Head of Country Clothing
William & Son
Total des années d'expérience :15 years, 8 Mois
⁃ Responsible for planning new ranges each season. I implemented a new sales strategy that was eventually adopted by all other departments and presented this to the CEO pre- and post-season. For the last 3 years this has resulted in a double-figured percentage rise in sales.
⁃ Operated successful OTB management on a fortnightly basis, reacting accordingly to ensure forecasted sales targets are met and managed.
⁃ Introduced new suppliers who meet the company’s standard of quality, price and quantity. This year all new suppliers have reached a sell through figure of 80%. Sourced suppliers and new products from exhibitions, trade fairs, client meetings and fashion shows. Most notably Pitti, Premiere Vision, Premiere Classe, LCM, and Moda.
⁃ Managed the critical path analysis by brand from delivery to in-store placement. Working across the company to ensure that stock was managed correctly and accurately.
⁃ Introduced successful collaborations and bespoke designs, working with high-profile brands such as Johnstons of Elgin, Saga Furs, and Drakes. In addition, I introduced new emerging designers to our collection, for example Sabina Savage who trained under Alexander McQueen. We had exclusivity in London on a number of her designs and the result was an 87% sell-through in the first season.
⁃ Confidently managed sales and Junior Buying and Merchandising staff to ensure showroom tasks are maintained, and in order to monitor stock control on a monthly and weekly basis. I was chosen as a trailblazer for new initiatives for managing sales staff because of the trust management had in me to successfully carry out tasks and in providing constructive feedback.
⁃ Worked closely with sales staff and assisted customers which allowed me to have a greater understanding of our target market and could adapt to our customers’ needs. One example of this was in hearing feedback on the fit of our shirts. As a result, I sourced a new UK factory for manufacture who could maintain our cost margins but gave us a better quality, and better fitting, product. Subsequently, we have increased the range due to the majority of styles selling out in AW15/16.
⁃ Responsible for reviewing pricing and promotional strategies for carryover stock based on the Stock-to-sales ratio. In 2014 and 2015 I single-handedly headed the organisation of William & Son's involvement in the annual CLA Game Fair. I worked closely with stock control, finance and a large sales team which gave me great experience in working alongside all departments, and in project management.
⁃ Working closely with PR and Marketing to organise Press Days and Trade Shows, as well as collaborating social media projects between our brand and our suppliers. One success of mine was in negotiating press gifts from one of our new suppliers, MyBob brooches. This meant that at no extra cost, we were able to promote a new product and build good relationships with Editors from strong publications such as Tatler, GQ and CityAM.
• Was singled out to attend a course at the Fashion Retail Academy after only a year which built on my Buying knowledge
⁃ Accompanied the Head of Department and CEO to exhibitions, trade fairs, client meetings and fashion shows.
⁃ Organised William & Son's attendance at the Burlington Bazaar event at Burlington Arcade. This event was attended by our key target market so whilst it was primarily a sales event, it was also important for us to represent the company well for PR purposes.
⁃ Gained experience and confidence in working with the design team to create the new season’s styles. This often involved factory visits in the UK and Europe. One successful new range that I introduced was a line of fur collars which are now a core product as a result of constant high sales figures.
⁃ Researched and presented competitors and customer trends to the Head of Department and CEO.
⁃ Monitored market activity, including regular competitor shop visits and understanding fashion trends
⁃ Achieved and exceeded sales targets as set by Head Office
⁃ Worked closely in a team within a fashion-motivated environment
• Forecasted sales and profits using computer programs, planned budgets, optimised sales volume, and designated product areas profitability-according to the season.
Grade - 2:1 with Honours in History and Archaeology. I focussed on Fashion with the Tudor Court, and the place of modern day feminism in History.