Julia Utz
Summary
I am a conscientious, hard working and passionate retail professional with a strong drive to succeed. My experience in developing and delivering successful product strategies and growing market share are proven. I have demonstrated my abilities to deliver outstanding results and my outputs are representative of the highest possible standards. I am looking for the next step to grow my experience in retail corporate leadership whilst maintaining a strong link to product and brand. I am a team player and believe in a collaborative working environment, leading teams to achieve impressive financial KPI's. I have traveled overseas extensively and I am constantly inspired by the ever changing retail landscape. I wish to find a leadership role in a company that prides itself on design, strong brand values and great culture.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
GM Product and Marketing
Dusk Australasia
07.2021 - 06.2024
- Optimized marketing efforts through data analysis and market research, resulting in increased brand awareness.
- Increased brand visibility by developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns.
- Improved customer engagement through targeted social media strategies and content creation.
- Implemented effective email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and boost customer retention rates.
- Launched successful promotional campaigns that captured market share from competitors.
- Spearheaded market research initiatives to identify target audience preferences and trends.
- Supported marketing programs and campaigns with content and messaging to drive demand.
- Oversaw product development, marketing and launches.
- Led staff and external agencies to develop products and promotions, analyze sales, manage trade shows, purchase media, provide creative services and conduct PR.
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize product performance across all phases of product lifecycle, from launch to distribution.
- Created product positioning and messaging to differentiate products in market and expand visibility.
- Managed product development lifecycle from conception to exit.
- Worked closely with product development teams to create and maintain marketing materials for sales presentations and client meetings.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing shoots, copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful product launches and promotional events.
Head of Product
Dusk Australasia
07.2016 - 06.2024
- Established clear product vision and strategy, aligning business goals with customer needs.
- Streamlined product management processes for enhanced efficiency and team productivity.
- Delivered high-quality products on time and within budget constraints, effectively managing resources.
- Developed comprehensive product roadmaps, establishing clear goals and timelines for development teams.
- Implemented market research initiatives to identify customer needs and opportunities for product growth.
- Spearheaded new product launches, driving successful market penetration and achieving financial KPI's.
- Managed vendor relationships for cost-effective sourcing of materials and components, reducing production costs.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders internal and external, ensuring alignment of business objectives across departments.
- Led creation of competitive analyses to inform strategic decision-making for product positioning in marketplace.
- Evaluated metrics and analytics data to make informed decisions regarding future product strategies - focusing on prioritization and innovation.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, balancing resource allocation while maintaining focus on key business priorities.
- Championed innovation within organization by encouraging experimentation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or functionality.
- Influenced company strategy through insightful presentations highlighting trends, challenges, opportunities in industry related to product offerings and highlighting brand development.
- Oversaw product design and roadmap and coordinated aspects of development and rollout.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.
- Managed team of Product Developers, Graphic Designers and Merchandise Assistants to ensure product strategies were executed on time, to budget, hitting all financial KPI's.
- Initiated VM strategies to enhance, support and align with new product initiatives.
- Traveled overseas 4-8 times per year for buying trips and overseas trade fairs.
Head of Womenswear
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Head of Womenswear role worked in collaboration with Head of Planning to design and deliver a clear option plan to Design team.
- Head of Womenswear then briefed Head of Design on the key commercial strategies for the upcoming season
- Collaboratively Head of Womenswear and Head of Design formulated product strategies that encapsulated commercial drivers, key trends, colour palettes, silhouettes and ways to improve profitability, brand perception and channel differentiation
- Development of supply chain strategies to consolidate vendors and mills thus ensuring efficiency across APG suppliers
- Design team collaboration that involved complete refresh of core lines – denim, cut & sew, wovens
- Ensured on- floor synergy between Signature and Sportscraft Womenswear label for better co-ordination between labels and in store/market presentation
- Collaborations with Woolmark and Brand Ambassador (Naomi Watts)
- Expansion of Signature label into stand alone store pads in David Jones
- Refreshed overall handwriting of Sportscraft prints/colour palettes to look more contemporary
Head of Buying
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Focus of this role was to manage all areas of Sportscraft buying portfolio
- All departments were managed to meet OTB plans, oversee range selection, option planning, markdown management and ensure collaboration with internal partners to deliver product strategies in Marketing, Etail, Visual Merchandising and store staff training
- Responsible for the buying and management of Sportscraft and Signature Womenswear ranges
- 6 Buying team reports
- Achievements
- Successfully re-invigorated Sportscraft Womenswear range with new product innovation and contemporary design.
