Sarah Lynn Cawley
Mount Holly,NJ
Summary
Detail-oriented Merchandise Planner with expertise in optimizing merchandise planning processes through effective trend analysis and strategic inventory management. Proven ability to enhance forecast accuracy, leading to reduced inventory risk and maximized sales across diverse product categories. Strong analytical skills and adept at leading cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and drive results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chain Planner – Missy Moderate Wovens & Sweaters
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
04.2024 - Current
- Formulates class plans aligning with strategic goals to optimize sales, margin, and turnover opportunities across different seasons.
- Drives rack performance through the analysis of KPIs to propose weekly forecasts and OTB revisions that support current trends and BOM targets.
- Manages the flow of strategic reserve, pace of spend, and liquidity to exceed the plan and maximize business results. Provides guidance on meeting OTB needs through reserve releases.
- Leverages hindsight data to push the business forward and exceed plan; maintains in-season records for next season's hindsight.
- Q2 2024 CEO Excellence Award Winner
Chain Planner - Moderate Plus Bottoms & Jackets
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Generated data-driven strategies yielding measurable performance improvements.
- Built an appropriate product mix in partnership with merchants (vendor, brand, key attributes, AUR).
- Spearheaded strategic reserve to maintain optimal in-store denim inventory levels.
- Consistently demonstrated effective communication skills, including verbal, written, and active listening. Demonstrated agility and flexibility when faced with changing business conditions.
Associate Chain Planner – Ladies Better Sportswear
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
04.2021 - 02.2023
- Forecasted weekly sales based on trend, stock to sales and inventory levels
- Executed markdowns monthly
- Partnered with merchant partners during strategy prep rack vision meetings
- Collaborated with Merchant partners when developing Pre-Season plans
Location Planning Analyst – Ladies Dresses
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
08.2018 - 04.2021
- Developed both Pre-Season and In-Season Region and Store plans at the class level which let to Q4 2018 CEO Award Winner
- Analyzed weekly Region/Store report to find opportunity and risk
- Worked closely with Planning partners to ensure alignment with overall Chain Strategy
- Conducted hindsight analysis to support Pre-Season preparation
- Partnered with Allocation Analysts/Allocation Managers weekly to discuss flow changes and store targets
- Coordinated meetings with New Store and Total Store team to align on location strategies
Allocation Team Lead – Men’s, Ladies and Kids Shoes
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
03.2017 - 08.2018
- Managed a team of 10 Allocation Analysts to support daily operations and help transition to AMS.
- Monitored aged warehouse inventory weekly, and ensured all products were pushed out to stores to drive sales.
- Trained and coached new Allocation Analysts, which led to multiple career advancements.
Allocation Analyst – Sportswear
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
04.2016 - 03.2017
- Coordinated daily with Buyers to implement allocation strategies.
- Conducted weekly meetings with Manager and Planner to evaluate top door needs.
- Executed high-volume Pack & Hold releases monthly, which led to the Q3 2016 CEO Award winner.
- Managed top corporate brands: Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
Assistant Buyer – Home
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington, NJ
04.2014 - 04.2016
- Ensured liquidity through strategic receipt shift recommendations to Buyer/Planner.
- Facilitated onboarding process by organizing comprehensive training sessions.
- Generated monthly Competitive Shopping Reports to track market trends.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Merchandising
LIM College
New York, NY05-2010
Skills
- Analytical thinking, problem solving
- Effective written and verbal communication
Websites
Timeline
Chain Planner – Missy Moderate Wovens & Sweaters
Burlington Stores, Inc.
04.2024 - Current
Chain Planner - Moderate Plus Bottoms & Jackets
Burlington Stores, Inc.
02.2023 - 04.2024
Associate Chain Planner – Ladies Better Sportswear
Burlington Stores, Inc.
04.2021 - 02.2023
Location Planning Analyst – Ladies Dresses
Burlington Stores, Inc.
08.2018 - 04.2021
Allocation Team Lead – Men’s, Ladies and Kids Shoes
Burlington Stores, Inc.
03.2017 - 08.2018
Allocation Analyst – Sportswear
Burlington Stores, Inc.
04.2016 - 03.2017
Assistant Buyer – Home
Burlington Stores, Inc.
04.2014 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Business Administration - Merchandising
LIM College
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