Akosua Idegbesor
Milton,Canada
Summary
Professional buyer with strong focus on strategic sourcing, inventory management, and vendor relations. Skilled in analyzing market trends, negotiating contracts, and ensuring optimal product selection to drive sales. Reliable team collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently achieving results in fast-paced environments. Known for excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Buyer
JOE FRESH
10.2022 - Current
- Partner with Senior Buyer to understand all financial aspects of the business including budgeting and forecasting
- Assists the Senior Buyer with completion of category and assortment planning and strategies ahead of development including financial planning, commodity work up, key volume item identification, cluster updates and marketing requirements
- Create analytical reports relating to sales, inventory and gross margin levels
- Create and maintain all weekly and seasonal sales reports that help drive assortment, SKU and receipt planning
- Maximize inventory productivity and gross profit return by proposing and evaluating markdowns and promotion efficiency
- Analyze product and delivery performance through post mortem style reviews, summarizing findings in a comprehensive recap
- Act as a liaison and manage all day-to-day communication with the vendor team and internal cross-functional teams including design, sourcing, product development, marketing, visual merchandising, and supply chain
- Work closely with Associate Buyer to ensure buys are processed properly and all purchase order deadlines are met
- Complete weekly ad hoc reporting
- Assist in achieving sales, profit and inventory targets through markdown optimization
- Assist with sample management
Private Brand Coordinator and Merchant Assistant
Toys R Us Canada
02.2022 - 09.2022
- Worked closely with internal stakeholders such as product managers or designers to align branding messages consistently across all company touchpoints.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry influencers, fostering positive brand associations and long-term partnerships.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth, driving the development of new products and initiatives.
- Spearheaded product launches, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution and maximum impact.
- Coordinated public relations efforts, securing valuable media coverage that elevated the brand''s profile and reputation.
- Collaborated with creative teams to develop compelling visual assets for use across multiple marketing channels.
- Managed sponsorship agreements and partnerships, maximizing exposure for the brand at key industry events and generating valuable leads.
- Implemented targeted email marketing campaigns to increase customer loyalty and retention rates.
- Provided support to sales teams by developing tailored presentations and collateral materials that showcased product benefits and features effectively.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, attending relevant conferences and networking events to strengthen professional connections within the field.
- Monitored and evaluated marketing and advertising campaigns to support brand consistency and engagement.
- Researched market trends to identify customer needs and preferences for strategic planning.
Buyer
Snuggle Bugz
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
- Improved inventory management by conducting regular audits, analyzing usage patterns, and implementing demand forecasts.
Customer Service Representative
ATCO Gas
04.2019 - 11.2020
- Provide excellent customer service through inbound calls, outbound calls, web chat and email channels to customers
- Provide billing and rates of information of different energy plans to customers
- Communicate complex energy terms and procedures to customers in clear and simple terms
- Increase sales of products through communication of value propositions, competitive rates, and product benefits to customers
- Understand customers' needs and recommend the right energy products and terms to meet their needs
- Help customers make informed decisions by providing information on billing, payment, contracts and best rates
- Research market intelligence on daily market rates and competition offerings
- Liaise with third party distributors to ensure a seamless flow of energy to existing customers' homes
Product Coordinator
Ackerman's
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative product solutions, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing product performance metrics, providing valuable insights for executive decision-making processes.
- Coordinated product launches, ensuring timely delivery and optimal market positioning.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth, leading to the development of successful product strategies.
- Supported internal departments such as finance,marketing, and design in the development of new products, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on project goals.
- Enhanced product visibility by implementing strategic marketing plans and coordinating promotional campaigns.
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers and retailers, fostering strategic partnerships to drive business growth.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Assisted in the creation of engaging product presentations for trade shows, conferences, and client meetings, showcasing unique features and benefits effectively.
- Communicated effectively with team members to deliver updates on project milestones and deadlines.
