Christina Minutillo: Director of Sourcing in Manhattan Beach, CA

Lead sourcing strategy for all apparel/accessory product sold in North America to achieve goals of $1.8 million savings in FY17 and $3.4 million savings in FY18 for North America. Collaborate with product development team while negotiating costs to achieve target margin goals throughout development season in an effort to maximize savings and basis point increases on average of 170-200 BPS per season YOY. Develop vendor matrix to lead consolidation strategy from 150 to 79 factories while expanding presence offshore in an effort to maximize savings while conducting factory visits. Review consolidated vendor strategy with internal development teams as well as Europe and Australia sourcing counterparts to ensure global direction is aligned and profits are maximized. Negotiate business strategy elements with vendors such as lead time, MOQ, costs, factories, key dates, and capacity to ensure partnership is aligned and on track.

Partnered with buyers from accounts such as Hurley, Cache, and Boston Proper to coordinate both product and pre-production style development while communicating needs to internal design department and overseas factory. Identified new business opportunities and traveled to present to prospective customers which resulted in a 100% increase of client base to the company.

Designed women’s woven styles from print and color concept to development of silhouettes for six seasons a year. Worked closely with technical team to create tech packs and critique product during fittings. Resolved unmet customer need by establishing and marketing pant and denim fits that allowed consumers to more easily relate to sizes increasing brand awareness and loyalty.

Earned Employee of the Year Award in part by resolving any issue pertaining to patternmakers’ design and construction in the sample room and managing overseas sample production with China. Generated trend books, CAD drawings, and mood boards for design presentations.