Kim Valerio
Bountiful,UT
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented department manager with 8 years of experience in product development, sourcing, production and customer service. A skilled leader proficient in driving teams toward excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Recognized for exceptional problem-solving capabilities and strategic mindset that enables a successful execution. Committed to delivering high-quality results and continuously optimizing processes to align with organizational goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Development Manager
Black Rifle Coffee Company
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Led the development of innovative apparel and gear product lines that aligned with brand strategy and customer preferences. Oversaw the introduction of more than 200 new products each year, enhancing offerings for each channel.
- Facilitated strategic collaboration to optimize product assortment across three sales channels, leading to 22% improvement in sell-through rates and minimized markdowns.
- Analyzed market trends to inform and enhance product strategy and drive innovation initiatives.
- Presented product collection proposals to c-suite and senior leadership, securing buy-in and obtaining necessary approvals.
- Guided junior team member in implementing best practices for product development, project management and career growth.
- Conducted vendor visits and team meetings to cultivate meaningful relationships and co-develop tailored products; represented the company at expos to identify and source new vendor partnerships and product opportunities.
- Implemented testing protocols to evaluate product performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards and attention to detail.
Product Developer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed seasonal product calendar and tracking systems for over 2,000 SKUs in apparel and gear categories.
- Delivered multiple weekly updates to the Director of Product, ensuring alignment on product progress and priorities.
- Provided detailed costing, MOQ breakdowns and vendor capabilities to support strategic placement across channels.
- Partnered directly with Merch Ops on submitting sku creations.
- Assisted the Director of Product on tracking and arrival of PPS for approval.
- Provided feedback to DOP, Supply Chain, Merchandisers, Marketing and Media on relevant product issues that could impact manufacturing, cost, quality or delivery.
Apparel Buyer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Managed purchasing for all apparel across e-commerce, retail, and wholesale platforms.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that improved overall purchasing efficiency.
- Trained junior buyers on procurement procedures and best practices for vendor management.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Maintained a comprehensive database of supplier information, including contact details, capabilities, pricing structures, and lead times.
- Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
Jr. Buyer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
07.2020 - 03.2021
- Coordinated and monitored purchase orders for all apparel and gear products across 3 sales channels.
- Streamlined the ordering process by creating standardized templates and documentation procedures.
- Reduced lead times through proactive communication with vendors about delivery schedules and potential delays.
- Supported senior buyers in developing long-term partnerships with key suppliers for improved collaboration.
- Developed a close working relationship with the print shop to establish delivery schedules for apparel blanks, enabling a more seamless production experience.
Quality Assurance Production Associate
Black Rifle Coffee Company
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Operated production equipment to ensure efficient apparel packaging, labeling and shipping.
- Conducted quality control checks on finished products, ensuring adherence to company specifications and standards.
- Embraced flexible work assignments, cross-training in multiple departments to support dynamic production requirements.
- Performed general equipment maintenance and repair to minimize downtime while maintaining cleanliness and organization of the production area.
Raw Materials Buyer & Customer Service Manager
Kirkham's Outdoor Products
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Managed purchasing activities for all materials required to produce our canvas tent on-site.
- Led a team of 6 individuals to enhance customer service operations and streamline gear repair processes.
- Developed a hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
- Provided essential support to on-site factory to ensure timely order processing and efficient repair execution.
- Maintained detailed records of interactions with clients, allowing for easy retrieval when needed during follow-up communications or escalations.
- Oversaw quality assurance processes, ensuring all gear repairs met established standards before returning equipment to customers.
Education
Associate of General Studies - History
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT05-2010
Skills
- Creative problem-solving
- Detail-oriented
- Effective team collaboration
- Product development and launch
- Project management
- Production expertise
- Timeline management
- Vendor relations
Languages
English
Timeline
Product Development Manager
Black Rifle Coffee Company
03.2023 - 12.2024
Product Developer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
11.2021 - 03.2023
Apparel Buyer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
03.2021 - 11.2021
Jr. Buyer
Black Rifle Coffee Company
07.2020 - 03.2021
Quality Assurance Production Associate
Black Rifle Coffee Company
10.2019 - 07.2020
Raw Materials Buyer & Customer Service Manager
Kirkham's Outdoor Products
10.2016 - 07.2018
Associate of General Studies - History
Salt Lake Community College