Samantha Richards
Vernon Hills
Summary
Results-driven leader adept at guiding high-performing teams and implementing strategic initiatives to drive business success. Known for fostering collaborative environment and achieving measurable milestones. Exhibits strong leadership and adaptability to changing business needs.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Merchandising
Essendant
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Oversaw Office Products, Cut Sheet Paper, Technology and Furniture categories ($1.5B in annual sales).
- Oversaw Product Merchandising Team, who managed 500+ vendors, and 40k skus.
- Oversaw Vendor Drop Ship Program and Supplier Performance Program.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Created an agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
- Increased employee satisfaction, providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
Director of Merchandising
Essendant
10.2022 - 02.2025
- Nominated for Young Executive of the Year for the National Business Products Industry Awards - 2024
- Oversaw Office Products, Cut Sheet Paper and Furniture categories ($749M in annual sales).
- Increased sales and profitability by developing and implementing strategic merchandising plans.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
- Mentored and developed team members, leading to several promotions within the company.
- Regularly reviewed competitor activity to ensure the company maintained a competitive edge in the market.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to maximize inventory turnover rates.
- Established successful vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
- Managed budgets effectively, reducing overhead costs while maintaining product quality.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the team, fostering a positive work environment for all employees.
- Influenced cross-functional teams for better collaboration and streamlined execution of merchandising initiatives.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
Senior Category Manager
Essendant
04.2021 - 10.2022
- Identified and reported key performance indicators to define successful category management.
- Partnered with Inventory to develop category-appropriate order frequency and initial buy quantities for new items and promotions.
- Fostered positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating collaboratively with customers.
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing process improvements, resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced turnaround times.
- Reduced business risk by improving contract terms for suppliers in various categories.
- Optimized supplier base by conducting regular reviews of vendor performance metrics including quality standards compliance rates, and develop solutions for improvement.
Product Manager
American Hotel Register
10.2017 - 04.2021
- Oversees the product categories of Foodservice, Housekeeping and Janitorial, Maintenance/Engineering, Healthcare and Funeral, which is worth over $90M in sales and consists of over 400 supplier partners and 8,000 skus.
- Identifies new opportunities within the assortment and executes the go to market strategy, which involves working cross functionally to ensure all departments are up to speed.
- Focuses on driving gross margin and profitability by hosting Supplier business reviews along with annual category reviews.
- Analyzes sku productivity and develops the exit strategy for supplier and sku rationalization.
- Defines and develops the strategy of the business by focusing on driving the big picture and large opportunities with Customers and National Accounts.
- Leads and motivates a team of two associates, consisting of an Associate Product Managers and a Product Marketing Associate. Coached the team to negotiate 118% of our funding goal for marketing and Global Hospitality Expo, which was a 49% increase over last year.
- Headed the first American Hotel Register Foodservice Catalog and oversaw the process from start to finish. The catalog was fully funded by our Supplier Partners.
Associate Product Manager
American Hotel Register
05.2015 - 10.2017
- Awarded the 2015 Merchant of the Year.
- Managed and maintained supplier relationship through effective and transparent communication.
- Negotiated pricing, volume rebates, and marketing budgets to achieve specified goals. Achieved funding goal by 150% ($1.2M) and set new funding goal for the department.
- Collaborated with multiple departments such as inventory and supply planning, sales force, and transportation to ensure timely service for our customers.
- Represented Merchandising in multiple cross-functional committees.
- Selected to spearhead the first quarter leadership assignment, assisting with communication and analyzing the top 1,000 items between all product teams. Negotiated cost savings of over $250k across 5 suppliers as an outcome.
Associate Buyer
Claire's
10.2014 - 05.2015
- Responsible for managing Younger/Novelty Hair business.
- Managed all purchase orders and costing for the department. Negotiated with numerous vendors for best cost to meet and succeed our target IMU and margin.
- Identified product opportunities, in conjunction with analyzing the business daily. Reacted to trends while developing a balanced assortment.
- Worked independently and directly with Planner to make proper business decisions based on trend and financial direction from upper management.
- Paired with Business Systems and Information Technology to develop new process for Inspection Certification Process. New process enforced through every branch of Claire's Accessories, i.e., Icing, International, RSI HK, and Europe.
- Negotiated best ship dates with multiple vendors to ensure deliveries meet the requirements for planogram dates and marketing photo shoots.
Assistant Buyer
Claire’s
07.2013 - 10.2014
- Supported Category Buyer in developing assortments that supported the needs of customer within the Beauty business.
- Managed weekly reports to ensure timely deliveries. Issued cost concessions for late shipments which positively impacted IMU, sales and margin.
- Analyzed merchant reports to identify reorder opportunities, product expansion potential and promotional drivers.
- Conducted daily communication with vendors to manage purchase orders and product development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Minor in Marketing
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio05.2012
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Team management
- Policy development
- Decision-making
- Negotiation
- Contract management
- Financial management
- Contract negotiation
- Business development
Timeline
Senior Director of Merchandising
Essendant
02.2025 - 08.2025
Director of Merchandising
Essendant
10.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Category Manager
Essendant
04.2021 - 10.2022
Product Manager
American Hotel Register
10.2017 - 04.2021
Associate Product Manager
American Hotel Register
05.2015 - 10.2017
Associate Buyer
Claire's
10.2014 - 05.2015
Assistant Buyer
Claire’s
07.2013 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Minor in Marketing
Kent State University
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