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KIERA SPRIGGS Mobile 0792 9637351
Email kieraspriggs@gmail.com
PROFILE:
A conscientious and highly motivated individual with over 20 years experience within Retail supply
chain and Merchandising. Combines strong commerciality and business acumen with a record of
achieving excellent results. A motivational and positive line manager who thrives in a fast paced and
dynamic environment. Resilient and enthusiastic with the ability to get the best out of people at all
levels. Optimistic and sociable by nature with direct experience in both retail and multichannel
organisations.
CAREER:
Nov 2012 – June 2016 Merchandise Manager - Bluesuntree Ltd
Overall responsibility for the complete Merchandising function within this relatively young and fast-moving
internet based furniture business. Solely responsible for the creation and implementation of all Merchandising
best practice and reporting systems for the entire company reporting directly to the MD.
The role required a proactive approach and exceptionable problem solving skills.
Achievements and Main activities:
 Established the use of forecasting and ‘line-flows’ for all lines to deliver maximum service level.
 Introduced the ‘Product Buying Cycle’ ensuring regular range reviews and selection meetings took
place and delivered more accurate and achievable critical paths for new lines.
 Implemented and managed effective range building which in my first year resulted in a 25% increase
in annual sales at the same time as a 39% option reduction. Proposed and managed buying budgets.
 Designed and developed weekly and monthly trade reports monitoring KPI’s. Set up Excel database
of product attributes which delivered easier and more effective analysis.
 Identified promotional activity for slow-sellers and seasonal lines, and managed markdown activity
for terminal stock. Assisted in customer newsletters and Social Media ensuring maximum return.
 Built and maintained strong working relationships with suppliers, challenged un-commercial lead-
times and minimums. Promoted effective liaison between Bluesuntree and their import logistics co.
 Identified and managed re-sourcing opportunities in order to benefit margin and sales growth. Took
on some aspects of QC when deadlines at risk e.g. Swatch & GS approval.
 Monitored and updated website as required and carried out various Ad hoc analysis for the business.
Mar 2011 – Nov 2012 Senior Merchandiser – Dunelm Group PLC
Played a key role in the implementation of the new Merchandising function for this relatively unique business
at a time of fast growth and considerable change. Contributed significantly to the establishment of a new
Merchandise structure and was heavily involved in recruitment and training to facilitate rapid growth of the
team as the Store Support Centre moved to much larger new premises.
Achievements and Main activities
 Established regular meetings to ensure ‘Direct to Store’ suppliers were fully aware of predicted sales
trends, forthcoming campaigns and ‘life of line’. Managed ‘Direct to Warehouse’ suppliers to ensure
maximum sales and minimum risks. Key in facilitating the roll-out of a new ‘line-card’ format.
 Ensured my team focussed on and achieved critical deadlines for the ongoing calendar of campaign
events as these were an integral part of business strategy and not restricted to season end only.
 A driving role in the establishment of effective ‘Progress’ meetings for new lines ensuring tight
launch deadlines were managed and achieved. Led & supported the team in the preparation and
delivery of sales analysis.
 Worked closely with the Visual Display team to ensure Store layouts achieved maximum impact and
sales for my product areas and the target £’s per foot were delivered.
Sep 2010 – Mar 2011 Merchandiser (Consultant) – Next PLC
Assisting the busy ‘Newborn’ Merchandising team with all aspects of the role.
Sep 2009 – Sep2010 - Career Sabbatical to look after my 2 young children
Mar 1999– Sep2009 Merchandiser – Next PLC

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Managed numerous teams within the dynamic and rapidly expanding Home department and responsible for
effective stock management for Retail, Directory and Online outlets. I eventually reached a senior level within
the team structure and had overall responsibility for managing one of their flagship product groups with an
annual budget of £100M.
Achievements and Main activities
 Ownership for the delivery of company and category Sales, Profit and Markdown targets by
working collaboratively with the Buyer. Responsible for the weekly reporting of KPI’s.
 Directed team to ensure regular and effective line re-forecasting and was heavily involved in ranking
new product to deliver maximum sales potential and minimum lost sales and unplanned Markdown.
 Facilitated and drove the product critical path to ensure tight and numerous launch deadlines were
achieved. Worked closely with Buyers to generate accurate store range plans and grading.
 Built and managed strong relationships with all suppliers and agents through regular visits.
Constantly challenged inefficient working practises and negotiated lower minimums and lead-times.
 Tasked with, autonomouslymanaged and piloted the introduction of the Wedding Gift list service.
Mar 1998 – Mar 1999 Assistant Merchandiser – Debenhams PLC
Working within the Ladies Sportswear department I was responsible for analysing sales, placing all repeat
orders and managing replenishment to stores. Carried out weekly re-forecasting using the WSSI and closely
monitored Markdown versus targets. Assisted in range building and store planning. .
Aug 1996 – Mar 1998 Trainee Merchandiser – George (ASDA Stores Ltd)
I worked closely with the Merchandising team and the warehouse initially as Intake coordinator ensuring all
planned deliveries were processed promptly and correctly. Became a Trainee Merchandiser for the Ladies’
Lingerie and Nightwear department, following recognition of emerging abilities. Received personal thanks
from George Davis on leaving the company, in response to numerous endorsements from store managers
and other senior colleagues
Aug 1994-Aug 1996 Travel: Backpacking across and working in USA, South East Asia and Australia
Jul 1992 – Aug 1994 Merchandise Admin and Intake Coordinator – Viking Direct
Liaised closely with the Merchandising team and the warehouse ensuring all goods were delivered on time,
relevant paperwork was collected and goods received accurately. Regularly contacted suppliers on behalf of
the Merchandisers to arrange booking slots or chase late deliveries.
EDUCATION:
1989 – 1992
University of Greenwich – BA Hons Political Economics
1981 - 1988
English Martyrs RC School - 3 A Levels, 8 O Levels
SKILLS:
General Personal Technical
Sales & Profit driven Team player MS Excel
Knowledge of seasonal trends Credible and pragmatic MS Office
Budget Management Excellent communication Sage 200
Strong analytical skills Problem solving Magento Ecommerce
Commercial awareness Attention to detail Crystal Reporting
Effective range planning Decision making SAP- Business Intelligence
Supplier management Conflict resolution Various Range Building
Critical Path focussed Strategic thinking & Stock Planning Systems
Leadership Safe pair of hands Business Objects