Emily Bruce
Calgary,Alberta
Summary
Performance-driven, energetic management professional with proven ability to increase productivity, enhance customer experience and manage profitable relationships. Ability to nurture and grow a business with a brand centric and customer focused approach. A valued business partner who is effective at developing and leveraging relationships to achieve shared objectives. Thrives in an entrepreneurial, fast paced environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
VP Growth
KORITE International
12.2022 - 04.2024
- Responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of growth strategies across different areas of the jewellery business
- Lead strategy development and execution to drive customer/client acquisition, engagement, and retention, as well as increase market share and reach growth targets
- Collaborated with business development, merchandise operations, marketing, sales, and product teams to optimize and establish new, cost-effective processes to achieve and exceed revenue goals
- Analyzed business performance, created monthly/quarterly reviews and participated in Executive Committee Meetings and Board Meetings
- Maintained strong relationships with decision-makers across our target client/customer base
- Entire focus on new jewellery sales opportunities globally and product lines specific to different channels of distribution
- Lead and optimized gross margins and price competitiveness in the marketplace
- Managed internal sales team as well as outside sales representatives
- Established and directed successful programs focused on utilizing existing inventory and raw materials to generate cash flow
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors
Senior Buyer
Holt Renfrew
07.2021 - 11.2022
- Accountable for Sales, Gross Margin, Sell Thru, Turn over and MD rates for total team portfolio
- Created top down and bottom up budgets in partnership with finance, stores and senior leadership
- Developed and implemented category, assortment, marketing and merchandising strategies that supported the overarching category and organizational goals
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, providing valuable insights to inform purchasing decisions
- Ensured best in class assortments that met customer needs by market
- Launched SKIMS exclusively in the Canadian market, achieved 1M in sales in the first quarter
- Established strong year round core assortments in BIG BET brands and ensured never out of stock inventory position. Forecast inventory needs with vendors
- Curated assortments that are consistent with seasonal trends, direction from fashion office and priority categories
- Collaborated with marketing for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales
- Reacted quickly to slow/fast sellers to optimize full price sell thru. Partnered with vendor for RTV's or Markdown support in an effort to maximize gross margin and turnover rate
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth
- Negotiated favorable terms and exclusivity where possible
- Participated in seasonal assortment planning for stores and built strong relationships with store leadership teams to better understand the customer profile, assortment needs and missed opportunities
- Partnered with stores to ensure we are achieving all KPIS's by Class and Brand. Collaborate with marketing and visual teams to support
- Managed team of 2 buyers, 1 Associate buyer and the respective Assistant Buyers
Group Sales Manager
Holt Renfrew
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Established clear goals for team each day, week, month, quarter, fostering an environment of accountability that led to consistent target achievement
- Delivered detailed monthly reports on team performance, highlighting areas for improvement while celebrating successes collectively
- Tracked and analyzed sales performance and reported to GM and store support team with quantifiable action plans to drive future success
- In partnership with senior leaders and merchant team, developed sales targets by classification and brand based on plans to grow, maintain or exit, to ensure best in class, profitable assortments
- Regularly communicated and partnered with merchant team to ensure the right assortments for the market, and adequate quantities to support sales targets and marketing campaigns
- Cross functional collaboration with Marketing and Visual Merchandising teams to plan, maintain and execute the respective monthly calendars
- Lead, mentored, and motivated the sales team to achieve targets (top line sales, clienteling, full price sell thru and customer satisfaction)
- Lead high performing team passionate about the customer, brand and achieving personal goals
- Conducted annual performance plans with focus on development and establishing a clear career path with quantifiable short term and long terms goals
- Ensured talent "bench" for high potential candidates for future openings
- Lead managers and associates in planning and executing small to large scale events while ensuring all KPI's are met
- Key training leader in onboarding and sales management programs
- Ensured high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base
- Frequently manager in charge of whole store
- Partnered daily with leased boutiques to ensure common objectives as it relates to sales and service
- Managed team of 4 sales managers and 2 administrative coordinators. Total team included 60 sales associates and designated specialists
Sales Manager
Holt Renfrew
08.2017 - 01.2019
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives
- Implemented CRM systems for better tracking of leads, improving follow-up processes and communication within the team
Store Manager
Blu’s Womenswear
05.2016 - 07.2017
- Lead professional sales team, service coordinator and team of seamstress
- Maintained store staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees
- Planned and impacted brands and assortments
- Built personal clientele and coached associates in managing client books and building business
- Completed store operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees
- Developed business strategies to raise customer spend, expand store traffic, and optimize profitability
- Ensured high level of customer satisfaction through service excellence
- Maintained outstanding store condition and visual merchandising standards
Buyer – Fine Jewellery, Bridge Jewellery & Watches
Holt Renfrew & Co.
