Karen Huynh
Springfield,QLD
Summary
Senior Buyer with over 7 years of progressive retail experience across footwear, electronics, and household goods. Data-driven and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to analyse trends and execute both core and seasonal buying strategies that optimise inventory performance across fast- and slow-moving categories. Experienced in supplier negotiations, vendor management, and end-to-end procurement, consistently driving cost efficiencies and maximising margins. Recognised for building strong supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products, and supporting sustained sales growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
BUYER/ PLANER
Sole Distribution Pty Ltd
02.2023 - Current
- Managed international brand portfolio including Vivobarefoot, Dansko, Notace, Groundies, Altra, Xero, and The Rehab Mechanics across retail and e-commerce channels
- Led end-to-end planning and buying for key brands, aligning range, pricing, and inventory with sales and margin targets
- Developed products from concept through to launch by liaising with China-based suppliers on sourcing, development, costings, and margin planning
- Negotiated supplier terms and built strong vendor relationships to drive cost efficiencies and secure competitive pricing
- Managed purchase orders, invoicing, and wholesale billing, ensuring accuracy and timely processing
- Coordinated shipment logistics with freight forwarders, including documentation, timelines, and delivery schedules
- Set RRP and promotional pricing strategies (EOFY, Black Friday, Boxing Day, seasonal campaigns) to maximise sell-through and margin
- Maintained optimal inventory levels through demand forecasting, replenishment planning, and stock control across core and seasonal ranges
- Analysed sales and market trends to inform buying decisions, pricing strategies, and product performance
- Partnered with warehouse and internal stakeholders to manage stock movements, wholesale orders, and promotional execution
- Prepared and maintained reporting on sales performance, inventory, and buying trends to support data-driven decision-making
STOCK INTEGRITY MANAGER
Dollars and Sense Discount Variety Group
06.2021 - 02.2023
- Maintaining processes to promote stock integrity
- Investigating all stock related discrepancies, adjusting stock levels where applicable and providing trend analysis for same
- Working closely with buyer team at all levels to drive continuous improvement in terms of stock accuracy
- Responsible for stocktaking for over 20 stores, seasonal stocktaking and weekly schedule rolling stock take
- Audit invoices from suppliers to ensure data was entered correctly
- Responsible for any shrinkage, write off stock, faulty stock, theft
- Ensure stock transfer is done correctly in between stores
- Data analysis for aging stock, write off stock and GP control
- Liaising with suppliers to process claim for short supplied and faulty stock.
BUYER
Dollars And Sense Discount Variety Group
06.2016 - 06.2021
- Managing stock level for over 20 stores across Australia, ordering stock with local and oversea suppliers
- Ordering for new store grand opening
- Managing inventory budget and stock categories, stores KPI's
- Managing over 50,000 SKU within database
- Monitoring and resolving various production issues
- Coordinating with suppliers and negotiated to prepare contracts
- Maintaining optimal GP in both local and imported products
- Developing and sourcing of lines from overseas and local manufacturers and suppliers
- Planning, creating, and executing marketing and promotional programmed
- Negotiating with overseas and local suppliers for shipments, sourcing, and order execution
- Developing and maintaining professional relationships with present and prospective suppliers
- Ensuring the compliance of OH&S regulations, Importing and packaging requirements and product design specifications
- Liaison with stores managers in regards of stock level and other issues that arise
- Generated reports detailing sales trends and store performances
- Removed poor performing items from future buys
- Represented company at national and regional trade shows.
ACCOUNT PAYABLE AND RECEIVABLE
Dollars And Sense Discount Variety Group
04.2010 - 12.2015
- Performed general administration duties
- Performed all account payable/receivable when require by general manager
- Processing GST for NZ stores/ Bass
- Reconciliation credit card statement/and checking credit card expenses
- Processing Daily Cash Conciliation Report check for all stores
- Processing all supplier's invoices and statements monthly
- Processing all stores End of Month packs for over 30 stores
- Achieving payroll duties for over 300 employees including both Australia and New Zealand stores.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
RECEPTIONIST
Forest Lake Dental, Medical Centre
09.2008 - 02.2010
- Managing incoming phone call/emails
- Performing accounts receivable/payable duties
- Administrative duties
- Planning and organising dentist's schedule
- Creating and posting quotes and treatment plans for patients
- Receiving and recording payments, using HICAP and EFTPOS, cash handling
- Preparing for and assisting during oral health care procedures – occasionally
- Maintaining Stock Levels including office supplies.
SALES ASSISTANT AND SECOND IN CHARGE
Strandbags –The Bag Shop
11.2007 - 09.2008
- Providing high levels of customer services
- Processing cash and eftpos sales
- Meeting and achieving sale targets
- Achieve over 90% results of mystery shopper
- Opening and closing store procedures.
- Maintained organized merchandise displays, improving store aesthetics and accessibility.
- Managed inventory to ensure optimal stock levels, minimizing overstock and out-of-stock situations.
- Conducted weekly inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels.
- Identified upselling opportunities, contributing to increase in average transaction value.
- Developed loyal customer base by providing consistent, high-quality service.
SALE REPRESENTATIVE
Wholesale Meat and Seafood Supplier
04.2006 - 04.2008
- Performed daily order accurately
- Contacting and responding to large number of customers
- Collecting payments and maintain records of transactions
- Maintaining service quality, efficiency and professionalism.
Education
Marketing -
University of Southern Queensland
Springfield, QLDSkills
- Merchandise planning, range building, and seasonal buying
- International sourcing (Canton Fair, Jinhan Fair, Yiwu) and supplier management
- Inventory planning, demand forecasting, and stock optimisation
- Advanced Excel: Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis, reporting
- Sales performance analysis, KPI tracking, and trend identification
- ERP systems: Cin7 Omni/Core, Lightspeed, Odoo, Retail Express
- Reporting tools: Phocas, Excel dashboards
- Order management, stock allocation, and cross-channel coordination
- Multi-tasking strength
- Purchase order management
- Negotiation
- Database maintenance
Languages
Vietnamese
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
BUYER/ PLANER
Sole Distribution Pty Ltd
02.2023 - Current
STOCK INTEGRITY MANAGER
Dollars and Sense Discount Variety Group
06.2021 - 02.2023
BUYER
Dollars And Sense Discount Variety Group
06.2016 - 06.2021
ACCOUNT PAYABLE AND RECEIVABLE
Dollars And Sense Discount Variety Group
04.2010 - 12.2015
RECEPTIONIST
Forest Lake Dental, Medical Centre
09.2008 - 02.2010
SALES ASSISTANT AND SECOND IN CHARGE
Strandbags –The Bag Shop
11.2007 - 09.2008
SALE REPRESENTATIVE
Wholesale Meat and Seafood Supplier
04.2006 - 04.2008
Marketing -
University of Southern Queensland