Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Shala Irwin

The Colony

Summary

Dynamic merchandising leader with a proven track record at Signet Jewelers, excelling in vendor negotiation and data analytics. Enhanced inventory management and drove sales growth through strategic assortment optimization. Committed to fostering teamwork and collaboration, while championing customer experience and leveraging consumer insights for impactful merchandising strategies.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

VP of Merchandising, Piercing and Innovation

Signet Jewelers Inc.
05.2019 - Current
  • Served as a liaison between Merchandising division and other departments including Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance, fostering collaboration for overall business success.
  • Managed vendor negotiations, securing favorable terms that positively impacted the bottom line.
  • Enhanced merchandising strategy by analyzing sales data and identifying market trends.
  • Championed customer-centric approach, aligning merchandising strategies with shopper insights for maximum impact.
  • Developed strong supplier relationships to secure high-quality products at competitive prices.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Drove innovation within department by staying current on industry trends, technology advancements, and emerging competitors.
  • Aligned merchandise buying decisions with company financial objectives by implementing rigorous budgeting processes.
  • Conducted comprehensive competitor analysis to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.

Director of Merchandising

Signet Jewelers
08.2014 - 05.2019
  • Influenced cross-functional teams for better collaboration and streamlined execution of merchandising initiatives.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to maximize inventory turnover rates.
  • Regularly reviewed competitor activity to ensure the company maintained a competitive edge in the market.
  • Partnered with supply chain teams to optimize logistics processes, ensuring timely delivery of products at optimal costs.
  • Championed diversity and inclusion within the team, fostering a positive work environment for all employees.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to develop promotional campaigns that drove significant sales growth.
  • Established successful vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
  • Increased sales and profitability by developing and implementing strategic merchandising plans.

Buyer

Signet Jewelers
07.2010 - 08.2014
  • Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
  • Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
  • Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
  • Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
  • Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
  • Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
  • Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
  • Reviewed legal documents such as contracts and non-disclosure agreements to ensure compliance with company policies.

Education

International Business, Marketing And Spanish

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
12-1994

Skills

  • Customer experience
  • Assortment optimization
  • Fashion trend analysis
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Data analytics
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Consumer insights
  • Global sourcing
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Margin improvement

Timeline

VP of Merchandising, Piercing and Innovation

Signet Jewelers Inc.
05.2019 - Current

Director of Merchandising

Signet Jewelers
08.2014 - 05.2019

Buyer

Signet Jewelers
07.2010 - 08.2014

International Business, Marketing And Spanish

Minnesota State University, Mankato