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JENNIFER MAHADY
Cell: (772) 919-5463 jennifer.mahady@yahoo.com

SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS

Design Director with over 14 years of experience specializing in all aspects of Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Technical Design for Men and Women. Creative problem solver and hands on leader with ability to drive growth and build market results in styling, fabric, trend, color, and print. Dedicated and passionate about designing and translating trends into apparel that is differentiated, trend right, and saleable. Expertise includes:

• Brand Development
• Product Launches
• Project Management
• Cost Negotiation
• Customer Focus
• Innovation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KNIGHTS APPAREL, Spartanburg, SC 2011-Present

Merchandise Manager of Men’s and Youth Apparel for NCAA for Mass and Mid Tier markets, Alta Gracia, NBA, NHL, Nascar, Xgames

Analyze market trends, and previous sales numbers to determine the product direction that the brand will take each season. Develop seasonal product concepts based on thorough trend and competitive research and overall creative direction. Manage seasonal product by brand/retailer and design execution for the business classification to achieve overall creative and business objectives. Follow, maintain, and manage the steps of the merchandising calendar from season to season. Provide sales with the proper tools needed for merchandising presentations. Ensure sample goods meet quality standards, work with overseas factories to meet these standards and deadlines, and develop protocol to improve sampling quality up to the finalization of the sample lines to sales.

• Team awarded Target Vendor of the Year Award for providing quality and unique product
• Increased Section 101 college business 50% from last year through innovative product and developing good relations with buyers
• Streamlined sample procedures and improved sample quality
• Improved and implemented new steps in the product development calendar

BASS, Tinton Falls, NJ 2010-2011

Store Manager

Maximized sales volume through customer service, leadership, and visual presentation. Recruited and developed staff to accomplish store goals and control turnover. Executed all floor plans and direction from visual team while setting new guidelines for my store to generate more sales. Controlled expenses through proper training and paperwork accuracy.

• Store received Best Store in Region Award for % increase for 2010, 23% increase
• Store received Store of the Month Award for best performance in District
• Continually achieve monthly sales goals

NAUTICA, New York, NY 1998 - 2009

Design Director of Women’s Sleepwear, Men’s Sleepwear, and Spa Wear (2003 - 2009)

Successfully redirected product mix by offering first to market designs. Collaborated with Sales team to visualize and determine strategic direction of business and identify new product opportunities. Partnered with sourcing to meet the sharp garment prices needed and ensured that we met gross margin targets. Created, followed, and executed the Merchandising Calendar. Led all product development and merchandising to successfully meet the brand, fit and price point requirements of the market. Interpreted global and domestic fashion trends as it related to market demands, brand identity, and business strategy.

• Team received VF Excellence Award for Women’s Sleepwear for excellent growth and leadership
• Led Nautica to be the #1 Branded Sleepwear Vendor in Men’s and Women’s
• Private Label Experience for Men’s and Women’s

NAUTICA, New York, NY 1999 - 2003

Designer of Junior Girl’s Sleepwear, Daywear, and Men’s Sleepwear

Led design vision and execution from initial research and concept to final shipment.
Conceived new product line in junior girls market by extending the traditional product mix. Created design packages, wrote spec and fit comments, and interacted daily with overseas factories. Set up SKU information and assortments as well as maintenance of styling spreadsheets. Created cads for presentations and seasonal line lists. Set up and maintained showrooms.

• Launched Junior Sleepwear Line, Nautica Blue, energizing the brand as well as the Sleepwear floor
• Launched Daywear Line, Nautica Blue, successfully placing with May Company utilizing our in store shop concept
• Partnered in the Launch of Men’s Underwear Line

NAUTICA, New York, NY 1998 - 1999

Production Assistant/Customer Service for Men’s and Women’s Sleepwear

Tracked all future open purchase orders for sales. Prepared weekly and monthly order analysis reports. Informed all associates affected by production delays or discrepancies, resolved delays promptly. Created and maintained system entry in AS400. Communicated with sales manager to determine buys. Set up SKU information and assortments along with maintenance of styling spreadsheets. Sample Ordering, tracking, and distribution to sales. Created and updated seasonal line lists. Set up and Maintained showrooms.

• Teamed with Design and Sales in the Launch of the Women’s Sleepwear Line

ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH 1994 - 1998

Store Manager, Lehigh Valley, PA (1996 - 1998)

Store Manager, Oxford Valley, PA (1996)

Men’s Manager, King of Prussia, PA 1996

Assistant Manager, Willow Grove, PA 1995 - 1996

Brand Representative, Cherry Hill, NJ 1994 - 1995

EDUCATION
BS in Fashion Merchandising, Philadelphia University Philadelphia, PA