- Travel and Fashion
- Food & Wine
- Pilates and Wellness
- Gardening and Interior Design
- Sailing and Biking
- Pickleball and Tennis
Hi, I’m
Helena Collins
Retired
Picton,ON
Summary
Recently retired, energetic, tech savvy, detail and results-oriented retail planning professional seeking a meaningful, flexible, part-time position that leverages extensive experience and a passion for clothing, wine and food industries! Recognized for exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering positive customer relations. Proven track record of enhancing employee engagement and driving operational efficiency. Equipped with strategic thinking and hands-on expertise, consistently delivering impactful solutions that exceed organizational goals. Eager to embrace new challenges while contributing to team success and advancing company objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
25
years of professional experience
2
Certification
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
BLUESTEM, Orchard Brands
Senior Director, Inventory Planning
11.2021 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Led the Inventory Planning team (4 Brands and 6 Divisions) through a turnaround to profitability and growth.
- Improved Inventory Turnover by +25%, reduced style counts -35% and in-stock levels to 90%+ through data driven reporting and decision making
THE TALBOTS, INC
Manager, Merchandise Planning
09.2015 - 11.2021
Job overview
- Exceeded Sales and GM plans by growing Athleisure business +30% to $150M and 66% of Company growth
ULLA POPKEN, USA Division
Director of Inventory Planning
2006 - 2015 (9 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Managed the Inventory Planning team, increased inventory Turnover by 50% and Fill rates by 5% plus significantly improved Inventory Aging and GM% through liquidation of obsolete inventory
- Implemented and managed the Amazon FBA Prime business resulting in 35% increase in Sales
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE
Production and Planning Manager
2003 - 2004 (1 education.year_Label)
Job overview
- Managed team of 8 to reduce % Late and % Air shipments and decrease costs
STERN’S DEPARTMENT STORES
Buyer/Planner Childrens Clothing
1998 - 1999 (1 education.year_Label)
THE T. EATON COMPANY LTD.
Buyer/Senior Merchandise Planner
1993 - 1998 (5 education.years_Label)
THE T. EATON COMPANY LTD.
Accounting Manager
1990 - 1993 (3 education.years_Label)
PRICE WATERHOUSE
Senior Accountant
1987 - 1990 (3 education.years_Label)
Education
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Commerce, Honours from Business, Accounting
09.1983 - 04.1987
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Chartered Accountant (C.A.)
09.1987 - 09.1990
Skills
- Team leadership
- Merchandise Assortment Planning
- Omni Channel Inventory Optimization
- Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
- Supplier Negotiation & Communication
- Change management expertise
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Proactive self starter
- Attention to Detail
Certification
Smart Serve Ontario
WSET level II in Wines