Carole-Lee Butler
Sydney
Summary
Retail merchant brand builder, propelling profitable growth through product leadership, team alignment, and unified vision.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Ecommerce Merchandising & Buying (Womens, Mens, Plus, Sport, Lingerie, Accessories)
Forever 21
04.2017 - Current
- Company Overview: Forever 21 operates over 830 stores in 56 countries, 6 Ecommerce sites, and recently opened their first Beauty stores
- Manage a team of 6 responsible for over $500 million in sales volume, annual growth planned up 20% to ’17
- Departmental seasonal strategy development
- Incremental Ecommerce line plan development & coordination with cross functional partners
- Promotional & Campaign planning and preparation
- Email Campaign planning and preparation
- Fill Rate Management
- Propose navigation enhancements
- Forever 21 operates over 830 stores in 56 countries, 6 Ecommerce sites, and recently opened their first Beauty stores
Buying Manager
Ross Stores Inc.
01.2019 - 10.2024
- Reduced supply chain risks by developing contingency plans for critical materials or disruptions in the supply chain process.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring order status and proactively addressing potential issues.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve any discrepancies between purchase orders, invoices, or deliveries promptly and efficiently.
- Supported company growth by identifying and onboarding new suppliers that aligned with business objectives.
- Conducted market research to stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor strategies.
- Implemented inventory control measures to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize excess inventory costs.
- Developed strong relationships with key vendors, resulting in improved service levels and reduced lead times.
- Improved supplier performance through regular evaluations and effective communication.
- Participated in trade shows or conferences to expand supplier networks and stay updated on industry advancements.
- Assisted finance department in budget planning by providing accurate forecasts of future purchasing requirements.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating with suppliers and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Devised and executed annual purchasing plans and contracts.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability, and negotiated favorable contracts.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Maintained detailed records of all purchasing activities, ensuring full compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Organized training sessions for purchasing team members to enhance their skills in negotiation tactics or other relevant topics continuously.
- Represented company at national and regional trade shows.
Sr. Buyer - Structured Wovens, Denim & Petites
Anthropologie
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
- Managed a team of 6 responsible for over $250 million in sales volume, annual growth planned up 3% to ’16 combined retail & direct
- A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
Sr. Buyer - Structured Wovens & Denim
Anthropologie
02.2014 - 08.2016
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
- Managed a team of 4 responsible for Pants, Shorts, Denim, Jackets, & Outerwear
- Represents $200 million in sales volume, annual growth planned up 5% to ’15 combined retail & direct, delivering 200 styles per month
- Beat GM budget Spring ’15 & ’16
- A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
Sr. Buyer - Dresses
Anthropologie
02.2013 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
- Managed a team of 4 responsible for $156 million in sales volume, achieving 12% sales growth compared to ’12 combined retail & direct, delivering 170 styles per month
- Exceeded IMU expectations
- Created a new brand for her Casual lifestyle
- Beat GM budget Spring ’14
- A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
Sr. Buyer - Casual, Foundations, Intimate Apparel, & Swim
Anthropologie
12.2011 - 02.2013
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
- Managed a team of 5 responsible for $82 million annual sales volume, achieving 6% sales growth compared to ’11 combined retail & direct, delivering over 120 styles per month
- Exceeded Sales & GM plans for 2 consecutive seasons
- A subsidiary of Urban Outfitters Inc., Anthropologie operates 210 boutiques, expanded Ecommerce shops, and Designer Collaborations
Sr. Merchant – Sweaters
White House|Black Market
02.2010 - 11.2011
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
- Responsible for $73.9 million sales volume (17% company’s penetration); building the department up 5% an average store for 2011
- Have a leadership role in the New Store Opening Team as well as the Merchant Development Program
- Managed an assistant and associate merchant and their developmental growth plan
- A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
Merchant – Woven Tops
White House|Black Market
02.2008 - 02.2010
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
- Directly reported to a DMM
- Managed an assistant merchant and lead in their career development
- Achieved $38.6 million annual sales volume in ’09, 24% growth from ’08
- Beat GM by $3 million & Season turn 3.02 vs
- 2.85 goal
- A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
Associate Merchant – Woven Tops
White House|Black Market
04.2007 - 02.2008
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
- Directly Reported to a DMM
- Managed a Merchandise Coordinator and lead in their career development
- Achieved $31.0 million annual sales volume in ’08, 7% sales growth from ’07
- Achieved IMU goals for 4 consecutive quarters
- A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
Assistant Merchant – Woven Tops & Woven Jackets
White House|Black Market
09.2005 - 04.2007
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
- Accountable for $20.0 million annual sales volume for 200 US stores
- Achieved 45% sales growth from ’06 to ’07.’ Employee of the quarter for 3 consecutive quarters for various accomplishments
- A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
Merchandise Allocator – Dresses, Woven Bottoms, & Denim
White House|Black Market
04.2004 - 09.2005
- Company Overview: A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
- Directly reported to the Director of Planning and Allocation
- Helped build the store count from 115-200 stores by planning inventory for store openings
- Developed departmental store rankings and store planning
- Analyzed size selling by store/region/district/climate
- Communicated weekly receipts and shipping by style
- A subsidiary of Chico’s FAS, White House | Black Market operates 360 boutiques and 19 outlet stores
Education
BS - Marketing
Clemson University
Clemson, South CarolinaMerchandise Planning and Allocation Intern
Gucci Group
New York, NYSkills
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff training and development
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Workforce management
- Negotiation
- Product management
- Budget control
- Key performance indicators
- Financial management
- Brand management
- Employee onboarding
- Coaching and mentoring
- Inventory management
- Vendor management
- Trend analysis
- Cross-functional team management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Computer skills
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- MS office
Timeline
Buying Manager
Ross Stores Inc.
01.2019 - 10.2024
Manager, Ecommerce Merchandising & Buying (Womens, Mens, Plus, Sport, Lingerie, Accessories)
Forever 21
04.2017 - Current
Sr. Buyer - Structured Wovens, Denim & Petites
Anthropologie
08.2016 - 03.2017
Sr. Buyer - Structured Wovens & Denim
Anthropologie
02.2014 - 08.2016
Sr. Buyer - Dresses
Anthropologie
02.2013 - 01.2014
Sr. Buyer - Casual, Foundations, Intimate Apparel, & Swim
Anthropologie
12.2011 - 02.2013
Sr. Merchant – Sweaters
White House|Black Market
02.2010 - 11.2011
Merchant – Woven Tops
White House|Black Market
02.2008 - 02.2010
Associate Merchant – Woven Tops
White House|Black Market
04.2007 - 02.2008
Assistant Merchant – Woven Tops & Woven Jackets
White House|Black Market
09.2005 - 04.2007
Merchandise Allocator – Dresses, Woven Bottoms, & Denim
White House|Black Market
04.2004 - 09.2005
BS - Marketing
Clemson University
Merchandise Planning and Allocation Intern
Gucci Group
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