Michael Babida: in San Diego, CA

Professional Experience SAN DIEGO PADRES BASEBALL CLUB Promotions Manager / Merchandise Manager / Club Archivist/ Director of Purchasing/ Director of Merchandise San Diego, CA, 1992- 2015 Purchasing & Procurement • Oversaw $7M-$10M in annual purchasing of all products, materials, and services for San Diego Padres organization and strategic partners: ranging from retail and promotional merchandise, marketing materials, signage, transportation, ballpark equipment, and machinery to capital items • Collaborated closely with VP, directors and merchandising teams to research, source, and implement cohesive well-rounded product assortments, display and signage • Initiated custom product development and creative sales strategies • Ran daily reports to ensure purchase orders were flowing in a timely manner • Executed allocation strategies by analyzing historical and current selling trends to maximize sales, inventory turnover and gross margin • Negotiate firmly with 400+ vendors: cost, payment terms, co-op money, returns/exchanges, freight/terms of delivery, opportunity buys, etc. • Maintained accountability for all inventory management • Managed models and allocated product for team sales based on historical trends and seasonal plans • Analyzed division product ownership, developed and executed inventory flow strategies on an ongoing basis • Set inventory levels to support sales plans; analyzed and adjusted inventory levels on an ongoing basis • Identified and communicated “at risk” products; worked with Management to develop transfers, markdown and RTV strategies • Ensured vendor compliance with shipping and pricing policies • Worked independently while managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines • Managed and executed strategic projects as assigned • Executed store visits to evaluate merchandise mix and meet with venue partners to ensure a full understanding of the venue experience, partner needs and objectives • Trained, developed, supervised and appraised 11 staff on an ongoing basis • Defined purchasing policies, procedures, and payment terms while maintaining superior quality • Streamlined purchasing functions, increasing efficiency and reducing costs by 7%-20% throughout supply chain • Created short and long term procurement objectives resulting in reduced materials cost and improved service to multiple departments and partners • Directed the purchasing and rebranding of team’s trademarks, uniforms, and team logo products coinciding with 2004 move to new ballpark • Directed purchasing for opening of new Petco Park: all supplies, equipment, services, print marketing, and memorabilia. • Monitored and analyzed performance versus plan to identify trends, organic growth, demographic, item, and category opportunities • Maintained purchasing database and developed programs to increase savings • Prepared procurement and usage reports by collecting and analyzing cost, quality, user, vendor, and other information • Established par levels and monitored inventory levels • Supervised, purchased and executed design, production, follow-up, and installation of high-profile ballpark commemorative displays, including statues honoring Jerry Coleman and Tony Gwynn • Procured and designed team’s displays for San Diego Hall of Champions museum Promotions & Retail Merchandise • Directed innovative merchandise and event promotions at Petco Park, purchasing $1M-$2M in promotional products • Managed design and development of new promotional purchases and events • Created new product specifications • Monitored fulfillment and distribution, while ensuring quality, safety, and brand integrity of all products and equipment • Monitored regulatory compliance of global supply chain • Met in hand and/or installation deadlines with little to no lead time while maintaining brand integrity. • Maintained 100% on-time delivery record for promotional purchases under tight deadlines/ last-minute change requests • Directed purchasing, placement, and installation of marketing/branding materials throughout Petco Park generating millions of dollars in sponsorship revenues • Developed new concepts credited with creating excitement and increased revenues of 5%-10% • Directed purchasing and product selection for concessions throughout Petco Park and for club-owned retail store in Tijuana, Mexico • Grew retail sales 10% by forecasting merchandise purchases in collaboration with concessionaire • Directed loss prevention programs that consistently reported less than 3% retail shrinkage for Tijuana store • Led expansion of Padres’ retail operations • Oversaw in-park store, 3 external retail locations, distribution center • Trained, developed, supervised and appraised 40+ staff on an ongoing basis • Managed purchasing, design, brand management, and securing of $3M-$5M in promotional products • Simultaneously managed purchasing and distribution of retail merchandise for multiple Major League Baseball teams and multiple markets • Responsible for product selection, cost process, loss prevention and maintained inventory levels within budget targets • Supervised end of the month inventories