GRACE ALATERAS
Summary
With 8+ years in Retail, specializing in Merchandise & Demand Planning, Production Management, and Product Development, I am eager to advance my career in Merchandise Planning. Passionate about learning and growth, I am coachable and open to feedback from industry leaders to enhance my skills and drive results. A results-driven professional, I focus on maximizing sales, gross profit, and inventory productivity while fostering collaboration with stakeholders and retail teams to achieve shared goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Junior Merchandise Planner
Spotlight Retail Group
06.2023 - Current
- Sales Forecasting & Inventory Management : Collaborating with the Stock Flow Team on sales forecasting, purchasing planning, and managing core line inventory.
- Weekly Replenishment Management : Overseeing replenishment processes, identifying risks and opportunities at both store and category levels.
- Sales & Gross Profit Optimization : Analyzing and identifying opportunities to maximize KPIs with a focus on the core line program.
- Inventory Optimization : Conducting regular reviews of store targets to ensure optimal inventory levels year-round.
- Post-Seasonal & Trade Analysis : Supporting the Business Planner with analysis to inform future strategies and decisions.
- Supporting with Category Management : Markdowns, repeat quantification, and product lifecycle management.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration : Working closely with buyers and retail teams to optimize sales and inventory performance.
Demand Planner
Spotlight Retail Group
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Sales Performance Monitoring & Forecast Adjustment : Regularly tracking actual sales against forecasts and adjusting plans as necessary to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Replenishment & Issue Resolution : Monitoring weekly replenishment, identifying potential issues, and flagging them to key stakeholders for prompt resolution.
- Ad-Hoc Analysis & Recommendations : Providing actionable insights to the merchandise team with recommendations to optimize sales and inventory.
- Weekly Alignment Meetings : Leading weekly meetings with the merchandise team to ensure alignment in planning and forecasting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration : Working closely with buyers, logistics, and other departments to ensure cohesive planning and optimal inventory performance.
- Vendor Relationship Management : Maintaining positive, productive relationships with key local vendors to ensure smooth supply chain operations.
- Training & Development : Guiding new team members and sharing best practices for demand forecasting and inventory management.
Senior Allocation and Replenishment Analyst
Accent Group Limited
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Weekly Allocations : Timely and accurate allocation of repeat and new products to stores.
- Delivery & Stock Monitoring : Running weekly reports to ensure on-time delivery and flagging issues to relevant teams.
- Store Consolidations : Actioning fortnightly consolidations of markdown stock to optimize inventory levels.
- New Store Assortments : Assisting with new store builds and tracking progress to ensure proper stock assortment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration : Building strong relationships with Buying, Loss Prevention, Logistics, and Marketing to meet business objectives.
- Team Leadership : Leading weekly allocation team meetings to ensure alignment, smooth operations, and efficient workflow. Training & Best Practices : Training new team members on merchandising standards for consistent execution.
Production Manager
P.Johnson Tailors
02.2018 - 09.2020
- Team Management & Training : Managed and trained 2 Production Assistants to improve skills and performance.
- Weekly Product Delivery Management : Ensured timely delivery of high-quality products to meet customer requirements.
- Factory Coordination : Managed multiple factories to ensure on-time deliveries and specifications.
- Inventory & Forecasting : Oversaw inventory and forecasted needs for 150+ fabric options.
- Vendor Management : Negotiated costs and MOQs with key vendors to optimize supply chain efficiency.
- Process Improvement : Led initiatives to enhance quality, workflow, and productivity.
- Product Development Support : Collaborated with design teams on product development.
- Customer & Retail Support : Ensured customer satisfaction by accommodating specific needs and supporting high-profile retail requirements.
- Issue Resolution : Addressed production issues quickly to maintain efficiency.
- Product Analysis : Analyzed & Quantified seasonal buys for ready to wear offering
Education
Short Course - Fashion and Merchandise Planning
RMIT University
12.2019
Advanced Excel Course -
Dynamic Web Training
12.2019
Bachelor of (Fashion) Design - First Class Honours
RMIT University
12.2016
Skills
- Sales Forecasting & Purchase Planning
- Inventory Management & Allocation
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Proficient in ERP systems (SAP/AP21) and Microsoft Office
- Leadership & Team Development
- Adaptability and Time Management
- Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Detail Orientated & Reliable
- Process Improvement & Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
Timeline
Junior Merchandise Planner
Spotlight Retail Group
06.2023 - Current
Demand Planner
Spotlight Retail Group
08.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Allocation and Replenishment Analyst
Accent Group Limited
09.2020 - 08.2022
Production Manager
P.Johnson Tailors
02.2018 - 09.2020
Advanced Excel Course -
Dynamic Web Training
Bachelor of (Fashion) Design - First Class Honours
RMIT University
Short Course - Fashion and Merchandise Planning
RMIT University
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