Samantha Musson
Sunshine Coast,QLD
Summary
I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a deep-rooted passion for retail and a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior. With over 11 years of dedicated experience in the Consumer Electronics and Household Appliance industry, I have continually demonstrated my ability to drive impactful results while collaborating with esteemed brands and achieving significant milestones throughout my career.
Key Highlights of my Career:
- Led the inception of Fisher and Paykel's flagship standalone retail store in collaboration with Harvey Norman, located in Grey Lynn, Auckland. This endeavour, the largest of its kind in both New Zealand and Australia, demanded meticulous planning and cross functional team work. I adeptly navigated challenges and negotiations, ensuring adherence to budget constraints while surpassing expectations.
- Implemented a strategic transition from a high-low pricing strategy to an Every Day Low Pricing (EDLP) model for the Whiteware category, resulting in a remarkable 20% surge in same-store retail sales and substantial market share increase.
- Elevated the in-store customer shopping experience with Bose by co-developing an innovative NLG/Bose Microsite accessible via QR codes on product displays. This initiative empowered customers to access comprehensive product information and comparisons on their mobile devices, facilitating seamless transactions through the NLG web store.
- Revitalized the Small Appliance category strategy by introducing imaginative marketing initiatives, such as integrating recipe content into catalogues, email campaigns, and establishing a dedicated recipe website. These endeavors propelled market share to unprecedented heights.
- Honored as Supplier of the Year by Noel Leeming Group in 2016 during my tenure at Exeed.
Throughout my professional journey, I have honed a diverse skill set that spans strategic planning, project management, negotiation, and creative marketing. I thrive on embracing new challenges and opportunities, consistently delivering successful outcomes. I am confident that my proven track record and proactive approach would be invaluable assets to your esteemed team.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Experience Manager
Fisher & Paykel
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Formulated bespoke in-store design briefs tailored precisely to meet retailer specifications, ensuring alignment with brand identity and maximizing visual impact.
- Orchestrated the comprehensive tendering process for fabrication work, leveraging strategic sourcing strategies to secure competitive pricing and optimal value for Fisher and Paykel.
- Collaborated closely with fabricator partners to translate design concepts into tangible displays, maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and project timelines.
- Skillfully negotiated pricing agreements with fabricator partners and effectively managed spatial allocation in collaboration with retailer partners, optimizing
- resource utilization and budget allocation.
- Proactively identified and mitigated potential risks throughout the manufacturing and installation phases, ensuring seamless project execution and minimizing disruptions.
- Provided end-to-end project management oversight, encompassing site measurements, design conceptualization, tendering, fabrication, installation, and ongoing maintenance activities.
- Cultivated strong and collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering synergistic partnerships and facilitating project success through effective communication and alignment of objectives.
- Monitored internal budgets meticulously throughout the display tendering process, optimizing profitability and resource allocation to achieve financial objectives.
- Conducted rigorous ROI analysis for each display location, meticulously evaluating performance metrics to enhance effectiveness and maximize returns on investment.
Category Manager
The Warehouse Group (Noel Leeming)
05.2018 - 04.2023
- Spearheaded the meticulous curation and seamless implementation of product ranges, ensuring optimal balance between depth and breadth to meet dynamic consumer demands.
- Directed Category P&L management, stock optimization, and strategic allocation of marketing budgets to maximize profitability and market presence.
- Utilized advanced data analytics techniques for continuous evaluation of industry and consumer trends, enabling informed decision-making and proactive market adaptation.
- Applied forecasting methodologies to accurately project ongoing product demand, facilitating agile inventory management and resource allocation.
- Formulated and executed comprehensive exit strategies to promptly retire underperforming products, minimizing financial risk and optimizing portfolio performance.
- Orchestrated collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders to develop holistic category strategies aimed at fostering sustainable long-term growth.
- Crafted tailored marketing campaigns in collaboration with brand partners, effectively showcasing their product portfolios and captivating target demographics.
- Delivered comprehensive training programs to retail team members in partnership with brand partners and store networks, ensuring consistent and exceptional in-store customer experiences.
- Aligned with key brand partners to devise strategic positioning plans for core product categories, maximizing market visibility and consumer engagement.
- Monitored competitor product offerings and promotional initiatives to identify emerging opportunities and maintain competitive edge in the market landscape.
- Negotiated with brand partners to secure favorable trading terms, pricing agreements, promotional opportunities, and additional funding, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Cultivated and nurtured strong supplier relationships across diverse brand portfolios, fostering collaboration and driving operational excellence.
Key Account Manager
Exeed
04.2015 - 05.2018
- Orchestrated seamless communication with Noel Leeming (NLG) ensuring meticulous adherence to partnership agreements and objectives.
- Collaborated closely with NLG counterparts to develop robust strategic business plans, harmonizing supplier and retailer objectives to drive mutual growth and success.
- Devised and presented tailored promotional initiatives to NLG, strategically designed to amplify category sales and expand market share.
- Conducted comprehensive product presentations and category reviews for NLG, ensuring alignment with market trends and maintaining a competitive product assortment.
- Negotiated exclusive product and brand opportunities, pricing structures, and promotional strategies with NLG partners, fostering mutually beneficial agreements.
- Strategically negotiated brand positioning within retailer stores, optimizing brand exposure and enhancing brand awareness among consumers.
- Partnered with retail counterparts to oversee category management, proactively addressing underperforming stock and optimizing inventory turnover.
- Conducted weekly sales performance analysis on brand partners, identifying key insights and recommending actionable strategies to drive sales growth.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders and retail partners to forecast stock demand, ensuring consistent product availability to meet customer needs.
- Coordinated training initiatives for NLG store staff in collaboration with internal teams, equipping them with product knowledge and sales skills to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Ensured adherence to brand guidelines and optimal merchandising standards within retail partner stores, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement.
- Provided NLG partners with updated brand fixtures and point-of-sale materials, facilitating an immersive in-store brand experience for consumers.
- Managed retailer events in conjunction with brand partners and internal stakeholders, fostering collaborative opportunities to amplify brand presence and drive sales.
Category Assistant
Noel Leeming
12.2012 - 04.2015
- Collaborated closely with the Category Manager to execute daily tasks and meet objectives promptly and efficiently, ensuring seamless operational workflows.
- Maintained meticulous accuracy and integrity of product data, guaranteeing consistency and reliability across all systems and platforms.
- Facilitated the loading and implementation of all promotional activities, meticulously coordinating timelines and resources to optimize campaign effectiveness.
- Conducted rigorous proofing of marketing materials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the Advertising Standards Authority, thereby safeguarding brand reputation and integrity.
- Managed smaller subcategories with a focus on learning and development within category management, fostering a strong foundation for proficiency in systems and fundamental buying principles.
- Generated insightful category reports and performed comprehensive data analysis, providing actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making and enhance category performance.
- Oversaw category orders and managed cancellations, optimizing inventory levels and ensuring efficient supply chain management.
- Acted as a liaison between internal teams and retail stores, delivering timely updates and pertinent information to support operational excellence and enhance customer experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce Business Management -
University of South Africa
04-2015
Skills
- Strategic planning and
alignment - Data & trend analysis
- Budget control
- Negotiation
- Relationship building
- Interpersonal communication
skills - Project management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
Timeline
Retail Experience Manager
Fisher & Paykel
04.2023 - 05.2024
Category Manager
The Warehouse Group (Noel Leeming)
05.2018 - 04.2023
Key Account Manager
Exeed
04.2015 - 05.2018
Category Assistant
Noel Leeming
12.2012 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Commerce Business Management -
University of South Africa
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