- Expanded Signature label from 30 to 50+ stores
- Increased sales and profitability of Sportscraft label with supply chain strategies and consolidation
- Executed new COO strategies to diversify supply chain out of China and into Bangladesh/Thailand/Vietnam
- Increased FM% +2% YOY with collaboration of vendors and mills
- Product collaborations with Woolmark, Naomi Watts, Shilo Engelbrecht, Drizabone and Liberty of London
- Worked closely with design team to refresh brand handwriting in colours/prints and silhouettes
Senior Womenswear Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
10.2013 - 01.2014
- Responsible for improving overall profitability of Sportscraft Womenswear and Signature labels.
- Ensuring all commercial KPI's were met and work collaboratively with Design team to ensure synergised product strategy is concepted and delivered to stores at right price, right time and in correct quantification.
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Strategise with Supply Chain/Logistics to deliver better FOB costings and increase FM% with maximising off shore capabilities
- Managed diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
- Improved procurement efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing supply chain management.
- Work with Merchandise Planning team to manage stock timings – exit and entry, option plans and sales initiatives
- Executed ‘innovate and elevate' strategy to Sportscraft Womenswear label in order to refresh brand perception and entice new customer.
- Achievements
- WW Sales S13 +3.5% vs
- LY and GP$ + 4.4%, FM% +1.2% overall
- Integration of Active label for Sportscraft into WW portfolio (previously run as a NBI), delivered +$500k incremental sales for W14
- Developed end to end product strategy with Design team that involved total review of all core lines and fashion focus
- Strongest sales result for Christmas period in history of brand for S14/S15
- Introduction of product collaborations to ignite interest in brand – Iconic Collection, Woolmark, Liberty etc
- Expansion and growth of Signature brand and implementation of a more tiered product strategy
Senior Menswear Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2012 - 10.2013
- Responsible for ‘Supercharging' Menswear after a period of relatively slow sales growth.
- Introduced and executed a new product strategy that re-invigorated the Sportscraft Menswear offer and incorporated a contemporary vision of Menswear into the Sportscraft concession and freestanding stores.
- Increased sales by developing and implementing strategic merchandising plans for menswear products.
- Meet all financial KPI's and investigate new vendors in order to achieve innovation strategy in product offer.
- Achievements
- Streamlined supply chain operations, reducing lead times for new product arrivals.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for product purchases and delivery schedules.
- Maximized profits with effective inventory management and pricing strategies.
- Improved FM% +1.3% overall and seasonal sales by 5% LFL, +6.7% in GP$
- Introduced brand collaborations to compliment and add to in store product offer – Izola, Sperry, Richer Poorer, Dunlop Volley originals
- Men's Accessory sales increased by +22% LFL with totally new range
- Reduced MD% by 10%
- Movement of Menswear product from back to front of flagship store in Westfield Sydney
- Increased prominence of Menswear collaborations with Wallabies, Olympics and Ambassadors
- Improved Menswear social media (Facebook) followers by 133% reflecting greater customer engagement.
Signature Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Responsible for introduction and expansion of Signature into market 3 months after its launch
- Signature brand went from 5 to 30 stores in 12 months I was solely responsible for its management.
- Signature was the introduction of premium fashion product aimed at addressing different wardrobing needs of the Sportscraft customer, primarily event and corporate dressing with a strong fashion focus.
- Commercial KPI's were set and a marketing campaign implemented to bring brand awareness to the label.
- This role was created to give Signature a prioritised focus and enable it to set strong foundations in its first year in market.
- Established commercial vision for Signature range with a clear understanding of the competitive environment both internally and externally of main Sportscraft range.
