Resume- Joan DeRoche April 2010

2. Streamlined the vendor matrix introducing 10 + top notch factories which have become key vendors.Developed direct woven shirt business increasing the business 145% equally 50% of the direct business. <br />Increased penetration of jackets from 10% to 35% to meet the corporate sourcing strategy.<br />Initiated and built a working fabric library from Asian mills leading to consolidation of fabrics across factories and countries that resulted in increased purchasing power. Set up fabric standards and processes for the R&D of the fabric.<br />Analyzed company business and built a sourcing strategy with overseas factories to increase the direct penetration, breaking the plan down by country and factory which helped to build company partnerships with overseas offices, vendors and agents.<br />Mentored a team of 4 production managers, and 4 technical designers <br />Introduced qualified factories in Vietnam and Sri Lanka.<br />RETAIL BRAND ALLIANCE/CASUAL CORNER GROUP, Enfield, CT1994 – 2005<br />$1.2 B Retail Specialty Group; Brooks Brothers, Casual Corner Group, Adrienne Vittadini, and Carol Lee. Selling to the 35-55 year old customer. Stores included Casual Corner, Petite Sophisticates, August Max, and Annex Stores (outlets). 1000 Retail stores (casual corner stores closed) Reported directly to the CMO.<br />Senior Director Product Development/Sourcing, Casual Corner Group (2000–2005) <br />Director Product Development/Sourcing, Casual Corner Group, NY (1996–2000) <br />Product Development Sourcing Manager, Suits and Outerwear, Casual Corner Group, CT (1994–1996)<br />Responsible for managing a team of 23 product development and production managers across all brands.<br />Researched fabrics and yarns with mills from Asia, made seasonal presentations to the merchant team and design team. Worked mills to develop fabrics at affordable pricing.<br />Introduced new countries and factories in Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Jordan. <br />Hired Director of Technical Services, to improve the fit, and construction of the garments and reduced the turn time for fit approvals.<br />Revamped the QA/QC responsibilities, instituted the Human Rights and social compliance policy to make sure all factories were compliant. <br />Responsible for all costs breakdowns with bill of materials and negotiated and set up CM matrix for production managers which agreed upon with factory owners. <br />Responsible for 100% direct sourcing for Brooks Brothers Women division during the transition period leading to a 20% savings in COG.<br />Managed the direct sourcing of Adrienne Vittadini and aligned qualified factories to meet their product assortment.<br />Set up corporate time and action to ensure deadlines were met to shorten the lead times of each product within the factories allowing the merchant team time to react to the business needs.<br />Responsible for department’s budget and made sure all products met or exceeded company IMU plans. <br />Implemented with company MIS department Blue Cherry PLM System, along with an import purchase order system giving members financial visibility to on orders. <br />Initiated first sale concept, and partnered with the CFO, and VP of logistic saving the $2.5 million in duty.<br />DANIEL CARON, INC., New York, NY 1993 – 1994<br />$200M Private label company that sold to the Limited Group, Victoria Secret, Weathervane, Lerner’s and Lane Bryant.<br />Account Executive <br />Generated sales of $50M across 4 customers.<br />Interfaced with key accounts daily.<br />JORDACHE ENTERPRISES, INC., New York, NY 1990 – 1993 <br />$350M Wholesaler of Denim Jeans and Apparel selling to specialty stores, department stores, and mass merchants. <br />Product Development Director, Denim<br />Directed a team of designers, graphic artists and a sample room located in Hong Kong for the development of denim products for juniors and kids that led to an increase in 65% in the kids division, 27% in Missy, and 23% in juniors.<br />Shopped Europe, trade shows, and trend services for color direction, fabrics and design ideas.<br />Worked with the sales manager to manage inventory levels, selling costs, and maintained markup.<br />LOLLY TOGS, New York, NY<br />Production Manager<br />$50M Children’s Clothes Manufacturer, Domestic Importer. Children’s Wholesale Division selling to specialty retailers, and mass market.<br />BUYING POSITIONS<br />Federated DepartmenT Stores, 10.0 M private label, Product Developer/Buyer<br />Howland Steinbach’s, 10.0 M, Buyer, Outerwear<br />EDUCATION<br />Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business, Retailing, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY<br />