Ryan Lerma
Austin,TX
Summary
Dedicated retail buyer and manager with 10+ years of experience driving sales, managing inventory, and creating memorable customer experiences across physical stores and e-commerce platforms. Skilled in curating product assortments, analyzing sales data, and collaborating across teams to bring brand stories to life. Passionate about blending retail with cultural trends, and delivering solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Buyer and Manager
The Contemporary Austin
Austin, TX
08.2022 - Current
- Curate a selection of art and design-forward products that reflect the museum's mission and audience, establishing a unique identity across two gift shops. Manage seasonal buying plans and purchasing decisions based on sales data and customer preferences.
- Maintain and update the online store: oversee product listings, inventory accuracy, and order fulfillment.
- Collaborate with the communications, curatorial, and programs teams to develop merchandise tied to exhibitions, events, and donor initiatives.
- Support marketing campaigns with retail-specific promotions, and assist with donor/trustee gifting.
- Analyze inventory, and perform annual audits to ensure accuracy and budget alignment.
- Style and refresh merchandise displays to enhance customer engagement.
Key Tools: Square Retail, Veevart, Microsoft Teams, Teamwork, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Canva.
Operations Director, Buyer, Founder
Passport Vintage
Austin, TX
03.2014 - 11.2022
- Founded and operated a successful vintage retail business with both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.
- Managed all buying, vendor relationships, and product sourcing, including local makers, and independent designers.
- Maintained online sales channels, overseeing product photography, website updates, and digital marketing campaigns.
- Organized monthly markets and pop-up events in partnership with local creatives and hospitality businesses.
- Led the hiring, training, and development of staff in sales, customer service, and product knowledge.
- Recognized by the Austin Chronicle ('Best of Austin' 2018), and featured online in Glamour and W Magazine.
District Inventory Manager
American Apparel
Chicago, IL
09.2008 - 08.2014
- Oversaw inventory operations across seven retail locations, ensuring accuracy and timely replenishment.
- Partnered with corporate inventory and allocation teams to align stock levels with sales performance.
- Managed store openings, expansions, and technology rollouts, including RFID implementation.
- Developed and trained teams in receiving, processing, and inventory management best practices.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Missouri
Skills
- Technical: Square Retail, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Microsoft Teams, Teamwork, Canva, social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
- Core skills: inventory management, e-commerce operations, buying and merchandising, sales forecasting, data-driven decision making, vendor relations, team leadership, event planning, visual merchandising
Timeline
Retail Buyer and Manager
The Contemporary Austin
08.2022 - Current
Operations Director, Buyer, Founder
Passport Vintage
03.2014 - 11.2022
District Inventory Manager
American Apparel
09.2008 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Missouri
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