Lindsay Lennon-Comsa
Greensboro
Summary
Dynamic Category Manager with over 23 years of expertise in retail merchandising and category leadership, specializing in SKU-level forecasting, pricing, and promotional strategies. Proven track record of leveraging strong financial acumen and advanced forecasting skills to enhance product development and vendor relationships, optimizing sales, margins, and assortment performance. Collaborative professional excelling in cross-functional execution with marketing, eCommerce, and operations teams to successfully launch Own Brand initiatives and drive category profitability. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation within the retail landscape.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FLORAL & GIFT DEPARTMENT, RETAIL CATEGORY MANAGER
Fresh Market
Greensboro, North Carolina
03.2021 - 11.2025
- Developed and executed comprehensive merchandising strategies and financial plans to enhance sales performance and profitability.
- Achieved optimal pricing strategies and product procurement through effective management of accountabilities. Delivered insightful reports on department performance, highlighting pricing promotions, sales margins, and the successful launch of new programs. Elevated quality standards to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Led the formulation of brand strategies while defining the impact of each segment across departments. Partnered with the brand team to drive product development initiatives that align with quality standards and strategic goals.
- Managed partnerships in merchandising and merchandise operations to align distribution and transportation expectations with pricing and promotional initiatives.
- Partnered with marketing and eCommerce departments to align product quality and value messaging with brand standards.
- Coordinated with store operations to assess and refine merchandising strategy execution, improving both upstream planning and downstream implementation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment in pricing, merchandising, and inventory management.
- Managed supplier relationships to negotiate contracts, improve terms, and ensure quality standards are met.
- Developed and implemented category strategies to optimize product assortment and enhance market competitiveness.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer insights to drive product innovation and promotional initiatives.
- Partnered with buyers to develop category-appropriate order frequency for spend under management.
- Streamlined procurement processes, reducing time-to-market for new product introductions.
- Reduced lead times by optimizing logistics and supplier collaboration, ensuring faster product availability.
SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNER/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
City Furniture
Tamarac, Florida
03.2004 - 10.2017
- Developed inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory.
- Analyzed demand forecasts to align supply chain operations with customer requirements.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined procurement procedures, reducing lead times significantly.
- Led initiatives for vendor performance evaluation, enhancing supplier relationships and reliability.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that led to more streamlined workflows throughout the organization.
- Reduced lead times by establishing strong relationships with suppliers and improving communication channels.
- Improved supply chain efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Oversaw demand planning, purchasing, and logistics.
- Increased global supply chain efficiency and development by leading cross-functional teams and enabling supplier integration and management technology tools, upgrades.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials and maintain high-quality standards.
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER
The Verana Club
Boca Raton, Florida
01.2002 - 03.2004
- Streamlined office procedures to enhance operational efficiency and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, aligning financial resources with strategic organizational goals.
- Monitored office performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Managed financial operations for the business, ensuring accurate budgeting and timely invoice processing.
- Conducted performance evaluations for employees, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
- Managed allocation and maintenance of office space and equipment, optimizing resources for maximum efficiency.
- Oversaw recruitment and onboarding process for new employees, ensuring smooth integration into company culture and workflow.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 150 employees.
- Led financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational standards.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
Education
High School Diploma -
Olympic Heights Highschool
Boca RatonAssociate of Science -
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FLSkills
- Data analytics
- Category development
- Demand forecasting
- Category planning
- Supply chain optimization
- Strategic sourcing
- Merchandising strategies
- Vendor relations
- Performance metrics
- Product management
- Contract negotiation
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving abilities
Accomplishments
- Achieved Highest Revenue Sales by completing Holiday Category Assortment with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of Quality Control Project.
- Overhauled the training for internal stakeholders and rolled out new programs which resulted in an 15% boost in overall job performance.
- Overhauled the training for internal stakeholders and rolled out new programs that resulted in an 5% increase in overall job performance.
Certification
- Microsoft Certified (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- Microsoft Strategies Certified
- Nielsen/IRI
- Toyota Way Certified
- Lean Office & TWI Certified
- Corrective Action Program Operator
- KPI Tracking Operator
- AS400
- Kronos
Awards
- Created the City Furniture Humanitarian Doreen Koenig Award
- Created Women in Leadership & Development Program for City Furniture
- People First Award 2015 to 2017: The Legacy
- West Boca Youth Girls and Boys Basketball Best Coach Award 2000 to 2009
Timeline
FLORAL & GIFT DEPARTMENT, RETAIL CATEGORY MANAGER
Fresh Market
03.2021 - 11.2025
SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNER/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
City Furniture
03.2004 - 10.2017
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER
The Verana Club
01.2002 - 03.2004
High School Diploma -
Olympic Heights Highschool
Associate of Science -
Broward College