Julie Huebner
Travelers Rest
Summary
Dynamic Buyer with extensive experience in merchandise planning and vendor negotiation. Proven ability to enhance profitability through strategic decision-making and effective team leadership. Skilled in utilizing ERP systems for optimized inventory management, resulting in significant sales growth and strong supplier relationships.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Buyer
ASO Worldwide
Sarasota
03.2025 - 11.2025
- Executed purchase order processing and inventory management using ERP systems.
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to uphold compliance with industry standards.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for price, quality, service agreements, and reliability.
- Analyzed trends and inventory usage to optimize product availability across time frames.
- Reviewed work order demand generated by MRP to fulfill company needs.
- Negotiated with vendors on pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, and contractual terms.
Merchandise Buyer
Saint Tropez
Bayreuth
06.2018 - 10.2021
- Analyzed consumer purchasing habits and fashion trends to inform stock decisions.
- Optimized inventory selection based on analysis of buying trends for improved sales.
- Built and maintained relationships with suppliers, enhancing sourcing capabilities.
- Assessed supplier performance data to streamline sourcing processes.
- Developed eye-catching product displays with appropriate signage for increased visibility.
Import Manager
Eurostyle-Emil Kreher GmbH & Co.
Bayreuth
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Executed contracts with overseas suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of goods.
- Forecasted purchasing needs by reviewing supply levels and aging inventory.
- Engaged in negotiations regarding pricing, terms, quality, and lead times with suppliers.
- Supported selection process for new suppliers based on cost-effectiveness and reliability.
- Resolved supplier quality issues and addressed supply chain constraints effectively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support new product design and development.
Senior Manager, Merchandising
Adidas Group INC
Herzogenaurach
12.2014 - 09.2016
- Developed and executed strategic business plans to enhance growth and profitability.
- Managed annual budgeting process, optimizing resources through accurate forecasting and financial analysis.
- Implemented new technologies, including ERP systems and CRM tools, to streamline operations.
- Oversaw talent acquisition and training programs, building high-performing teams through effective development.
- Directed cross-functional teams to devise innovative solutions for complex challenges.
- Provided strategic guidance to departmental heads on resource allocation decisions.
- Analyzed business performance data and generated forecasts for upper management's decision-making.
- Collaborated with marketing to create branding and promotional strategies.
Buying Manager for Kids and Accessories
Adidas Group INC
Herzogenaurach
05.2011 - 12.2014
- Managed all key activities in merchandising department, including range building and financial planning.
- Conducted sales and stock analysis to inform strategic decisions.
- Executed in-season forecasting and trading to optimize inventory.
- Oversaw stock management and open-to-buy (OTB) management processes for effective resource allocation.
Costing Manager Apparel
Adidas Group INC
Herzogenaurach
03.2010 - 05.2011
- Collaborated with partners across Marketing, Design, Project Management, and Sourcing to achieve margin objectives.
- Developed cost-based solutions to support category business goals.
- Coordinated category costing reviews at key product creation milestones to ensure alignment on cost targets.
- Initiated costing processes to fulfill business objectives while driving improvements during timelines.
- Trained product development team, earning an Organizational Excellence Award for contributions to FlexPLM/FLC training initiative.
Senior Buyer Handbags and Accessories
Kmart, Sears Holding
Hoffman Estates
08.2005 - 10.2008
- Managed business generating over 120 million in annual sales across diverse product categories.
- Led a merchandising team comprising two buyers, an assistant buyer, a planner, and an allocation analyst.
- Partnered with design teams and vendors to create cohesive product assortments.
- Negotiated pricing for apparel and accessories, securing optimal costs while maintaining quality.
- Analyzed data to negotiate favorable contracts and determine lowest possible costs.
- Presented innovative merchandise concepts and campaigns to company executives and sales managers.
- Developed product purchasing and sales strategies aligned with company budgets.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Buyer Seasonal Product
Kmart, Sears Holding
Hoffman Estates
07.2003 - 08.2005
- Developed and executed comprehensive sales, margin, and marketing strategies across multiple hard line categories.
- Formulated annual purchasing plans and contracts for OEM, imports, ingredients, materials, and equipment.
- Conducted vendor negotiations to secure optimal pricing and delivery terms.
- Performed regular performance reviews with key suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identified and evaluated potential vendors for sourcing materials, goods, and services.
- Established strong vendor relationships while negotiating advantageous contracts.
- Traveled to various locations for procurement of materials and products from suppliers.
- Analyzed market trends and sales data to forecast purchasing needs and optimize inventory management.
Assistant Buyer Seasonal Products
Kmart, Sears Holding
Troy
08.2001 - 06.2003
- Facilitated detailed selling information for two buying teams.
- Collaborated with buying teams to develop marketing plans and trend presentations.
- Executed item setup, sample procurement, and planograms.
Assistant Control Buyer
Pottery Barn Kids
San Francisco
06.2000 - 07.2001
- Employed ERP systems for comprehensive management of purchase orders and inventory control.
- Resolved forecast exceptions and re-calibrated forecasts in response to updated data.
- Analyzed sales trends to gauge product effectiveness and discover enhancement possibilities.
- Tracked procurement strategies while ensuring adequate inventory levels were met.
- Engaged with suppliers to facilitate swift processing of purchase orders and shipments in transit.
- Employed ERP systems for comprehensive management of purchase orders and inventory control.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Oakland University
Rochester, MI12-1993
Skills
- Merchandise planning
- Demand planning
- Sales forecasting
- Decision-making
- Product lifecycle management
- Budget management
- Vendor negotiation
- Supplier relationship management
- Team leadership
- ERP System Key User and Trainer
Timeline
Buyer
ASO Worldwide
03.2025 - 11.2025
Merchandise Buyer
Saint Tropez
06.2018 - 10.2021
Import Manager
Eurostyle-Emil Kreher GmbH & Co.
02.2017 - 09.2017
Senior Manager, Merchandising
Adidas Group INC
12.2014 - 09.2016
Buying Manager for Kids and Accessories
Adidas Group INC
05.2011 - 12.2014
Costing Manager Apparel
Adidas Group INC
03.2010 - 05.2011
Senior Buyer Handbags and Accessories
Kmart, Sears Holding
08.2005 - 10.2008
Buyer Seasonal Product
Kmart, Sears Holding
07.2003 - 08.2005
Assistant Buyer Seasonal Products
Kmart, Sears Holding
08.2001 - 06.2003
Assistant Control Buyer
Pottery Barn Kids
06.2000 - 07.2001
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Oakland University
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