Tamara Verdugo Justo

Led global new brand from concept through launch and managed internal and external partner onboarding as well as updated innovative processes through test and learn. Engaged, managed, and motivated program influencers as well as vendor base in a challenging project the resulted in the successful, on-time launch of 50 collections in 18 months. Exceeded star rating objective by 5% by implementing mechanisms enabling quick reaction to buyer feedback and enhanced customer satisfaction. Surpassed margin objective by 11% using strong negotiation skills and subject matter expertise. Collaborated with the technical team to optimize the shopping experience and prioritize above-the-fold improvements within the monthly roadmaps. Partnered with Digital Marketing team to create engaging, inclusive campaigns with strong ROI.

Led team of six senior buyers and exercised complex conflict resolution skills to enhance 50+ vendor partnerships. Defined and executed annual business strategy. Multimillion-dollar OTB management and allocation, reducing obsolete inventory to prioritize responsible purchase volumes. Conducted competitive research resulting in the launch and marketing strategy of new business line of sustainable, laboratory-created diamonds, aligned to customer niche/demand for responsible and sustainable gems. Organized and led first-ever diamond summit to facilitate standards within Amazon’s 50+ diamond vendor base.

Led the Planning team to allocate assortment and OTB by seasonality, following exhaustive market and sales analysis, resulting in improved weekly sell through. Improved markdown comp sales by aligning the timing to relevant selling periods per market. Developed a supplementary assortment of over 500 styles per month to offset seasonality discrepancies. Implemented local marketing strategies for each market. Pioneered an independent vendor base for the Brazil market, developing an international women’s apparel line exclusively for the difficult-to-penetrate Brazil market, following an extensive analysis of sales, increasing GM in the country. Managed five buyers and production assistants, with exceptional team coaching and management skills and a focus on growing and retaining talent and reducing turnover.

Managed product development based on up-to-minute sales reads, landing 15% of the assortment consistently on the best seller ranking. Directed OTB for the team, reporting results to senior management, increasing our comp YOY sales by 4%. Led a team of seven designers and merchandisers creating clear growth models and paths for them to ensure retention of key talent and reduce turnover.

Coordinated Kids seasonal merchandising and multi million dollar buying plans obtaining YOY comp sales increase of 12%. Increased strength of vendor base, travelling to Turkey and Portugal regularly to develop product and negotiate costs, resulting in lower cost prices, tighter delivery times, a 20% IMU increase over KPI requirements, and stronger vendor partnerships. Collaborated with the visual merchandising team, leveraging data to maximize global in-store sales. Partnered with the design team, sharing up-to-the-minute information on sales and customer preferences, thus being able to implement design changes for upcoming seasons.

Directed production coordinators, providing guidance on vendor management and product line improvements. Supervised global production in India for production issues arising between factory and designers.

Resolved issues between international customers and factory. Revised in-line garment samples according to customer requirements.

Liaison for customer specifications regarding measurements, fabric shrinkage, accessories, and denim wash. Coordinated factory revision and approval process according to customer demands.