Stephen Butski
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic merchandising professional with over 7 years of experience in the apparel industry, specializing in strategic planning, product development, sales performance analysis, and team leadership. Proven ability to create cohesive product assortments, drive sales, and manage inventory in high-growth environments. Adept at cross-functional collaboration with design, marketing, and sales teams to ensure successful product launches. Strong leadership skills, with a passion for fostering innovative and high-performing teams. Seeking a Senior Merchandising role with a focus on strategic growth, trend-driven product development, and market analysis.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Merchandising
Dunning Golf
01.2022 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive merchandising strategies aligned with market opportunities and company goals
- Led product assortment planning across all business units, ensuring timely launches and adherence to release dates
- Analyzed sales performance data and adjusted merchandising strategies to optimize revenue and profitability
- Led a team of two direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment focused on results
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including design, marketing, and production, to ensure cohesive product launches and campaigns
- Managed inventory levels and stock allocation, balancing supply and demand to optimize stock turn rates
- Integrated merchandising workflows into the PLM system, streamlining operations and improving team efficiency
- Consistently exceed GM% goals by over +700bps through price negotiations with vendor base
- Drove a 230% year-over-year growth in the lifestyle sportswear category, significantly increasing sales by via compelling product assortments and optimal inventory management
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Product Development and Merchandising Associate
Saks Fifth Avenue, HBC
11.2018 - 10.2021
- Oversaw the product lifecycle for Saks Fifth Avenue men’s private label, driving $40MM in annual sales
- Managed product development and curated assortments through partnerships with luxury brands such as Ermenegildo Zegna and Loro Piana
- Conducted sales performance analysis, optimizing product assortments based on data-driven insights to capture market share
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across multiple regions to align product launches and campaigns with market trends
- Implemented sustainable product initiatives, growing recycled fabric use to 10% of the total assortment
- Increased GM% by 600 basis points through strategic vendor matrix optimization
- Drove omni-channel merchandising strategies, managing 15 third-party vendors across North America and Europe
Associate / Assistant Merchant: Private Label Tailored Clothing, Sportswear, Footwear
Saks Fifth Avenue, HBC
06.2017 - 11.2018
- Created collections for an international portfolio of private label brands, ensuring alignment with market trends and regional demand
- Led efforts to right-size global inventory, improving logistics through warehousing agreements
- Streamlined the vendor matrix, increasing gross margin by 600 basis points and surpassing strategic financial goals by 3-5%
- Enhanced sales performance by analyzing and interpreting data to optimize merchandise assortment strategies.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to develop and execute seasonal merchandising plans, achieving higher sell-through rates.
Brand Management Coordinator: Men’s Private Label - Tailored Clothing, Hosiery, Accessories
Hudson's Bay Company, HBC
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Managed on-garment branding for multiple international brands, ensuring compliance with country-specific labeling requirements
- Leveraged trim qualities across multiple brands resulting in annual cost savings of $100,000.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Management & Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY05.2014
Skills
- Strategic Merchandising Planning
- Product Development & Timelines
- Sales Performance Analysis
- Inventory Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Market Analysis & Trend Forecasting
- Vendor & Supplier Negotiation
- PLM System & Data Management
- Advanced Excel & Data Analytics
- Assortment Optimization
- Pricing strategy
Timeline
Vice President of Merchandising
Dunning Golf
01.2022 - Current
Product Development and Merchandising Associate
Saks Fifth Avenue, HBC
11.2018 - 10.2021
Associate / Assistant Merchant: Private Label Tailored Clothing, Sportswear, Footwear
Saks Fifth Avenue, HBC
06.2017 - 11.2018
Brand Management Coordinator: Men’s Private Label - Tailored Clothing, Hosiery, Accessories
Hudson's Bay Company, HBC
06.2016 - 06.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Management & Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Canisius College
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