STEPHANIE MUHLENFELD
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Seasoned leader in general operations management, R&D, and product design & development with a proven track record of leading teams, optimizing processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies. As a founder, I developed and executed the vision for a business, lead strategic planning, built and managed teams, and drove overall business performance through strategic planning, project management (certified PMP), operational efficiency, and innovative problem-solving. Demonstrable success in problem-solving and adaptability propelling products to market that meet business objectives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VP of Product
THE SQUAD
San Antonio, TX
03.2018 - 08.2024
- Founded and managed The Squad Nation for over 6 years, overseeing innovation, product design, development, and manufacturing. Grew the company's revenue to over 1M+, lead and managed a team of 13+ employees and 30 contractors. Managed and developed an extensive client portfolio of over 50+ clients.
- Enhanced confidence in project environments and identified new product solutions through fostering robust relationships with partners, customers, executives, and stakeholders. Specialized in developing and launching medical devices, wearables, integrated devices, soft goods, apparel, software applications, and military products.
- Formulated and executed project strategies to amplify strategic business objectives by 40%.
- Conducted data evaluation and ROI analyses, achieving a 25% cost reduction for clients in innovation and product development teams across physical and digital platforms.
- Led project management and ensured high-quality deliverables and milestones for over 50 projects, utilizing agile methodologies. Collaborated with product, engineering, and digital teams.
- Led a team of 13+ members and managed up to 30 contractors in research, design, and development of various client projects to ensure alignment of processes, capabilities, and resources with project objectives, milestones, and budget requirements.
- Strategized and implemented efficient product portfolio plans, facilitating prompt decision-making in a time-sensitive agency setting characterized by ambiguity.
VP Of Design
EVELYN AND BOBBIE
Portland, OR
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Implemented lean methods to successfully launch an innovative product line ahead of schedule, resulting in $1M revenue generation during the launch.
- Executed strategies to prioritize business expansion, resulting in a 15% increase in profit growth.
- Aligned long-term goals with product enhancement strategies and marketing plans.
- Provided quarterly executive reports, collaborating with CEO and investors.
- Shaped process for selecting vendors, standardized testing standards, and prototyped product lines.
- Established department structures and implemented quality assurance protocols.
Manager Technical Development
NIKE
Beaverton, OR
03.2015 - 09.2016
- Led global product category re-launch, accelerating product development by 8 months with resource allocation, cost optimization, and streamlined operations. Resulted in a significant 22% reduction in return rates.
- Engineered innovative selection algorithm for e-commerce site.
- Collaborated with IT team to successfully implement global roll-out within six-month sprint timeframe.
- Centralized product specs, product life cycle calendar, and global resources in a pioneering Product Center of Excellence for consistent delivery.
- Implemented five sustainable pillar categories resulting in annual multi-million-dollar growth.
- Cultivated innovation programs across multiple product groups, leveraging industry trends to create value and generate a sustainable competitive advantage.
Manager Of Technical Design
VICTORIAS SECRET
New York City, NY
12.2010 - 03.2015
- Launched new product category for global brand, exceeding plan expectations by 180% through alignment of structure, processes, capabilities, and resources with objectives and timely achievement.
- Executed 1,000+ product developments, strengthening cross-functional relationships with designers, global offices, and product creation teams throughout the entire concept-to-production process.
- Led a team of 8 employees in various bra categories, implementing servant leadership principles and reporting to VP and SVP.
- Executed strategic plans by effectively communicating and planning operations across 5 high-margin business categories.
Senior Technical Designer
AERIE FOR AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
New York City, NY
03.2008 - 12.2010
Technical Designer
VICTORIAS SECRET
New York City, NY
06.2002 - 03.2008
Education
Bachelors - Fashion Design
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
New York, NYSkills
- Product Launches
- Cross Functional Leadership
- Innovation management
- Client Account Management
- Strategic Planning
- Business Development
- Product Development
- P&L Management
Certification
Certified Project Management Professional, PMI
Characteristicssoftskills
- Driven & Entrepreneurial
- Coaches & Mentors
- Adopts Emerging Technologies
- Budget Management, P&L Management
- Drives Efficiencies in products, tools, and processes
- Detail Oriented
- Collaborative Leadership
- Effective Presenter
- Agile
- Resilient
- Analytical Thinker
- Active Listener
- Strategic Planner & Thinker
- Innovator with 11+ Patents
- Manages Risk
- Team Builder
- Forward-thinking
- Creative
- Relationship Builder
- Manages Conflict
- Shifts between tactical and strategic responsibilities daily
- Strong Communication verbally and written
- Creates presentations for cross-functional teams and leaders
- Positive & Can-do attitude
Technologytoolscertifications
- Adobe Suite
- Microsoft Suite
- Google Suite
- Jira
- Asana
- Monday
- Salesforce
- PLM & PDM
- Figma
- Python
- Optitex
- Clo
- Maya
- Microsoft Project
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Smartsheet
- Quickbooks
- Confluence
- Zoho Projects
Timeline
VP of Product
THE SQUAD
03.2018 - 08.2024
VP Of Design
EVELYN AND BOBBIE
09.2016 - 03.2018
Manager Technical Development
NIKE
03.2015 - 09.2016
Manager Of Technical Design
VICTORIAS SECRET
12.2010 - 03.2015
Senior Technical Designer
AERIE FOR AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
03.2008 - 12.2010
Technical Designer
VICTORIAS SECRET
06.2002 - 03.2008
Bachelors - Fashion Design
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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