Maria Milbee
Chippewa Falls,WI
Summary
Accomplished Sourcing Specialist and Product Developer, with a proven track record, adept in strategic negotiation and enhancing product offerings through in-depth market analysis. Expert in apparel and textiles, demonstrating exceptional pattern development skills and a keen eye for apparel design. Cultivated strong vendor relationships, significantly improving product quality and customer satisfaction.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sourcing Specialist
Mason Companies, Inc
09.2017 - 01.2020
- Secured partnerships with key factories in major textile markets.
- Engaged with onsite operations to reinforce quality standards.
- Achieved expense efficiency through strategic negotiation.
- Instructed technical designers on garment fit.
- Managed monitoring of the apparel progress from creation stage to production completion.
- Analyzed overall apparel fit, quality, and construction
- Created core and plus block specifications within multiple categories
- Created and launched new ladies' swimwear category.
- Identified optimal sizing for target customers.
- Conveyed required adjustments to vendors in various regions.
- Identified appropriate materials based on their strength, texture, and weight.
- Established specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- Studied customer buying patterns to enhance product offerings.
- Designed cost-effective pricing plans.
- Analyzed client feedback to identify improvement areas.
Technical Designer
maurices
05.2012 - 02.2016
- Coordinated and monitored process, while meeting deadlines
- Evaluated overall apparel fit, quality, and construction.
- Developed core and plus block specifications across various categories.
- Built PLM libraries for grading, POM’s and construction for products
- Addressed and corrected fitting discrepancies.
- Notified domestic and international vendors of necessary changes.
- Coordinated with vital departments to roll out innovative product line.
- Implemented virtual fittings via Face-Time with NY design team.
Senior Technical Designer
Christopher and Banks
07.2011 - 10.2011
- Assisted in analyzing various pant fits for missy, petites, and women's categories.
- Established innovative fit categories.
- Managed and developed new detail driven product throughout entire development cycle process
- Worked alongside different teams to incorporate market knowledge in the development of product lines.
- Updated and created core block specifications and patterns
- Maintained vendor relationships for effective communication in PLM.
- Mentored technical designers to enhance and recognize proper fit skills, proportionate design lines, and company standards
Associate Technical Designer
Lands’ End
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Analyzed and validated fit of garments, updated block patterns, and specifications
- Dissected return rates on weekly basis and projected return rates for financial planning
- Coordinated with design team, sourcing team, and vendors to develop product lines, meet key dates, achieve net sales, and margins
- Analyzed patterns and recommended adjustments to vendors.
- Utilized IPLM and Optitex systems daily.
Technical Designer/Quality Control Manager
WinterSilks and Venus Swimwear
04.2000 - 06.2007
- Developed women’s and men’s apparel product and accessories
- Evaluated long-term trends from industry data and customer feedback.
- Analyzed fit of all garments, specifications, approved color, and wrote specification inspection worksheets
- Analyzed and inspected garments to reduce annual return rates.
- Collaborated in negotiating cost of product, manufacturing discounts, and services
- Utilized market knowledge to provide clear directions to work cross-functionally with vendors to develop product lines, meet key dates, achieve net sales, margins, and corporate objectives
- Presented category strategy, prototype concepts, designs and product to senior management and seasonal operational trainers
- Conducted on-site evaluations of manufacturing processes in China and Hong Kong.
- Conducted international and domestic research on market trends.
- Cultivated productive partnerships with primary suppliers.
- Formulated guidelines to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Liaised with U.S. Customs on matters related to apparel regulatory standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Design and Manufacturing, Design
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Some College (No Degree) - Supply Chain Management
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WISkills
- Fashion
- Fit
- Product Development
- Sourcing
- Knitwear
- Denim
- Technical Design
- Tech Packs
- Textiles
- Sportswear
- Soft-Goods
- Vendor relationship management
- Contract negotiation
- Global sourcing
- Supply chain management
- Supplier evaluation
- Project management
- Category management
- Supply chain optimization
- Supply chain distribution
- Strategic sourcing
- Cost analysis
- Specifications
- Design research
- Material selection
Timeline
Sourcing Specialist
Mason Companies, Inc
09.2017 - 01.2020
Technical Designer
maurices
05.2012 - 02.2016
Senior Technical Designer
Christopher and Banks
07.2011 - 10.2011
Associate Technical Designer
Lands’ End
06.2007 - 05.2009
Technical Designer/Quality Control Manager
WinterSilks and Venus Swimwear
04.2000 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Science - Apparel Design and Manufacturing, Design
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Some College (No Degree) - Supply Chain Management
Chippewa Valley Technical College
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