Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
References
RW & Co Legend Award
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Anna Valsamis

Montreal,QC

Summary

As a seasoned Global Sourcing Director, thriving on forging impactful partnerships, ensuring quality and expertly managing projects. Passion lies in mentoring and fostering team growth, while international experiences have honed negotiation skills. Blending passion for international collaboration with the excitement of traveling to multiple countries in Asia ,I've had the privilege of fostering invaluable relationships, expertly negotiating with fabric mills, garment factories, and coordinating vital meetings for dedicated buying team, all in the pursuit of excellence. I'm eager to bring a dynamic approach and expertise to new opportunities.

Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Global Sourcing Director

Reitmans Canada Ltd.
01.2014 - 01.2023
  • Ability to anticipate and resolve production issues ensures high-quality merchandise and timely deliveries
  • Additionally, excel in mentorship, time management, and effective negotiation, making me a versatile asset in dynamic environment
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Led end-to-end sourcing strategies across global markets, managing relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
  • Directed product development initiatives, aligning design, merchandising, and production teams to deliver innovative, market-driven collections.
  • Negotiated contracts with international vendors, responsible for goods valued at $80 million FOB.
  • Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
  • Oversaw compliance and sustainability programs, ensuring adherence to international labor and environmental standards.
  • Mentored and led a team of 14 professionals, including 3 Managers fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Possess a strong skill set as a Global Sourcing Director, with expertise in cross-functional leadership, strategic partnership building, and efficient project management

Import and Technical Director

RW&CO Canada
01.2010 - 01.2014
  • Over my tenure as an Import and Technical Director at RW&CO., I've passionately crafted a skill set that thrives on cross-functional collaboration
  • Ability to build and nurture partnerships, anticipate and resolve production challenges, and drive teams to excellence has been a guiding force
  • Through active involvement in key projects and a commitment to personal development, I've cultivated a deep passion for bringing innovative solutions to complex issues
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to efficiently complete large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
  • Managed all departments for Men and Woman at RW for knit, woven and sweater commodities.
  • Implemented extensive Time and Action calendars for all departments to follow along with technical team so that deadlines were met .
  • Managed a Technical team of 9 including 1 manager and 2 supervisors.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others and the orient .

Import Manager (Production )

RW & CO Canada
01.2003 - 01.2010
  • As RW&CO.'s Import Manager, I've honed skills in strategic sourcing from Asian mills, ensuring tight collection timelines, meticulous production control, and quality standards
  • Collaborated closely with technical and merchandising teams, overseeing T & A calendars, optimizing costs, and setting seasonal milestones
  • Role extends to managing factory allocation, driving efficiency in sample allocation, and frequent overseas travel for sourcing and partnership enhancement, all while fostering a passion for global collaboration and excellence
  • Strengthened communication channels between internal departments such as logistics, buying team, agents and vendors overseas ,Distribution Center while managing imports.
  • Established, supervised and continuously improved import process flows in conformance with rules, procedures, and company policy.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Reported directly to President
  • Trained a new manager in technical operations, who eventually transitioned to the role of Tech Manager, with the tech team and all related functions reporting directly to me.
  • Approximately 30 team members across the department followed my leadership and direction for all import functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Education

Bachelor in Commerce - Marketing

Concordia University
Montreal, QC

Skills

  • Communication Skills
  • Leadership and Team Management
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Commercial Awareness
  • Research Skills
  • Time Management
  • Cross Functional Collaboration
  • Strategic planning
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making
  • Creativity and innovation

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with actor Hayden Christensen in the development of a Mens separate collection at RW & Co which involved travelling to Tianjin with the actor and Merchandise Manager to complete the collection .
  • collaborated with RW & Co dress buyer and Elle magazine to put together a special " Elle " Holiday Dress collection .
  • Created and led the implementation of a standardized onboarding process for General Staff, presenting the framework and training materials to ensure consistent adoption across all departments.
  • Developed a scalable process to optimize smaller e-commerce order management, presenting various approaches to enhance operational flexibility and efficiency.
  • Spearheaded the development of a versatile dress supplier network that could efficiently handle a wide range of order types, from e-commerce to domestic and import, and presented it to the VPs of all five banners, receiving substantial recognition for driving significant improvements in sourcing strategy.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Greek
Full Professional

References

References given upon request.

RW & Co Legend Award


The Legend Award is a prestigious recognition given annually to one individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance and made a significant impact within the organization. This award honors extraordinary work that goes above and beyond expectations, recognizing a person's dedication, leadership, and contributions that have greatly advanced the company's objectives. Winning this award is a testament to outstanding achievements, exemplary professionalism, and a commitment to excellence that inspires and drives success within the organization.

Interests

  • Photography
  • I have a strong passion for photography, which has led to several successful opportunities I have been hired for multiple weddings due to my unique style and ability to capture timeless moments My work has been showcased in various vernissage, and I've sold numerous photographs to private collectors While at RW & Co, one of my photos was selected to be featured on a top, leading to the production of 2,500 units This product became a best-seller and was even featured in a prominent magazine, demonstrating the commercial impact of my photography
  • Drawing and Painting

Timeline

Global Sourcing Director

Reitmans Canada Ltd.
01.2014 - 01.2023

Import and Technical Director

RW&CO Canada
01.2010 - 01.2014

Import Manager (Production )

RW & CO Canada
01.2003 - 01.2010

Bachelor in Commerce - Marketing

Concordia University
Anna Valsamis