Rose Sinclair
Saint Petersburg,FL
Summary
Lead Senior Buyer with over 18 years of progressive retail experience. First-rate planner, manager and communicator highly trained in purchasing and vendor management. Proficient in managing purchasing needs in high-volume retail operations. Skilled research and forecasting abilities with strengths in communication and key relationship management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Sr. Buyer, Young Men's All Categories
DILLARD'S Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL
03.2019 - Current
- Merchant for 7 departments with annual sales volume of $50MM.
- Providing training and guidance to Buying team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering culture of continuous improvement within department.
- Team leader in assortment and brand strategy, financial planning, inventory management.
- Strategized with top executive and DMM for post COVID Restructure that reduced overall inventory -56% to 2019, drove +15% revenue and +22% increase in profit margin in 2021.
- Improved inventory management by conducting regular audits, analyzing usage patterns, and implementing demand forecasts.
- Trained and mentored three strong assistant buyers who were promoted.
Senior Buyer, Young Men's Branded Denim and Collections
DILLARD'S Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL
04.2014 - 03.2019
- Merchant for 5 departments with annual sales volume of $20MM.
- Maintained and analyzed replenishment denim stock levels at style-color-size level.
- Managed inventory levels thru negotiating RTV's, store reallocation, reorders, and receipt flow by month to improve profit margins and reduce markdown liabilities in denim department.
- Collaborate with cross-functional buyers to develop intensified buys with better markup, corporate price strategies and marketing initiatives.
- Coordinate product knowledge sessions for denim brands, vendor involvement and motivating sales staff for better customer experience.
- Initiated successful launch of 3 new denim brands: collaborated with internal advertising teams, ECOMM team for digital marketing and supported by external vendor marketing.
- Developed Brand Champion Associate Program in 2016 that led to 30% sales increase in top 50 corporate doors. Supported by new fixture and collateral package, increased assortment in multiple categories to represent full lifestyle brand, marketing campaigns and in store events.
- Launched successful Key Item Program with highest volume denim brand to grow tops-to-bottoms penetration by negotiating better cost rebate that led to healthy 5% gross margin increase in 2018.
Buyer, Young Men's Branded Street and Surf/Skate Apparel
DILLARD'S Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL
03.2011 - 04.2014
- Merchant for 2 departments totaling $15MM in annual sales.
- Area Corporate Coordinator for all 250 doors + .COM: negotiate selection, marketing and promotions, costing, markdown and profitability strategies across 5 divisions, 2 departments and 40+ brands ~$40MM.
- Financial planning by store (open to buy) including annual sales, purchases, margins, turn rates, markdown rates, average inventory levels.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Drove 25% increase in Surf Brand penetration, launching 5 new vendors and existing brand expansion leading to $5MM annual sales increase.
- Kept abreast of retail strategies in Young Men's landscape by competitive shopping and attending trade shows to source new brands in effort to boost range of products offered.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
Assistant Buyer, Contemporary Collections and Separates
DILLARD'S Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL
02.2009 - 03.2011
- Assistant to team of Buyers managing 8 departments Divisional and Corporate wide with annual sales volume of $150MM.
- Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.
- Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.
Assistant Buyer, Better Sportswear Collections and Separates
DILLARD'S Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL
03.2008 - 02.2009
- Assistant to team of Buyers, managing 20 departments across 81 stores with annual sales volume of $100MM.
- Created stock projections, profitability reporting, reorders.
- Attended New York trade shows and markets shadowing buyers to establish new vendor connections and expand product offerings.
- Maintained accurate purchase order records, ensuring timely delivery of goods and smooth communication with vendors.
- Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
Education
BA in Psychology -
University of South Florida - College of Arts and Sciences
Tampa, FL01.2005
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel & PowerPoint
- Navigates complex and changing environments with ease Resilient and committed to personal growth and learning
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills to pivot quickly as needed
- Shows leadership by motivating and guiding teams to achieve success and drive growth
- Data Analysis
- Supplier Negotiations
- Financial Planning
- Inventory management
Timeline
Lead Sr. Buyer, Young Men's All Categories
DILLARD'S Inc.
03.2019 - Current
Senior Buyer, Young Men's Branded Denim and Collections
DILLARD'S Inc.
04.2014 - 03.2019
Buyer, Young Men's Branded Street and Surf/Skate Apparel
DILLARD'S Inc.
03.2011 - 04.2014
Assistant Buyer, Contemporary Collections and Separates
DILLARD'S Inc.
02.2009 - 03.2011
Assistant Buyer, Better Sportswear Collections and Separates
DILLARD'S Inc.
03.2008 - 02.2009
BA in Psychology -
University of South Florida - College of Arts and Sciences