- Achievements
- Exceeded sales target and GP% +11.2% in first 12 months
- Expansion from 5 to 30 stores within 12 months of launch
- Expansion from Freestand store distribution to prime David Jones and Myer stores
- Established commercial vision for the Signature range and worked with Design to develop ongoing product strategy based on customer insights, SWOT review and competitor analysis
- Met all KPI's for 12 month contract period (MD%, GP$, Sales, Stock turn and FM %)
Senior Womenswear Buyer
DAVID JONES
05.2007 - 02.2009
- Reported to Buying Manager for Womenswear
- Responsibilities included Womenswear Buyer and Product developer for the ‘David Jones' label incorporated – Contemporary Leisurewear, Classic Leisurewear, Knitwear and Coats
- Responsible for the end to end range planning and management of a broad portfolio of brands in the departments as well as developing seasonal ranges for the David Jones label
- Managed the Swimwear departments for 9 months of the year
- Total OTB for this portfolio was $50m and incorporated the management of approximately +50 brands
- Responsibilities included maintaining the balance of the branded and vertical product offers, supplier management, brand OTB allocation, ranging, option planning per store, pricing and stock management
- Achievements
- Executed the re-negotiation of supply terms with all suppliers, resulting in improved payment terms and reduction in supplier discounts
- Meeting/exceeding agreed budget targets set per season – sales/GP, MD, Margin, Aged/Closing stock
- Management and execution of a high volume knitwear and leisurewear private label program $3M sales in both categories
- Managed Summer 2008 Swimwear season ( $20m sales) as most profitable to date for Jets and Seafolly
- Contemporary Leisurewear department grew +12% sales W08 – Bonds, Nike, Adidas, Stella McCartney for Adidas
Head of Buying
GENERAL PANTS CO
01.2003 - 11.2006
- General Pants Co Is a unisex youth fashion retailer
- A national retailer that in the time I was Buying Manager had over 40 General Pants stores and also owned the Jetty Surf, Surf Dive ‘n Ski and Billabong stores
- Totaling 85 stores
- Role of Buying Manager was to oversee Buying team in managing product from suppliers as well as developing/range planning vertical brands within General Pants Co (i.e
- Don't Ask Amanda, C17, Arvust, Agent 99, Kepper and Standard)
- Direct reports included 10 buyers and assistants that were responsible for range assortments, stock management, supplier negotiations, RRP analysis, product development as well as liaison with internal departments to strategise marketing, VM and education of sales people on product initiatives
- Achievements:
- Successful integration of Surf arm of General Pants Group – Jetty Surf stores, Surf Dive ‘n Ski 24 stores and management of 2 Billabong concept stores
- Exclusive brand acquisition internationally and locally – Modern Amusement, Ksubi, Sass & Bide, RVCA, Havaianas
- Initiation and successful launch of vertical product labels to add to existing labels – Don't Ask Amanda, Agent 99, Standard and Arvust
- Strategic alignment with Billabong to expand into Billabong concept stores and solidify surf market ownership in Australia
Head of Womenswear
GENERAL PANTS CO.
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Head of Womenswear role was responsible for managing over 40+ brands including strategic brands such as Ksubi, Lee, Billabong, Stussy , Mooks, and Paul Frank etc.
- Managed vertical product development of Women's inhouse portfolio including design managed product development team – Agent 99, Don't Ask Amanda, Vertigo.
- Responsible for maintaining a balanced portfolio within budget constraints, requiring brand addition and deletions.
- Buying responsibilities included developing and maintain effective and positive supper relationships.
- Development of range plans, option plans, OTB's and oversee stock management within all areas of Womenswear – apparel, footwear, swimwear , accessories and eyewear.
-
Personal Assistant to the Owner
GENERAL PANTS GROUP
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Streamlined the owner's schedule by managing appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.
- Enhanced efficiency in daily operations by organizing and maintaining office filing systems.
- Improved communication between the owner and external parties by drafting professional correspondence on their behalf.
- Increased productivity by prioritizing tasks and ensuring deadlines were met consistently.
- Optimized time management for the owner with effective calendar organization and event coordination.
- Contributed to successful project execution by assisting with planning, implementation, and monitoring progress.
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Provided general administrative support including scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements and managing documentation.
Development Co-ordinator
JIGSAW LONDON
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Reported to CEO
- Role was assisting CEO/Owner - Malcolm Webster with establishment of Jigsaw UK in Australia
- General duties ranged broadly from office administration, store support, stock management, warehouse replenishment and general ‘jack of all trades' role.