06.2008 - 08.2014
- In most recent role, increased sales 5% over LY and reduced inventory 30%
- Managed monthly OTB to ensure productivity of merchandise
- Developed financial plans in partnership with Planning Manger
- Sourced the best product from reputable vendors at the best possible terms
- Ensured timely delivery of merchandise, initiate cancellations or negotiate discounts on late deliveries
- Managed inventory; made timely profitability decisions; reviewed existing inventory performance indicators and reacted quickly to change in demand, logistics and trends
- Drove Gross Margin, full price sell through, turn over rate and weeks of supply
- Process driven categories – continuously elevated procedures and establish best practices
- Liaised with stores – provide product information, plan and execute events, work on sales floor
- Created annual marketing plans in partnership with marketing managers to maximize brand exposure and increase sales
- Negotiated with vendors for marketing Co-Op, designated sales associate program support and various charitable initiatives
- Selected merchandise for advertising, ensure timely delivery and adequate quantification
- Participated in store walk-throughs to discuss current business issues, review assortments and visual standards
- Regular review of CVS scores and work with applicable teams to improve
- Manage direct reports
Buyer – Men’s Sportswear, Athletic wear, Intimates and Accessories
Sporting Life Inc.
11.2006 - 06.2008
- Consistently increased sales 5-20%
- Responsible for achieving sales goals by ensuring that all stores have an appropriate selection of merchandise in sufficient quantities
- Formulated monthly OTB and budget plans by department, commodity and vendor
- Analyzed business to forecast trends, identify new opportunities and react to changing needs
- Negotiated best terms and discounts with all vendors
- Implemented markdown strategies for advertising timelines and slow turning goods
- Strategized with marketing and merchandising to maximize sales and promotions
- Actively participated with training every season through product knowledge sessions
Merchandiser/Buyer – Bathing, Sleeping and Beauty
Caban – Division of Club Monaco
09.2004 - 09.2006
- Proactively managed open to buy and reconciliation document
- Developed core and seasonal assortment plans that consist of private label and branded product
- Developed merchandise and pricing strategies
- Performed inventory management functions - maintaining stock levels and executing allocations
- Maintained relationships and conducted negotiations with vendors – domestic and overseas
- Designed packaging for private label merchandise.
Education
Fashion Marketing and Merchandising -
The International Academy of Design And Technology
Toronto, Ontario08.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario04.2002
Skills
- Budget Management
- In-depth knowledge of business applications and various merchandise systems
- Team Building & Leadership
- Customer Service
- Vendor Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Business Development
- Analytical and Critical Thinker
Relatedexperience
Dress for Success, Calgary, Alberta, 01/01/2021 - Present, Advisory Board Member
Oakwood Children’s House Montessori, Toronto, Ontario, 09/2013 - 04/2015, Chair of the Board
Timeline
VP Growth
KORITE International
12.2022 - 04.2024
Senior Buyer
Holt Renfrew
07.2021 - 11.2022
Group Sales Manager
Holt Renfrew
01.2019 - 07.2021
Sales Manager
Holt Renfrew
08.2017 - 01.2019
Store Manager
Blu’s Womenswear
05.2016 - 07.2017
Buyer – Fine Jewellery, Bridge Jewellery & Watches
Holt Renfrew & Co.
06.2008 - 08.2014
Buyer – Men’s Sportswear, Athletic wear, Intimates and Accessories
Sporting Life Inc.
11.2006 - 06.2008
Merchandiser/Buyer – Bathing, Sleeping and Beauty
Caban – Division of Club Monaco
09.2004 - 09.2006
Fashion Marketing and Merchandising -
The International Academy of Design And Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Guelph
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