Megan Ochs
Chicago,IL
Summary
With 18 years of experience in the Beauty industry, I have excelled in various roles such as sales, management, buying, planning, and vendor management. Throughout my career, I consistently drive sales growth and enhance profitability. Building and nurturing strong relationships with vendors is a key factor in my success. I take pride in my proven track record of achieving results while maintaining a customer-centric approach.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Assortment Planner
NORDSTROM
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with buying team to create financial plans and goals throughout the year that tie back to an overarching strategy to increase sales and overall profitability for Nordstrom.
- Responsible for maintaining and growing core categories of the Rack Beauty business through monitoring sales, sell thru, receipt projections and weekly orders.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products, improving overall supply chain performance.
- Forecast long-term brand sales and inventory projections based on the overarching division's strategy and department plans.
- Review purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment. This includes projecting sales to quantify receipt plans and provide to supplier partners for inventory production and replenishment.
- Evaluated key performance indicators regularly, making data-driven adjustments to in-season and future orders when necessary.
- Managed open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking sales and inventory and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
Omni-Channel Assistant Buyer
NORDSTROM
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Supported over 35 Artistry Beauty Brands nationally including Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, NARS, Trish McEvoy & Westman Atelier for both stores and online in order to elevate the customer experience and drive additional volume through events, promotions, GWPs, Online Product Pages, and paid/social marketing campaigns
- Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
- Led the planning and execution strategy for Spring Beauty Trend Event, Anniversary and Fall Beauty Trend Event for the entire Division – double digit growth in all 3 events
- Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies, boosting product visibility and sales.
- Planned and executed the largest single-branded event (PA/Beauty Week) to date for Nordstrom Beauty – Charlotte Tilbury PA $1.8M (total week sales $236k growth YOY).
Interim Associate Buyer- Rack Beauty
NORDSTROM
04.2023 - 05.2023
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data, driving better-informed buying decisions that maximized profits.
- Negotiated pricing for materials and supplies from vendors to secure best value.
- Worked closely with sales teams to forecast demand, ensuring optimal inventory levels were maintained to meet customer needs.
- Built lasting partnerships with suppliers through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, fostering trust and reliability within the supply chain network.
Assistant Event Buyer
NORDSTROM
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Built out end-to-end event strategies with Beauty Vendor Partners. tied secure additional marketing, paid social campaigns, gift with purchases, additional VM exposure a
- Support the Beauty division by helping lead and execute on change, creating a completely new event strategy (reintroduce a hybrid model for in-store events with a digital component) resulting in driving volume, new customer experiences through digitally enabled formats
- Lead the event strategy and overall planning for large scale events (Trend Event, Anniversary Sale, Glam Up Days, Seasonal Events, etc) on behalf of the Nordstrom Beauty Team.
MW Regional Beauty Manager
NORDSTROM
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Built strong relationships within Midwest Territory (17 stores) - Store Managers, Department Managers and Beauty Vendors to elevate customer experiences and drive sales through events, promotions, training and education.
- Helped reimagine what events looked like from the digital lens at Nordstrom in collaboration with vendors for store teams and customers
- Implemented new services in response to industry trends, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
- Created visually appealing merchandising displays that showcased featured products effectively promoting them among customers.
- Developed, executed and hosted successful promotional events, driving increased sales and client loyalty.
MW Divisional Retail Merchandiser: Beauty/At Home
NORDSTROM
05.2019 - 06.2020
- Supported 18 stores, 27 DMs (inclusive of Beauty and At Home Depts), & 4 Account Coordinators across the MW Region
- Built strong relationships between Beauty Vendors to elevate the customer experience and drive incremental daily business and event volume
- Ensure merchandising presentations are impactful and can increase volume potential – heightened focus on product.
Beauty Department Manager
NORDSTROM
01.2016 - 05.2019
- 22 million dollar Department - #1 in Region and #4 in the Company
- Coach and develop a strong Beauty Team of 120 employees and 4 Assistant Department Managers to provide excellent customer service, execute large volume selling goals and drive large events
- Been awarded multiple Store, Regional, and Corporate level recognitions for customer service, goal achievement, event execution, and sales increases (including Anniversary Cup 2 years in a row)
- Collaborated with sales associates to develop in-store promotions and events that increased foot traffic and overall sales.
- Trained new employees on store operations, product knowledge, and customer service techniques to maintain a high level of professionalism.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members, offering constructive feedback and support for professional growth.
- Held various leadership roles within this Beauty Department including Lancôme Counter Manager (11 months) and Beauty Assistant Department Manager(6 months).
Lancôme Beauty Advisor
BLOOMINGDALE’S
07.2013 - 04.2014
- Provided makeup application services, elevating customer satisfaction and boosting repeat business.
- Established a loyal clientele through excellent communication skills, personalized service, and attention to detail in addressing client needs.
- Consistently achieved monthly sales goals and was a top seller in the department
- Increased sales revenue by effectively upselling and cross-selling beauty items based on client needs
- Kept up-to-date with industry trends, allowing for knowledgeable recommendations of current best-sellers and emerging products.
Beauty Advisor
Herberger's Department Store
10.2006 - 07.2013
- Provided makeup application services, elevating customer satisfaction and boosting repeat business.
- Consistently achieved monthly sales goals and was a top seller in the department
- Increased sales revenue by effectively upselling and cross-selling beauty items based on client needs
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various beauty brands offerings, enabling accurate suggestions based on specific requirements or preferences.
Freelance Makeup Artist
Chanel
11.2010 - 05.2012
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized makeup consultations and product recommendations.
- Established rapport with clients by attentively listening to their needs and preferences, cultivating repeat business.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications And Journalism
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05.2012
Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Mindset in Buying, Planning and Forecasting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Creativity and Innovation
- Event Planning and Execution
- Organized and Detail-Oriented
- Ability to Multi-Task
- Problem Solver
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc)
Timeline
Associate Assortment Planner
NORDSTROM
08.2023 - Current
Interim Associate Buyer- Rack Beauty
NORDSTROM
04.2023 - 05.2023
Omni-Channel Assistant Buyer
NORDSTROM
11.2021 - 08.2023
Assistant Event Buyer
NORDSTROM
03.2021 - 11.2021
MW Regional Beauty Manager
NORDSTROM
06.2020 - 03.2021
MW Divisional Retail Merchandiser: Beauty/At Home
NORDSTROM
05.2019 - 06.2020
Beauty Department Manager
NORDSTROM
01.2016 - 05.2019
Lancôme Beauty Advisor
BLOOMINGDALE’S
07.2013 - 04.2014
Freelance Makeup Artist
Chanel
11.2010 - 05.2012
Beauty Advisor
Herberger's Department Store
10.2006 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Communications And Journalism
University of St. Thomas