- Rare opportunity for experience in assisting with a successful overseas retailer launching in Australia. I assisted CEO in a range of different tasks enabling me to gain experience in all aspects of the business and eventually choose to focus on buying side of retail.
Wholesale Office Manager
COUNTRY ROAD AUSTRALIA
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Reported to Head of Wholesale
- Role was responsible for office management of Country Road Wholesale division in NSW
- Serviced all size of customers in wholesale division from David Jones to small country independents
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Executed range showings and provided customer service to all clients for stock, sales, VM and marketing
- Facilitated smooth communication between departments, addressing concerns promptly to maintain harmonious work relationships.
- Range showings were conducted 4 times per year
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Responsible for day to day office administration, management of range showings and general administration.
- CR Wholesale office was moved to Melbourne in 1993.
Sales Assistant
COUNTRY ROAD AUSTRALIA
01.1991 - 01.1992
Education
High School Diploma -
Wenona School
Sydney, NSW12.1989
Skills
- Business Development
- Financial Management
- Staff Management
- Strategic Planning
- Brand Development
- Product Management and Branding
- Vendor Management
- Marketing and Advertising
- Inventory management programs – SVI Magic, AP21, AS400, Jolts, BOA, MSSI, Maple Lake Planning tool
- Microsoft Office
Accomplishments
- Successfully refreshed and invigorated entire product range, focusing on innovation and elevating brand aesthetic, resulting in increased customer acquisition and market share.
- Sourcing and diversification of suppliers resulted in improved efficiency, quality and costs as well as enabling the business to react to market demand on successful product initiatives.
- Gross margin performance from vertically integrated product strategy allowed cost control and maintaining of GM% 67%+.
- Expanded store footprint from 70 to 150+ stores in 7 years, avg LFL growth 13% and +10 new store openings per year.
- Sales from FY17 grew from $74m revenue to $148m in FY21 despite CVD pandemic and store closures nationwide.
- Executed marketing strategies to drive online and store sales resulting in improved brand awareness and engagement with healthy data base growth of dusk Rewards members.
- Dusk Rewards database grown from 300k+ in 2016 to 850k+ in 2024 and account for over 60% total sales with an avg spend of $60/transaction.
- Successfully designed, developed and delivered new Licensing product lines to enhance product offer and attract new customers to the brand - Chupa Chups, Streets, Comfort, Swarovski.
- Successful IPO 2021.
Certification
Negotiating Skills – Australian Institute of Management 2016National Retail Association – Buying and Negotiation 2004Williams Business College – Certificate of Office Administration 1994
Timeline
GM Product and Marketing
Dusk Australasia
07.2021 - 06.2024
Head of Product
Dusk Australasia
07.2016 - 06.2024
Head of Womenswear
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2016 - 05.2016
Head of Buying
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Womenswear Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
10.2013 - 01.2014
Senior Menswear Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2012 - 10.2013
Signature Buyer
SPORTSCRAFT
01.2011 - 01.2012
Senior Womenswear Buyer
DAVID JONES
05.2007 - 02.2009
Head of Buying
GENERAL PANTS CO
01.2003 - 11.2006
Head of Womenswear
GENERAL PANTS CO.
01.1997 - 01.2001
Personal Assistant to the Owner
GENERAL PANTS GROUP
01.1995 - 01.1997
Development Co-ordinator
JIGSAW LONDON
01.1993 - 01.1995
Wholesale Office Manager
COUNTRY ROAD AUSTRALIA
01.1992 - 01.1993
Sales Assistant
COUNTRY ROAD AUSTRALIA
01.1991 - 01.1992
High School Diploma -
Wenona School
Negotiating Skills – Australian Institute of Management 2016National Retail Association – Buying and Negotiation 2004Williams Business College – Certificate of Office Administration 1994
Similar Profiles
Jennifer FugeJennifer Fuge
Personal Sales Assistant at Dusk AustralasiaPersonal Sales Assistant at Dusk Australasia
Selina TeaiaSelina Teaia
Factory Production Worker at Dusk AustralasiaFactory Production Worker at Dusk Australasia
Lara SanossianLara Sanossian
Merchandise Assistant at Dusk AustralasiaMerchandise Assistant at Dusk Australasia