Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Wendy Rizzuto

Chicago

Summary

Innovative and results driven Sourcing and production professional with over 15 years experience in Apparel production and 5 years in Home decor. Highly experienced with cost negotiations, vendor allocation, managing cross-functional team to adhere to time and action calendar. Committed to delivering impactful solutions that drive growth and customer satisfaction.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Apparel Product Development Manager

Wuensche USA
02.2024 - 07.2024
  • Manage and oversee all aspects of costing specifications, ensuring accurate and timely cost calculations for project proposals.
  • Develop and maintained comprehensive cost models and specifications for products, optimizing budgeting and resource allocation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that cost specifications aligned with company goals and profitability targets.
  • Created product roadmaps to help guide product development processes and align with overall business goals.
  • Oversaw development of more than 100 new products each year.
  • Directed concept design, feature definitions and production support.
  • Coordinate and present quarterly client presentations, showcasing detailed cost analysis, market trends, and strategic recommendations.
  • Analyze supply chain data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement, resulting in improved operational performance.

Sourcing Specialist II, Home Décor

The Bradford Group
04.2018 - 01.2024
  • Research and identify potential global suppliers that align with project requirements and have a good reputation for quality, reliability, and timely delivery
  • Analyze the supplier proposals and involve the stakeholders in cost negotiation discussions to leverage their expertise and insights
  • Initiate negotiations with the chosen supplier to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement
  • Focus on cost optimization while maintaining quality standards
  • Consider factors like volume discounts, long-term contracts, or exploring alternative materials/components to reduce costs
  • Work closely with buyers and marketing stakeholders to assess the value proposition of different components, materials, or features
  • Together with product development team, explore alternatives that provide equivalent or enhanced value at a lower cost
  • Establish a strong relationship with the supplier built on trust, open communication, and mutual understanding
  • Collaborating with stakeholders such as the marketing and product development teams aiming to reduce costs, optimize value, and improve processes
  • Managing average of 40 new projects per quarter

Strategic Sourcing Category Manager- Tailored Collections/Outerwear/Accessories/Woven Tops

Cintas
08.2017 - 03.2018
  • Develop sourcing strategy to meet the needs of internal customers and stakeholders
  • Analyze category spend to initiate restructuring of vendor base to achieve cost savings goals
  • Utilized negotiation and competitive bidding with multiple suppliers on $4 million suiting collection resulting in an annual savings of $350,000
  • Renegotiated key Supplier Master purchase agreement to include renegotiation of Payment terms resulting in freeing over $850,000 in cash flow and increasing profit by $50,000 a year
  • Collaborating with cross functional team to develop and rollout new hospitality programs with more retail inspired silhouettes and fabrications

Production/Sourcing Manager- Basic Editions Ladies/Plus Sportswear- Knits, Wovens, Sweaters

Sears Holdings Corporation
08.2014 - 08.2016
  • Manage and supervise cross-functional design and merchant teams to deliver garments from concept to stores while ensuring product cost is still viable for retail price point and brand
  • Developed and implement sourcing strategy for all categories
  • Identifies opportunity to obtain improved costs through effective materials/leverage negotiations
  • Travel overseas to collaborate with business partners and suppliers in China, India, Korea, Central America, and Bangladesh to build relationships and develop plans to drive production efficiency
  • Monitored and adjusted Vendor Allocation based on business trends, performance and capabilities
  • Reduced vendor base by 20% over 6 months (40 to 32 over all categories)
  • Monitored factory compliance and intervened to resolve any issues swiftly
  • Managed and developed assistant role to ensure and encourage growth in team

Sourcing Manager- Sweaters, Womens/Mens/Kids

Sears Holdings Corporation
01.2008 - 08.2014
  • Effectively negotiate pricing by cost engineering product with vendors to achieve best value
  • Monitor status of all shipments to ensure on time delivery
  • Built and maintained Downtime production calendar for commodity sweater programs to deliver 10-20% cost savings versus placement in peak season
  • Guided design team with development of sweater yarns to ensure garment cost would be within target range

Assistant Product Manager, Sonoma Ladies Sportswear

Kohls Departments Stores
12.2005 - 09.2007
  • Drove Total bottom line business in assigned categories +19% to Financial Plan and best in class status, 4th quarter, 2006
  • Partner with Design and merchant team to determine assortment and develop appropriate product that supports Brand’s vision
  • Continually analyze business, recognize trends and develop assortment to drive bottom line sales
  • Accountable for sourcing product while exceeding IMU goals for department
  • Travel to Asia to negotiate pricing and product assortment

Sourcing Coordinator, Knits & Sweaters

Sears Roebuck and Co.
05.2001 - 11.2005
  • Liaison between home office and international buying offices to communicate and implement all sourcing strategies and requirements
  • Work collectively with the buying team, brand development, design and technical design for brand execution
  • Oversee all aspects of production tracking to ensure on-time deliveries
  • Conducted Internet auction which ultimately saved an additional $250,000 over buyer’s target
  • Diverse practical experience in resolving business issues in a timely and effective manner

Associate Buyer, Soft Home–Kitchen Textiles/Bath Shop

Montgomery Ward
10.1997 - 12.2000
  • Merchandise Analyst, Misses/Petite’s Career Sportswear
  • Retail Analyst, Misses/Women’s Casual Sportswear

Education

Bachelor of Science - Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising

Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
01.1995

Skills

  • Price negotiation
  • Cost analysis
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Effective communication with Global partners
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Supply chain management
  • Global sourcing
  • Category management

Timeline

Apparel Product Development Manager

Wuensche USA
02.2024 - 07.2024

Sourcing Specialist II, Home Décor

The Bradford Group
04.2018 - 01.2024

Strategic Sourcing Category Manager- Tailored Collections/Outerwear/Accessories/Woven Tops

Cintas
08.2017 - 03.2018

Production/Sourcing Manager- Basic Editions Ladies/Plus Sportswear- Knits, Wovens, Sweaters

Sears Holdings Corporation
08.2014 - 08.2016

Sourcing Manager- Sweaters, Womens/Mens/Kids

Sears Holdings Corporation
01.2008 - 08.2014

Assistant Product Manager, Sonoma Ladies Sportswear

Kohls Departments Stores
12.2005 - 09.2007

Sourcing Coordinator, Knits & Sweaters

Sears Roebuck and Co.
05.2001 - 11.2005

Associate Buyer, Soft Home–Kitchen Textiles/Bath Shop

Montgomery Ward
10.1997 - 12.2000

Bachelor of Science - Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising

Northern Illinois University

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