Kate McEnery
Drumcondra
Summary
Motivated professional with successful background in Buying multiple product categories and leading team and business growth successfully. Offering merchandising and team leadership abilities combined with dedicated and hardworking approach. Focused on maximizing team efficiency to capitalise of opportunities to grow the business exponentially.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Of Buying
SOSU Cosmetics
Ashbourne , Ireland
2022.08 - Current
- Formulate and implement product and new market strategies to grow current brands, Dripping Gold, Bahama Body and SOSU Cosmetics.
- Key role in implementing new brand Bahama Skin to the portfolio to reach a new demographic and customer.
- Drove rebrand of SOSU cosmetics to give it a fresh and relevant look including the restructure of current product to maximise sales opportunity and stay current in a competitive market,
- Key role in optimising the Tan business but identifying new product and business opportunities in a saturated market. Including and not limited to introducing new innovative tan format which is now the no 1 seller in the range.
- Drove €2.6 million incremental sales through new exclusive collaborations with retail partners.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends in customer purchasing behavior that could be used to optimize inventory selection and pricing strategies.
- Worked with Marketing Manager to successfully launch standalone store and drive footfall through in store activations and promotions.
- Reviewed financial reports on a weekly basis to ensure accuracy of operations and maximise stock levels
- Lead and mentor team of 5 direct reports, including 2 Buyers, 1 Assistant Buyer, 1 Buying Admin and 1 Freight Coordinator.
- Implemented new systems and processes for tracking sales data more efficiently including leading implementation of new Buying and Sales platform, Enterpryze, to streamline, integrate, and automate manual processes.
- Work closely with other key departments in the business to ensure successful launch of campaigns including Marketing, Sales, Ecomm, Design and Finance.
Senior Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2020.01 - 2022.08
- Managing a budget 100 mil
- Leading a team of 5 direct reports and played a key role in mentoring collegues across the business ready for assessment including the role of assessor on assessment panel
- Leading expansion project for my area, grew range assortment from 300 options to 1200 including the introduction of several new key categories under the Kitchen and Lights
- Drove growth of 171% on Licensed Kitchen and introduced first to market Disney Electricals in EMEA worth €3 million
- Delivered growth of 142% on the year on Own Brand Kitchen and 123% on the year on Lighting
- Reduced mark down from 30% on lighting to 15% yr on yr through reduction of options to increase return per option, introducing neon lighting category and maximising core range offering.
- Managed the sourcing and onboarding process for several new suppliers on new emerging categories such as glassware, table top, ceramics and plug in lighting.
Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2019.10 - 2020.12
- Direct buying responsibility for Kitchen and storage with a yearly budget of €65 million
- Key focus on sustainability as a key strategic pillar with a goal to move 85% of the remit to sustainable materials by 2021. 2.1 Million plastic hangers moved to recycled plastic successfully.
- Innovation focused with +13 million incremental sales planned for SS21 based on new product categories proposed within my areas
- Mentoring and coaching direct report as well as mentoring multiple trainees for the assessment process
- Currently holding the role of Licensed Coordinator as well as my current buying role
- Building the CP for the buying teams, being the direct link between the DTR License partners and the teams
- Drive top line strategic conversations with the internal license teams and ensuring department is in line.
Junior Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2017.10 - 2019.10
- Direct Buying responsibly for Paper, Gift Bags, Stationery And Gifting - inclusive of all genders, age categories, own brand and licensed
- Experience in product development, design, supplier negotiation, range build and specialist on Licensed Product.
- Implemented strategy to redefine stationery offer, shifting mixes and renegotiating key line prices resulting in a 2% margin gain to the bottom line
- Responsible for sourcing and onboarding new suppliers in the Far East and U.K
- Introduction of premium product at value prices to create a more credible offer in line with aspirational competitors, achieved incremental sales of €1.2 million
- Introduction of credible licensed stationery range and strategy, growth from 500k to €6.mil. Licensed stationery now accounts for 55% of the overall mix of the lifestyle department.
- Direct link between buying and social team
- Implementing long term plan to drive footfall and sales through social media channels.
Acting Buyer (Maternity Leave Cover)
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2016.01 - 2017.10
- Remit including Licensed Nightwear, Hanging Nightwear, Folded Nightwear, Robes and Sleepsuits. Budget of €160m per year.
- Leading and mentoring a team of 5, including 3 Trainees and 2 Assistant Buyers.
