Ryan Knowles
Cumming,GA
Summary
Seasoned Buyer and Merchandiser bringing in-depth retail and leadership experience in diverse environments and product categories. First-rate planner, manager and communicator highly trained in purchasing, advertising and supply chain management in high-volume retail operations. Enjoys analyzing business needs using BI reports to recognize areas of excellence or improvement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Buyer - Bedding Category
Rooms To Go
01.2013 - Current
- Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, and economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
- Build, prepare and analyze reports to track inventory, sales, floor velocity, and purchasing trends.
- Evaluate product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Increased category BOS from 8% to over 20% of company business.
- Collaborate with other departments for cohesive product planning as well as sharing best practices
- Source new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in stores and online.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors for cost-effective purchasing terms and rebates
- Mentor and train direct reporting employees on sourcing and procurement processes, procedures and services.
- Build long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Work with vendors to create unique promotions and design print, email, and televisions ads to promote sales.
- Demonstrate a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Buyer
Rooms To Go
01.2011 - 01.2013
- For Mattresses and Adult Rugs
- Maintained highest inventory turns through strategic purchasing
- Sustained continuous bedding sales volume increase year over year
- Increased gross margin in bedding category
- Worked with programmers to implement new systems aimed at increasing point-of-sale efficiency
- Trained sales staff through semi-annual bedding universities
- Created unique and first-to-market advertising for bedding category
- Analyzed individual store performance and consult with store management on procedures for improvement
Assistant Buyer
Rooms To Go
07.2007 - 12.2010
- Kids Comforters, Mattresses, Rugs, and Seating
- Assisted Buyer in merchandise review and design
- Forecasted consumer buying patterns based on sales trends and economic conditions
- Created purchase orders and monitored stock levels.
Office Assistant
Rooms To Go
09.2005 - 01.2006
- Completed customer finance applications
- Performed general customer service
- Performed daily cash reconciliation
- Assisted sales personnel with product sales when needed
Education
Bachelor of Science - Integrative Studies
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA05.2018
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Microsoft Office including Power Bi Desktop
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Business Analytics
- Marketing and Advertising
- Brand Development
- Operational Efficiency
- Project Coordination
- Consumer Buying Habits
- Vendor Negotiations
Certification
Leadership Studies Certificate - Kennesaw State University
Timeline
Senior Buyer - Bedding Category
Rooms To Go
01.2013 - Current
Buyer
Rooms To Go
01.2011 - 01.2013
Assistant Buyer
Rooms To Go
07.2007 - 12.2010
Office Assistant
Rooms To Go
09.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Integrative Studies
Kennesaw State University
Similar Profiles
Jasmine A. RosierJasmine A. Rosier
Office Assistant at Rooms To GoOffice Assistant at Rooms To Go
Terrence NoblesTerrence Nobles
Forklift Operator at Rooms To GoForklift Operator at Rooms To Go
Giovanni PastranaGiovanni Pastrana
Delivery Driver and Installer at Rooms To GoDelivery Driver and Installer at Rooms To Go
Loretta KatesLoretta Kates
Customer Service Supervisor at Rooms To GoCustomer Service Supervisor at Rooms To Go
Haylee DonleyHaylee Donley
Administrative Executive at SolarWorks Glass TintingAdministrative Executive at SolarWorks Glass Tinting