Tara Torres
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader experienced in directing large-scale operations and driving organizational growth. Delivered measurable outcomes through effective business strategies, process optimization, and high-performing team management. Focused on fostering collaboration and a positive team culture while executing strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiencies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Mid-States Distributing
Ft Worth, TX
12.2024 - Current
- Directed cross-functional operations to improve supply chain coordination and service reliability.
- Led managers and staff to strengthen accountability, communication, and workflow execution.
- Developed distribution strategies aligned with inventory targets and customer demand.
- Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and expense for the Home & Garden Business Unit
- Facilitated four Tradeshows a year for our retailers
- Launched new programs for our retailers, including several Private Brand programs to save money and be more competitive in the Farm & Ranch market
Associate Director
Mid-States Distributing
Ft Worth, TX
11.2023 - 12.2024
- Directed operational planning, aligning inventory, logistics, and sales priorities.
- Led cross-functional initiatives to improve distribution workflows and service consistency.
- Partnered with leadership to refine policies supporting distributor performance.
- Worked with 700+ suppliers to ensure best programs for our members (retailers)
Category Manager
Mid-States Distributing
Ft Worth, TX
11.2021 - 11.2023
- Managed product assortments, aligning category strategy with market demand for our members needs.
- Negotiated with suppliers to improve cost, terms and margin performance.
- Coordinated vendor relationships to support product launches and assortment planning.
CATEGORY MANAGER
Tucker Powersports
Fort Worth, Texas
09.2014 - 11.2021
- Planned strategy for $58M apparel segment with market-driven, consumer-centric focus to attract desirable brands and develop effective marketing plans for positioning and promotion
- Managed product life cycle for 18,000+ items across 10 product categories to optimize assortment and maximize sales potential
- Collaborated with overseas manufacturers to manage international shipments and reduce product lead times to achieve a 30% sales revenue increase YTD
- Developed stocking strategies to ensure proper placement and allocation of products, improving primary fill rates by 5% and customer view fill rates by 10% while achieving inventory turn goals
- Created stocking strategies to ensure proper placement and allocation of products which improved primary fill rates by 5% and customer view fill rates by 10% while maintaining inventory turn goals
PRODUCT LINE MANAGER
Tucker Powersports
Fort Worth, Texas
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Managed vendor portfolio of 20+ international suppliers, ensuring timely fulfillment despite long lead times
- Managed inventory needs by classification, model/style, color and size through forecasting to achieve planned sales goals and turn rates
- Negotiated pricing and payment terms with vendors to achieve desired margin and ROI
- Maintained current knowledge of duties, quotas, and international exchange rates to ensure traffic and importation requirements were met
- Provided product information to marketing department for creation of product launch materials, annual catalogs, and sales force reference materials
- Create product assortments and execute purchase orders
- Facilitated reduction of overstocked products through strategic inventory management
BUYER
Dillard’s, Inc.
Fort Worth, Texas
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Buyer of kids apparel brands with annual sales revenue of $50 million for 57 stores
- Implemented regional buying strategies to maximize sales potential across diverse Texas markets
- Developed product assortment matrix aligned with market trends to enhance market share in kids apparel
- Ordered fashion and staple items alongside seasonal and off-price buys to meet sales and margin objectives
- Conducted thorough analysis of sales by vendor, classification, style, size and store and planned advertising and markdown strategies to achieve sales, turn, gross margin and ROI goals
Education
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utahundefined
Lamar University
Orange, TexasSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Vendor Management
- Category Strategy Development
- Competitive Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Training and Mentorship
- Communication
- Relationship building
Timeline
Director
Mid-States Distributing
12.2024 - Current
Associate Director
Mid-States Distributing
11.2023 - 12.2024
Category Manager
Mid-States Distributing
11.2021 - 11.2023
CATEGORY MANAGER
Tucker Powersports
09.2014 - 11.2021
PRODUCT LINE MANAGER
Tucker Powersports
01.2008 - 01.2014
BUYER
Dillard’s, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2008
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Lamar University
Brigham Young University