting
- Expense management
- Inventory control
- Sales analysis and forecasting
- Product development and market analysis
- Supplier negotiation and merchandise planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving and attention to detail
Interests
I am a triathlete who loves to push personal limits to grow into the best version of myself
Timeline
Merchandise Manager / Senior Planner
Steve Madden
12.2025 - Current
Senior Buyer and Planner
Steve Madden
12.2023 - Current
National Operations Manager
Steve Madden
01.2019 - 12.2023
Associate Buyer
Steve Madden
01.2017 - 01.2019
Store Manager
Steve Madden
02.2004 - 09.2014
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration
Brookdale Community College
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Pace University, Lubin School of Business