- Particular emphasis on overall strategy across the sections to ensure profit and sales are maximized
- Key role in US launch of nightwear section and redefining strategy based on performance.
- Achieved 20% growth on Folded Nightwear through commerical trading and optimising regional differences through planned product mix shifts.
- Working closely with my direct reports on their development needs and ensuring these are being met and performance standard and expectation are being met
- Set up a nightwear working group across multiple functions and categories to ensure cohesion, best practice and to share strategy, lessons learnt and supplier intel.
Assistant Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2014.01 - 2016.01
- Sole focused now on Licensed which is a key growth area for the company
- Managing Agent relationship as well as DTR supplier relationships
- Steering the Licensed business for the Lingerie/Nightwear department and driving strategic direction
- Working to grow the business, while constantly offering the customer newness, quality and product while growing required margin from 35% to 58%
- Achieved growth of 335% from SS14 to SS16 surplus €4.3 million
- Coaching and mentoring direct report looking after own sub section
- Licensed Nightwear was the number 1 most profitable section in the company for SS16.
Acting Assistant Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
Dublin , Ireland
2013.03 - 2014.01
- Given full Buying responsibility for PJ Seps and later Licensed
- Regular sourcing and development trips to the Far East /India
- Responsible for a budget of €40 Million across two sections
- Driving sales and profitable margin - achieved growth of 155% on PJ Separates by introducing Viscose programme, Shorty Set programme and mix and match short and vest table programme.
- Participated and drove Keyline negotiations on above lines to achieve 8% increase in bottom line margin
- Implementing & maintaining quality standards
- Manage & develop junior team member.
- Researched current trends in product demand and identified potential suppliers.
- Collaborated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products at competitive prices.
- Developed relationships with key stakeholders and vendors to ensure quality service and product availability.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in product selection process.
- Monitored stock levels to ensure adequate supply is available for purchase orders.
Trainee Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2011.07 - 2013.03
- Updating critical path consistently to monitor progress of lines & highlight potential issues
- Communicating with suppliers to ensure stock is delivered on time & assist with any issues
- Analysing & presenting weekly sales to team & department, suggesting further actions
- Regularly assessing range against key competitors & reporting back to the buyer
- Raising orders accurately & efficiently
- Preparing for range reviews & sign off meetings.
Accounts Assistant
Permanent TSB Finance
2008.09 - 2010.10
- Involvement in all of the accounting functions of the department including Reconciliations, Direct Debit Run, Central Bank Return, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and working with rescheduling accounts
- This included extensive work with Excel.
Dialler
Permanent TSB Finance
2007.07 - 2008.07
- Making calls to clients in arrears, sending out collections letters, taking Bluecube queries and proposal.
Branch New Business Admin
Permanent TSB Finance
2006.07 - 2007.07
- The cheque issue and activation of various deals including motor loans, Bluecube and Cornmarket, taking proposals, dealing with customer and Branch staff queries.
Education
Fashion Buying & Merchandising Certificate, FETAC Level 6 Award in Retail Studies -
Portobello Institute
01.2011
ACCA Professional Qualification; F1,F2 & F3 -
ACCA
01.2005
Certificate in Consumer Credit (Institute Of Bankers) -
Institute of Bankers
01.1999
Skills
- Team Management
- Relationship Building
- Networking
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Project Planning
- Analytical
- Cost Control
- Strategic Planning
- Pricing Negotiations
- Multi-Tasking Strength
- Forecasting
- Vendor Relations
- Market Growth
- Talent Management
- Leadership
References
On Request
Timeline
Head Of Buying
SOSU Cosmetics
2022.08 - Current
Senior Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2020.01 - 2022.08
Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2019.10 - 2020.12
Junior Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2017.10 - 2019.10
Acting Buyer (Maternity Leave Cover)
Primark (Penneys)
2016.01 - 2017.10
Assistant Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2014.01 - 2016.01
Acting Assistant Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2013.03 - 2014.01
Trainee Buyer
Primark (Penneys)
2011.07 - 2013.03
Accounts Assistant
Permanent TSB Finance
2008.09 - 2010.10
Dialler
Permanent TSB Finance
2007.07 - 2008.07
Branch New Business Admin
Permanent TSB Finance
2006.07 - 2007.07
Fashion Buying & Merchandising Certificate, FETAC Level 6 Award in Retail Studies -
Portobello Institute
ACCA Professional Qualification; F1,F2 & F3 -
ACCA
Certificate in Consumer Credit (Institute Of Bankers) -
Institute of Bankers
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