Melanie O’Brien
Troutman,NC
Summary
17+ years of licensing, marketing, and brand development experience. Ability to develop and implement strategies to expand the presence of an organization at retail and elevate consumer demand through collaboration with key stakeholders (purchasing agents, team members, and other internal departments). A proven leader with strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Relies on knowledge and expertise to use independent judgment and analytical skills to research, problem-solve, make day-to-day business decisions, and formulate long-term strategic brand plans.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensing and Design Director
Founder Sport Group
Statesville, NC
01.2011 - Current
- Manages all licensing agreements and operations procedures for collegiate and branded divisions
- Works directly with colleges and universities to ensure products are designed, produced, and distributed within their overall brand and marketing strategies
- Processes collegiate, branded, and team designs to licensing and buyer specifications
- Organizes and tracks design projects
- Leads team of five artists to develop new graphics and collateral for all divisions
- Collaborates with various departments to ensure all production and marketing timelines are met, including managing all production workflow
Purchasing Agent
Turn 2 Marketing
Concord, NC
08.2009 - 01.2011
- Responsible for all purchasing activities as it relates to NASCAR trackside programs and all Corporate programs
- Planned and coordinated product lines for each of Turn 2’s NASCAR trackside programs creating a broad mix of products available for consumers, including but not limited to headwear, apparel, diecast, and hard goods
- Worked closely with licensing to ensure all artwork and products met brand and sponsor requirements and specifications
- Communicated daily with numerous vendors and suppliers to ensure on-time production and delivery of goods.
- Evaluated inventory weekly, to ensure trailers are adequately stocked with product and all corporate programs maintain minimum order and inventory levels as needed
- Daily received inventory, verified orders, and accuracy of invoices.
Purchasing Agent
H3 Sportgear
Charlotte, NC
01.2008 - 07.2009
- Liaison between sales and logistics responsible for purchase and on time delivery of all raw materials for apparel production
- Coordinated apparel production with various printers throughout the U.S. for numerous retail and custom orders
- Familiar with Supply Chain Management and Compliance requirements for routing and shipment direct to retail store and distribution channels: (Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart)
- Researched new marketing strategies and product lines based on current trends to research and analyze new supplier prospects
- Maintained strong vendor relations with import and domestic suppliers
- Consolidate vendor base for better buying leverage and payment terms
- Organized and updated numerous databases and reports to facilitate purchasing and production processes
- Managed inventory of all raw materials investigated inventory discrepancies and verified invoices for payment.
Licensed Product Coordinator
H3 Sportgear
Charlotte, NC
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Responsible for coordination of all licensed headwear and apparel products by ensuring all artwork and sample approvals are obtained within company projected timelines
- Communicated and corresponded daily with licensors of consumer brands regarding brand strategy and product development
- Organized and maintained database of all products designed and produced for over 40 licensed brands
- Monitored product quality and accuracy to ensure all products follow brand requirements
- Interacted daily with art, sales, and purchasing departments regarding product design, sample, and production phases
- Corresponded daily with overseas factories regarding sampling and production to guarantee product ship dates are met
- Facilitated purchasing and inventory management of all product components.
Education
High School Diploma -
Slippery Rock Area High School
06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Business, Economics
Muskingum University
05.2004
Leadership Training -
Mitchell Community College
Mooresville, NC2022
Skills
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
- Ability to use independent judgment and possess strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Natural ability to develop positive working relationships with co-workers and customers
- Detailed orientated and well-organized
- Experience with variety of systems & technology applications
- Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Excel), Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop, Internet, etc
- Able to manage customer complaints according to company policies and procedures
- Ability to lead teams to achieve/exceed company goals consistently
- Resourceful and results orientated
Timeline
Licensing and Design Director
Founder Sport Group
01.2011 - Current
Purchasing Agent
Turn 2 Marketing
08.2009 - 01.2011
Purchasing Agent
H3 Sportgear
01.2008 - 07.2009
Licensed Product Coordinator
H3 Sportgear
01.2005 - 01.2008
High School Diploma -
Slippery Rock Area High School
Bachelor of Arts - Business, Economics
Muskingum University
Leadership Training -
Mitchell Community College
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