Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson

Portland,OR

Summary

Dedicated Product Creation professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operations Consultant

Jute Creative
10.2022 - 12.2022
  • Collaborated with clients to target issues and uncover methods that would increase operational efficiency.
  • Implemented processes and procedures to improve overall efficiency in operations.
  • Developed written documents and reports related to programs and operations.
  • Identified and analyzed project risks and developed mitigation strategies.
  • Developed program plans, goals, objectives, and milestones for evaluating and measuring effectiveness of operations.

Vice President - Footwear Development

OluKai, Inc.
03.2019 - 09.2022
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency
  • Directed product flow and informed management of delays and challenges, as well as suggested resolutions.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Eased team transitions and new employee orientation through effective training and development.
  • Supported top-level decision-making and strategy planning, forging productive relationships with top leaders and serving as key advocate for various personnel issues.
  • Managed daily operations of Product Creation, orchestrating forward-thinking strategies to accomplish profit and expansion goals.
  • Demonstrated exceptional knowledge of process optimization in relation to profit and loss.
  • Supervised daily operations of OluKai, a multi-million dollar footwear brand.
  • Developed and optimized organizational systems to boost efficiency and keep operations scalable and agile for changing demands.
  • Upheld great standards of leadership for employees, consistently leading by example for best-in-class Development work.
  • Worked directly with Management, Marketing, Customer Service, factory and overseas partners and Planning departments to brainstorm and discuss strategy.
  • Created and implemented aggressive action plan to address pressing cost control needs.
  • Implemented long-term growth initiatives by developing inline and go to market calendars with product strategies in mind.
  • Responsible for Development of new packaging initiatives and coordinated design work through third party agencies and factory partners.

Director - Footwear Development

OluKai, Inc.
03.2006 - 03.2019
  • Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
  • Responsible for taking product from design inception through commercialization and production
  • Worked and collaborated closely with Product triad (Design/PLM) to ensure that product resonated with design aesthetic and consumer needs.
  • Analyzed and negotiated manufacturing and material costs to meet company margin requirements.
  • Extensive Domestic and International travel (6-8 times per year) to evaluate and enhance product performance (China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico)
  • Managed Sales Sample shipping requirements to reduce cost.
  • Direct engineering of new tooling and components from blueprint stage to mold making
  • Created innovated material solutions for current and future seasons.
  • Worked deeply with overseas teams on costing efficiency, pattern efficiency and product innovation
  • Strategically developed product corporate product calendars for inline and go to market products.
  • Worked with Design teams across the globe to assure trends and pace and inline with industry demands.
  • Worked with seasonal themes and artist collaborations to create fresh perspective and a different point of view for the Brand.
  • Managed up to 8 individuals at one time in both Portland and China product creation offices.
  • Established long lasting relationships with suppliers and factories - well connected.
  • Responsible for creating the OluKai 'Best Practices' manual for operational excellence.

Senior Footwear Developer

Columbia Sportswear/Sorel
04.2000 - 03.2006
  • Worked with technical Design and Product Management to provide accurate and complete technical packages.
  • Led aesthetic vision and creation of new outdoor inspired products.
  • Negotiated with vendors on availability, product specifications, distribution, delivery deadlines and price.
  • Responsible for the development (Design inception through production) of over 180 SKU's seasonally over 3 product categories for the Columbia and Sorel Brands.
  • Interacted with apparel teams to develop new materials and trims.
  • Created detailed and thorough 'Best Practices of Development' manual for internal use
  • Established Fit and Performance objectives to achieve optimal fit.

Performance Test Manager

Adidas
12.1997 - 04.2000
  • Responsible for the documentation and presentation of initial fit and extended wear of all products in the Training category.
  • Conducted dynamic evaluation tests with college and semi-professional athletes to ensure that all products met performance expectations - sport specific.
  • Worked closely with internal biomechanics lab in human based trials as well as mechanical testing.

Participant - Development Training Program

Adidas
01.2000 - 03.2000
  • Chosen as one of ten employees (globally) to attend the adidas 3 month Training Program in Dongguan, China.
  • Intensive training in textiles, leather, pattern making, design, costing, mold making, synthetic materials, construction, stitching, stockfitting and manufacturing methods with the end goal of making 3 pairs of adidas shoes, solely, in a factory setting.
  • Located at the YY factory in Dongguan, China.

Barista

Starbucks
07.1994 - 11.1997
  • Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
  • Recommended products based on solid understanding of individual customer needs and preferences.
  • Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
  • Maintained supply levels in counter and customer areas to meet typical demands.
  • Elevated customer loyalty by using strong communication abilities to resolve customer problems.
  • Key holder

Education

No Degree - Nutrition And Exercise Science

University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho

Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
05.1997

Skills

  • Office Operations
  • Operating Budget
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Strategic Vision
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Team Goals
  • Goal Attainment
  • Complex Problem Resolution
  • Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
  • Process and Procedure Refinement

Certification

  • Certificate of Management
  • Certificate in Adobe Illustrator

Timeline

Operations Consultant

Jute Creative
10.2022 - 12.2022

Vice President - Footwear Development

OluKai, Inc.
03.2019 - 09.2022

Director - Footwear Development

OluKai, Inc.
03.2006 - 03.2019

Senior Footwear Developer

Columbia Sportswear/Sorel
04.2000 - 03.2006

Participant - Development Training Program

Adidas
01.2000 - 03.2000

Performance Test Manager

Adidas
12.1997 - 04.2000

Barista

Starbucks
07.1994 - 11.1997

No Degree - Nutrition And Exercise Science

University of Idaho

Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology

San Diego State University

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Kim Johnson