Proven and experienced Product Manager with a strong understanding and passion for design, merchandising, and analytics. Ability to balance creative and analytical demands with a unique and comprehensive skill set. Dynamic presentation skills with ability to engage audience and effectively communicate brand and design direction

• Define and develop strategy, goals, and overall story of the rapidly growing Women's category
• Create merchandising strategies for Women's category based on consumer insights, market trends, and sales data
• Monitor performance of styles and prints on Ethika.com to be sure we are maximizing profitability and positioning product in the right way at the right time
• Work cross-functionally with marketing and sales teams to create cohesive product stories and launches
• Assist in managing Women's monthly product launch calendar for Ethika.com
• Develop unique and brand-defining product specifically for our Direct channel
• Communicate with sales and production teams to monitor inventory levels that will support demand, product launch calendar, and sale periods

Women's Category Manager

• Developed seasonal line assortment plans and merchandising strategies to meet financial goals and customer expectations across all channels
• Methodically mapped out style and sku counts each season in order to increase productivity and streamline assortment
• Determined and managed life cycle, expectations, and positioning of each product and successfully communicated this information to cross-functional teams
• Analyzed and translated complex data to be understandable and actionable
• Managed pricing strategies based on target margins, competitive landscape, and product positioning
• Collaborated with Design Director and merchandising counterparts to drive cohesive seasonal color and print stories
• Worked cross-functionally with marketing and creative teams on lay-out and execution of seasonal workbooks and catalogs
• Delivered bi-annual company presentations analyzing data and findings of prior season in order to inform future strategies
• Collaborated with Direct Merchandising Manager to ensure assortments met and supported the direct channel needs and goals
• Presented seasonal product assortments, strategies, and initiatives during company sales meetings and key account pre-lines

Associate Merchandise Manager

Responsible for defining presentation of Dragon products in store, from concept and development of POP to in-store merchandising
Developed and implemented merchandising guidelines and balanced inventory models that highlighted key product and marketing initiatives
Worked cross-functionally with marketing and creative departments to establish guidelines for branding and merchandising across all categories
Lead the development of retail clinic program for global market
Presented brand story and product inspirations to key international and domestic markets
Provided color and graphic themes as well as overall design direction and inspiration for the eyewear category

Eyewear Category Manager

Effectively managed all aspects of eyewear line from conceptual stages to delivery and merchandising at retail
Developed seasonal line and design briefs focused on innovative, brand- defining products and color stories
Maintained strong relationships with vendors and designers while ensuring product was trend relevant, customer and athlete driven, and supported overall goals in sales growth and margin
Initiated, negotiated, and confirmed pricing with vendors in order to maintain cost and margin requirements
Responsible for managing over 40% of company revenue
Worked cross-functionally with sales and marketing departments and collaborated on creative visions and directions
Increased brand awareness and growth with key product launches and innovations
Developed and merchandised unique color stories and themes for eyewear line and managed sampling and confirmation processes with vendors Communicated line plans, hero products, and merchandising collections to marketing/catalog departments
Responsible for educating and training reps, retailers, and distributors on eyewear product line, technical information, and merchandised stories

Product Line Manager - Eyewear

Find out detailed information about Hillary Balch,  in Oceanside, CA

Hillary Balch: in Oceanside, CA

Hillary Balch

University of Arizona