Sally Burke
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Creative design and team leader professional offering 27 years of experience in fashion design and young women's apparel production. Proven history of successful collaboration with clients, brand managers and executives to deliver seasonal lines and specialized projects. Identifies target markets and deliver on emerging trends.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Of Buying
Ally Fashion
03.2021 - Current
- Managed the design, development, and successful launch of new categories, including menswear, showcasing a talent for identifying emerging trends and translating them into marketable products.
- Pioneered the introduction of new in-house brands, overseeing the entire process from conceptualization to market placement, contributing to the diversification and expansion of the organization's product portfolio.
- Orchestrated and optimized Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, demonstrating proficiency in budget formulation, option selection, and successful margin achievement. Effectively forecasted sales, strategically managed stock and markdowns, collaborating closely with the marketing team to leverage promotional activities.
- Led the strategic sign-off of fashion products, presenting finalized designs to the CEO and Director. Demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends and consumer preferences, contributing to the brand's identity and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. By overseeing the sign-off of products and presenting the final offerings to the executive leadership, I played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's identity, maintaining product integrity, and aligning the company's direction with market dynamics.
- Led weekly progress meetings across departments, providing comprehensive oversight of the design and product development processes.
- Introduced a new critical path for Design, Fabric Sourcing, Print Designers, Product Development, and the Buying Team. This streamlined and integrated approach not only enhanced internal collaboration but also significantly optimized the entire product development lifecycle.
- Established and fostered vertical relationships with offshore suppliers, actively sourcing new factories while strengthening communication with existing suppliers. Streamlined the supply base for enhanced efficiency, allocating more time and orders to select suppliers. This approach increased our significance, improved sample lead times, reduced costs, and bolstered negotiation/buying power.
- Organised and ran quarterly international research and development trips overseas to stay abreast of industry trends and advancements.
- Monitored, analyzed, and responded to daily sales trends, presenting actionable insights in trade meetings to drive sales and overall growth.
- Facilitated approvals for base, color, and print selections, ensuring seasonal success. Oversaw the print purchasing process, collaborating with in-house print designers and external print mills to deliver captivating prints for each collection.
- Managed Buying and Design teams (13 members), with a focus on developing the Buying and Product Development teams. Spearheaded the rebuilding and restructuring of internal teams, creating a more streamlined and productive business model. Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Reviewed historical sales trends and performed market research to define future demand and align orders with forecast.
- Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
Buyer
Ally Fashion
07.2017 - 09.2021
- Designed on-trend, commercial designs inline with company's target market
- OTB management
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce well fitting garments inline with company standards.
- Coordinated design process for multiple brands from concept sketches through final adoption.
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular colour palettes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, vendors and other industry professionals to stay informed about new developments and resources available.
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion.
- Developed exciting seasonal merchandise assortments to improve category diversity.
- Negotiated with vendors to reach ideal product distribution channels and pricing.
- Followed market trends and research to establish innovative product offerings for consumers.
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
Brand & Design Manager
Downtown Denim
07.2008 - 06.2017
- Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications, target market and budget.
- Followed market trends and research to establish innovative product offerings for consumers.
- Negotiated with vendors to reach ideal product distribution channels and pricing.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Developed exciting seasonal merchandise assortments to improve category diversity.
- Created and presented design collections to buyers and other industry professionals to generate interest and secure orders.
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
- Participated in trade shows to showcase garments and attract buyers.
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion.
Fashion Designer & Buyer
Downtown Denim
01.1998 - 06.2008
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular colour palettes.
- Followed market trends and research to establish innovative product offerings for consumers.
- Collaborated with textile designers, patternmakers and sample makers to bring designs to life and meet target market needs.
- Coordinated design process for multiple brands from concept sketches through final adoption.
- Gathered information regarding market trends and competitor activity.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Created and presented design collections to buyers and other industry professionals to generate interest and secure orders.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
- Developed seasonal and brand style guides to promote organization.
- Oversaw production fashion line from concept to completion.
- Participated in trade shows to showcase garments and attract buyers.
- Collaborated with stylists and photographers to create creative fashion campaigns.
- Developed and improved account relationships.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Developed new strategies to reduce purchasing costs and maintain quality standards.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.
Education
Advanced Certificate - Fashion Design And Patternmking
ASHMORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
GOLD COAST1996
Skills
- Expertise in Young Women's On Trend Fashion
- Team Management
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Effective Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Off Shore Vendor Management
- Cost Negotiation
Timeline
Head Of Buying
Ally Fashion
03.2021 - Current
Buyer
Ally Fashion
07.2017 - 09.2021
Brand & Design Manager
Downtown Denim
07.2008 - 06.2017
Fashion Designer & Buyer
Downtown Denim
01.1998 - 06.2008
Advanced Certificate - Fashion Design And Patternmking
ASHMORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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