Vanessa Thompson

Experience

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  GLASSONS LTD

  Jan 2009 - Apr 2010

  Buyer
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  Bendon

  Apr 2010 - Oct 2010

  Product Development Manager

  Ensure that seasonal ranges are followed from the beginning stages of design, to the finished production sample, in close detail, and create strong working relationships with all suppliers to achieve the best product in stores. Work with suppliers to achieve the best quality for the best price, by negotiating FOB prices, deliveries and material costs.Ensure the timely delivery of ranges to meet customers deliveries, by monitoring delivery and shipping schedules.Keep tracking and sample lists up to date, and follow up with suppliers on a regular basis.Monitor and attend fittings with models of all sizes to ensure the best possible fits for all styles.Create diagrams and accurate fit comment emails, for all fit problems to ensure the supplier has clear, and concise information on how to proceed.Constantly review all current component suppliers and prices, to ensure the best quality and prices are given for construction factories.Develop and create easy to read costing information for Designers for new ranges and developments.Manage projects given by the Merchandise Manager, to ensure accurate proposals and information is given for presentations. Show less

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  Max Fashions

  Oct 2010 - Apr 2013

  Buyer

  For the last year, Responsible for the Accessories and Footwear departments at Max with the Buying Manager.Previous to the last year, responsible for the Casual wear, Accessories, Swimwear and Footwear departments.Identify key seasonal trends relevant to the Max brand.Attend range meetings with suppliers to choose and develop key season ranges.Complete ranging with the Buying Manager to ensure all product and colours are complimentary to the season.Negotiate and control all cost prices from suppliers to ensure target margins are met on all product.Attend daily fit meetings with suppliers to check quality and fit.Analyse weekly sales figures and identify successes and problems.Identify problem product areas and create or suggest relevant promotions or markdowns to ensure good sell-through on all products.Manage the deliveries of all ranges to ensure they arrive on time.Weekly store visits to check product and receive feedback from store managers.Manage the day-to-day tasks for the Buyer’s Assistant. Show less

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  Farmers Trading Company Ltd

  Apr 2013 - Sept 2017

  Buyer

  Responsible for the development and growth of Accessories, Footwear and Slipper departments for Farmers.Manage a portfolio of both brands and house brand development in all categories.Build, maintain and develop relationships with on and off-shore suppliers.Identify and quantify major and relevant trends for the Farmers customer.Negotiate costs, deliveries and qualities with relevant vendors and suppliers.Manage OTB (budget) with the planner, to ensure budgets are met.Determine promotional plan in conjunction with vendors and marketing team.Analyse weekly sales figures and identify successes and problems.Manage approvals and fits of all accessory and footwear samples, by checking specs and handover sheets to ensure all products are correct, and fit properly.Attend and participate in overseas buying trips.Liase with customer service teams to help with customer and store queries.Lead a team of five to create loyalty, passion and drive results. Show less

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  Snapper Rock International

  Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

  Product Developer & Sustainability Consultant

  Investigate and develop a range of Environmentally Friendly children’s swimwear, by arranging suitable sustainable materials and creating relationships with ethically run factories, that all adhere to Global sustainable guidelines. To ensure that seasonal ranges are followed from the beginning stages of design, to the finished product, and create strong working relationships with all suppliers to achieve the best product in stores.Ensure the timely delivery of ranges to meet customers deliveries, by monitoring delivery and shipping schedules.Monitor and attend fit meetings, and report back to suppliers to ensure the best possible fits for all styles.Analyse and report back on sales and sell through rates, and make recommendations for mark downs. Show less

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  Unravelled Consultants

  Nov 2018 - Mar 2022

  Director

  Unravelled Consultants was founded to help change the conversation around Sustainability and help businesses make a meaningful difference. We act as an extension of your team, and help businesses understand their options and take action towards more sustainable and responsible business practices.Some of the projects we have undertaken for our clients have included; • Undertaking and completing a business risk/materiality assessment.• Creating sustainable strategies and goals.• Helping to create and implement supplier Code of Conducts.• Helping businesses review and prioritise audit results, and implementing corrective action plans.• Implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives and partnerships.• Sustainable sourcing of materials• Sustainable best practice packaging reviews• Creating meaningful stories for brands without ‘green washing’• Policies and recommendation for end of life for product and circular design systems.I also collaborate with international consultancy businesses such as Eco-Age Ltd, and Go Well Consulting to help them with specialist projects and clients in order to make a more meaningful difference. Show less

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  Eco-Age

  Jan 2019 - Jul 2024

  Sustainability Consultant

  As Eco-Age's Australasian Sustainability Consultant, I work as an extension of their team, and help them on sustainable projects, sourcing and strategy development, and act as their team on the ground in the Australasian area.Eco-Age are experts in holistic business and sustainability strategies, creative communications and content, founded in science. They are an end-to-end agency that help brands to lower their impact on people and planet, communicating their journey in a transparent, tangible way.They work from the ground up, building responsible business practices for their clients and accelerating external engagement around these initiatives. From strategic consultancy all the way through to media relations, corporate reputation and digital storytelling, the Eco-Age team combines technical knowledge with creativity and innovation. Show less

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  Go Well Consulting Ltd

  May 2021 - now

  Director of Supply Chain and Textiles

  Go Well Consulting is a full-service sustainability consultancy delivering bespoke solutions that future-proof your business for the sustainable future. Whether your focus is legislative risk mitigation, ESG strategy or reporting, carbon calculation, accurate and authentic sustainability communication, circular economy initiatives, or educating your key-decision makers on the commercial importance of sustainability, our experienced consultants are here to help. With extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, we empower our clients with the capability and confidence to marry positive impact, commercial success and customer trust. We are proud to be supporting and coaching organisations on the journey towards a circular, environmentally regenerative and inclusive future. Show less