Jennifer Vasilj
Forrest,Vic
Summary
Results-driven Product Development Manager with extensive experience in the textile and home furnishings industry. Proven track record of building successful relationships with stakeholders, reducing costs, and driving sales growth. Skilled in managing budgets across entire divisions, projects, and individual product ranges. Experienced in all aspects of the product lifecycle from design and development to sourcing and manufacture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Account and Production Development Manager
Basford Brands
01.2013 - Current
- Design and source innovative new products in line with customer & market trends
- Develop products within strict budget constraints
- Oversee packaging design and sourcing of recycled materials
- Lead product design and development, ensuring legislative compliance
- Manage division-wide budgets and individual project budgets
- Track and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales, production, and cost reduction
- Negotiate with manufacturers to reduce product costs and improve margins
- Analyse sales data and plan product ranges to meet financial targets
- Manage production schedules to ensure timely product shipments from Australia, China, and India
- Present at sales meetings, showcasing new product lines, demonstrating innovations, and strategizing with key stakeholders to strengthen business relationships and drive sales growths
- Design, produce, and present instructional 'how to' videos for both consumers and in-house teams, enhancing product understanding and usage.
Product Development Manager
Waggems Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Managed budgets for multiple product lines and international projects
- Tracked and improved KPIs related to product development timelines and cost efficiencies
- Negotiated with Chinese manufacturers to reduce costs and ensure timely production.
Design and Product Development Manager
Yell Australia Pty Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Design and develop innovative promotion and retail products tailored to specific marketing campaigns
- Strategically identify and match character licenses with compatible charities, aligning appeal and values to create dynamic, mission-driven merchandise that resonates with donors and supporters
- Developed and managed project budgets, including viability assessments and break-even analyses
- Tracked KPIs related to project timelines and financial performance.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Marketing
University of Ballarat
Skills
- Product design & development
- Budget management & cost reduction
- KPI tracking and improvement
- Offshore manufacture sourcing & liaison
- Stakeholder relations
- Leadership and team management
- Strong business and commercial acumen
- Innovative product development
- Technical skills: Adobe suite, stock management, Microsoft Office
Horse Riding, Hiking, Travel
President of the Forrest Horse Riding Club, hunting for hidden waterfalls, off the beaten track travel
Timeline
Account and Production Development Manager
Basford Brands
01.2013 - Current
Product Development Manager
Waggems Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2013
Design and Product Development Manager
Yell Australia Pty Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Applied Science - Marketing
University of Ballarat
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