Rachel Lear

• Management of User Acceptance Training (UAT) including defect triage and test case management to completion in Agile project environment using team kanban board, Jira and Confluence
• Development of globally-used training material on new processes and managing training of local Buying and Merchandising teams
• Growth of business cross-functional relationships to ensure that test management, process development and business roles for buying meet overall business goals
• Off System Communications SPOC with additional duties of management of resolution of all off-system communication challenges arising from new software deployment across the business

Achievements:

• Supported team to achieve 100% of test case scope within UAT timeframe
• Presented at multiple E2E Workshops to key business users to identify and resolve potential process gaps and managed workshop of solutions
• Managed and presented full day training sessions to business leaders and directors with positive understanding and adoption of new processes

• Researched, developed and executed weekly super saver and seasonal range programs across various chiller categories (Seafood, Poultry, Dips and Juice)
• Effectively executed FMCG crisis management plans including product withdrawal, managing supplier delays, customer complaints and quality control management
• Project Managed new product development (NPD) and range innovation from concept, profitability management, to post-sales analysis using market research, competitive analysis, sampling and QA review
• Analysed weekly sales, category performance, gaps, opportunities and profitability
• Collaborated with cross-functional team members to manage category workflow, project tracking and timely ordering
• Cultivated strong supplier relationships to maintain on-time deliveries, launch and gain access to category innovation
• Achievements:
• Effectively project managed annual range review and branding refresh resulting in over $2M of additional margin through cost saving measures including supplier diversification and backhaul arrangements
• Spearheaded the 2021 Christmas seafood and poultry range update to drive a $500K positive margin impact through supplier diversification & incremental $1.3M in sales revenue, a 46% uplift to the category

• Managed ongoing project management, category analysis and public relations (PR) support across a range of categories to meet targets set by Group Brand Manager, Marketing Director and Agency Brands
• Analysed sales data and developed insights from Aztec/IRI and Beauty Insights to create monthly senior management presentation decks of sales and market summary
• Developed and presented cross-functional brand strategy presentations and training material to marketing team, brand reps and wider business to showcase upcoming campaign activation and results
• Monitored monthly advertising budget reconciliation to ensure category kept within budget constraints
• Cultivated strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to meet deadlines, including PR agencies, point-of-sale creators, sales and distribution teams

Achievements:

• Managed POS, marketing and activation budget of over $1M P.A to drive launch sales across department stores and independent pharmacy, resulting in fragrances Boss Bottled Tonic and Gucci Bloom being Number 1 selling fragrances on launch week
• Created strong sell-in promotional support for Bondi Perfume Co fragrances to achieve ranging in over 1,000 independent pharmacies in six months, which exceeded ranging targets
• Facilitated training roadshow for over 200 Sales Consultants in five capital cities to develop strong sales techniques and incite passion for new fragrance Gucci Bloom with a sales incentive plan to match

• Developed brand strategy, financial management and event planning and execution
• Forecasted stock, supplies and packaging for upcoming events and weekly turnover to minimise waste
• Planned and implemented marketing strategies across social media, long term and reactive promotion
• Built and maintained strong wholesale relationships to drive regular and seasonal sales growth
• Managed team of 3 customer sales-people with focus on training development

Achievements:

• Fostered organically loyal customer following through markets and social media to over 5,000 followers
• Executed over flash-sale promotions to drive between $500-$1,000 in revenue per promotion, using digital marketing budget of between $10-$20 with ROI of 500%
• Developed charity partnerships to target local community needs with financial support, surplus stock and donations

• Planned and executed marketing budget and strategies across multiple media channels for category promotions
• Delivered on tight project timelines for development, range curation and product setup to ensure third party accessories available for major Apple device launches on day one of device sale, resulting in strong up-sell rates and increased profitability for business, through strong project management and supplier relationships
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams for marketing support, staff training and inventory management
• Analysed sales data and consumer insights for weekly business reporting

Achievements:

• Achieved strongest ever single day sales across NZ TV range in 2014 with strong ATL marketing campaign
• Delivered day-one accessories on launch for over 3 Apple Device launches, resulting in over 50% attachment rate in store due to strong availability, delivering growth in margin, profit dollars and sales to tablet and mobile categories