- Maintained positive vendor relations to build strong partnerships.
Junior Buyer
Ackerman's
02.2017 - 11.2017
- Developed a strong understanding of company needs across various departments allowing for more relevant product suggestions during procurement discussions.
- Implemented a centralized purchasing system, improving accuracy and reducing processing time for purchase orders.
- Conducted market research to stay informed about industry trends, new products, and competitor strategies.
- Supported senior buyers in developing long-term partnerships with key suppliers for improved collaboration.
- Served as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external suppliers, fostering a harmonious working relationship to support efficient procurement practices.
- Achieved cost reductions by identifying alternative suppliers and negotiating better pricing agreements.
- Participated in regular audits of inventory levels to identify discrepancies or areas requiring improvement.
- Reduced lead times through proactive communication with vendors about delivery schedules and potential delays.
- Streamlined the ordering process by creating standardized templates and documentation procedures.
- Managed vendor performance evaluations to ensure consistent quality standards and timely deliveries.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
Buyer
Baby Group
10.2015 - 11.2016
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
- Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
- Improved inventory accuracy and control by implementing new barcoding system, reducing discrepancies and improving audit results.
Assistant Buyer
Woolworths
06.2010 - 08.2015
- I was awarded the Woolworths CEO award for performance in the year 2015
- Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
- Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.
- Maintained accurate purchase order records, ensuring timely delivery of goods and smooth communication with vendors.
- Reduced stock shortages by closely monitoring inventory levels and proactively placing orders for replenishment.
- Managed open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking expenditures and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
- Assisted in creating engaging visual displays by providing input on product placement and selection based on sales data analysis.
- Processed purchase orders and invoices in accordance with company procedures.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop effective merchandising strategies, boosting overall store performance.
- Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, informing strategic buying decisions for a competitive edge.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by verifying that all purchased items met applicable safety standards before being sold to customers.
- Supported senior buyers in executing successful product launches, contributing to increased sales and brand exposure.
- Negotiated cost-effective contracts with suppliers, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Improved sell-through rates by utilizing historical sales data to make informed decisions about markdowns and clearance promotions.
- Spearheaded efforts to source sustainable products from eco-friendly vendors, aligning with company values while appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Facilitated communication between suppliers and logistics teams, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Analyzed sales data to identify best-selling items and underperformed items, guiding future purchasing decisions.
- Assisted in selection of merchandise that aligned with consumer preferences and seasonal trends, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in preparing purchase orders and monitoring order statuses to ensure on-time delivery.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Created hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
Education
Diploma - Supply Chain Management
CDI College
Mississauga, ON11.2024
Bachelor's Degree - Clothing and Textiles Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
11.2010
Skills
- Analytical mindset
- Data analysis proficiency
- Trend assessment
- Strong negotiation skills
- Competitive sourcing
- Product procurement
- Ethical procurement practices
- Global sourcing experience
- Market research expertise
- Vendor negotiation
- Sales Analysis
- Pricing negotiation
- PLM expertise
- Purchase Order Management
- Time management abilities
- Presentation Skills
- Data Interpretation
- Contract Management
- Product Promotion
- Trend Analysis
- Trend forecasting
- Competitive shopping
- Global sourcing
Totalyearsofexperience
14
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Assistant Buyer
JOE FRESH
10.2022 - Current
Private Brand Coordinator and Merchant Assistant
Toys R Us Canada
02.2022 - 09.2022
Buyer
Snuggle Bugz
01.2021 - 01.2022
Customer Service Representative
ATCO Gas
04.2019 - 11.2020
Product Coordinator
Ackerman's
11.2017 - 02.2019
Junior Buyer
Ackerman's
02.2017 - 11.2017
Buyer
Baby Group
10.2015 - 11.2016
Assistant Buyer
Woolworths
06.2010 - 08.2015
Bachelor's Degree - Clothing and Textiles Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Diploma - Supply Chain Management
CDI College
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