KEVIN NARAINE
Mineola,NY
Summary
Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Merchandising and Buying
John Varvatos
04.2017 - Current
- Oversee product selection for direct to consumer channels; Full Price Stores, eCommerce, Outlets globally with annual volume exceeding $100M
- Manage teams with 10 direct reports
- Work closely with store teams on product feedback and business needs for future collections
- Review seasonal trading plans and buy budgets for DTC
- Create range plans for Design to achieve total company needs for DTC and Wholesale
- Present seasonal lines to Wholesale accounts
- Work closely with Design and Production to achieve IMU targets
- Work closely with Design on line creation from sketches, fabric selection, color selection
- Full Price Stores/eCommerce
- Product selection for 2 lines - John Varvatos Collection and Star USA for menswear apparel - Tailored Clothing and Sportswear to curate compelling seasonal assortment
- Ensure curated assortments are localized to support market needs and demand
- Work closely with Planning team to determine business strategies, sales/buying plans, OTB, markdown strategies, margin profitability, store clusters
- Work closely with Marketing team to determine seasonal events in store and marketing initiative to drive top line sales, and selection seasonal campaigns for digital marketing
- Work closely with Design and Production teams to selection Limited Edition production globally, fabrics/color selection for key programs
- Work with Wholesale Teams globally to focus collection and product focus seasonally
- Manage 1 Associate Buyer that is responsible for overseeing Footwear, Leather Accessories, all 3rd part categories (Jewelry, Sunglasses, Books, Vinyl)
- Manage 1 Associate Buyer that focuses on eCommerce who is responsible for site merchandising, in-season management, inventory
- Outlets
- Collaborate with Planning team on inventory needs, markdown strategies
- Work closely with Merchandising, Design, Production on product development
- Develop product to cover business needs and profitability
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Devised and implemented strategies to optimize purchasing processes and reduce costs.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
- Analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future materials availability.
- Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
- Created purchasing policies and procedures that complied with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to create timely and accurate purchase orders.
Buyer Hugo/Boss Green
Hugo Boss
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Responsible for 2 main lines in Canada, US, and Mexico across 150 POS with annual volume 100M
- Oversee allocations and inventory management
- Monitor sales, product movement, and markdown strategies
- Develop and execute merchandise strategies including product selection and development
- Develop selling and communication strategies to stores including creating product knowledge guides and conducting training seminars
- Assist in training and developing new team members
Buyer Concessions
Hugo Boss
02.2013 - 01.2015
- Led merchandising strategies for US Concessions in Saks Fifth Ave
- For 37 POS with annual volume of 19M
- Developed a strong understanding for the needs of the Luxury consumer
- Developed and executed merchandise strategies including product selection and development
- Developed selling and communication strategies to stores including creating product knowledge guides and conducting training seminars
- Strong understanding of key markets and competitors
- Open to Buy monitoring
- Fashion and Basic allocation management and execution
- Work closely with Marketing Department for advertisement selection and event planning
Account Executive
Hugo Boss
01.2009 - 02.2013
- Strengthened and grew business with key accounts –Saks Fifth Ave, Macy’s Inc., Dillards, Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew
- Sourced new accounts across Canada and US East Coast territory
- Maximized sales opportunities during market appointments and in season
- Developed strong understanding of the American consumer and competition
- Worked closely with Hugo Boss brand teams for market specific product development
- Sold in collections to surpass financial goals
- Managed Open to Buy and Vendor Agreements
- Monitored seasonal selling by style and store on a weekly basis
- Conducted seasonal training seminars
- Monitored monthly shipping targets
Store Manager
Hugo Boss Canada
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Oversaw Hugo Boss retail locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton with annual volume 5M
- Hired and trained newly hired sales associates
- Developed clientele to over exceed annual sales target
Branch Ambassador
CIBC
01.2004 - 01.2007
Sales Coach
GAP INC
01.2001 - 01.2007
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Marketing
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Toronto, Canada09.2007
Skills
- Computer:
- Proficient in KWI, RLM, DEMANDWARE, SAP, MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Active Listening
- Operational Standards
- Dynamic Communication
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Special Assignments
- Continuous Improvement
- Consumer Trends
- Critical Thinking
- Motivational Leadership
- Inventory Analysis
Timeline
Director of Merchandising and Buying
John Varvatos
04.2017 - Current
Buyer Hugo/Boss Green
Hugo Boss
01.2015 - 04.2017
Buyer Concessions
Hugo Boss
02.2013 - 01.2015
Account Executive
Hugo Boss
01.2009 - 02.2013
Store Manager
Hugo Boss Canada
01.2007 - 01.2009
Branch Ambassador
CIBC
01.2004 - 01.2007
Sales Coach
GAP INC
01.2001 - 01.2007
Associate of Arts - Fashion Marketing
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
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