EIMEAR DONNELLY
Altrincham, Manchester
Summary
Highly motivated and confident individual who enjoys learning and self-improvement with a proven track record in apparel development into management. A confident communicator with an open personality and high energy levels, very confident in building relationships and thrive on getting the best out of people and products.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Category Manager
NEW BALANCE
07.2019 - Current
- Creation and implementation of product strategy for EMEA Women's apparel category, - Create and manage EMEA range plan delivering range architecture inline with market segmentation and pricing that drives brand equity and volume while increasing margin - Contribute regularly into GLP process to ensure EMEA needs are being addressed - Identify areas of new opportunity to gain market share and grow sales - Create, communicate and brief new product ideas for category growth with global team - Manage London Marathon range plans and product strategy - Creation of selling tools for markets - People Manager
Apparel Product Manager
NEW BALANCE FOOTBALL
03.2017 - 07.2019
- Management of product creation process from creation of design brief through to product launch for both Licensed and Inline ranges while remaining inline with governing body regulations - Key point of contact for FCP, Standard Liege, Lille OSC and Dynamo Kiev and colleagues in each market - Analysis and development of Licensed and Inline Line Plans on seasonal basis to ensure NBF is inline with market and competitors and to improve SKU productivity - Management of CP ensuring key deadlines are met and updates delivered to senior management - Close liaison with Apparel Designer, Developers, market partners and clubs to ensure that key dates, target margins and product criteria are met - Work with Head of Product in formulating apparel strategic plan and revenue objectives on seasonal basis - Ensure that seasonal forecasting process is developed and adhered to - Create and regularly present compelling product presentations to external and internal audiences - Support club partners and markets by providing informative sell-in tools and presentations for their use - Management and maintenance of key dates in product development calendar - Ensure that each product line is commercially viable, that price points are met and that sales team are given appropriate seasonal sales tools to maximise revenue growth - Build strong working relationships with sales and marketing counterparts, design, development, Football clubs etc - Travel to key markets and trade shows to conduct market, trend and competitor research and gain market and product feedback.
Apparel Product Developer
07.2012 - 03.2017
- Managed apparel development on confidential football kit and training product - Worked closely with design team to develop new, innovative and competitive product - Responsible for design packs from handover from designer through to bulk production including price negotiation, development of BOMs and grading of size specifications; while maintaining and adhering to Critical Path - Responsible for fit and grade sizing across all training silhouettes ensuring that fit comments were communicated clearly and efficiently to factory partners - Ensure all apparel product conformed to football industry standards and regulations - Responsible for development, approval and pricing of all trims, subprints and technical fabrics used on Licensed training and Inline collections - This role involved 3-4 worldwide trips per annum
- Key achievements at NB: - Numerous promotions through to current role of Senior Category Manager and people manager - Have travelled all over the world presenting ranges and presentations to all levels of professionals both internally and externally
Garment Technologist
VISAGE LTD
09.2011 - 07.2012
- Managed sizing, graded size specs and BOMs on mens and ladies jersey-wear for several high street retailers - Responsible for daily communication with customers and communication of fit comments to factory partners - Managed fit development for New Look, Tesco and Evans travelling weekly to meet with them and fit new product
- Key achievements at Visage: - Responsibility for management of fit for and communication to some of the largest retailers on UK High Street.
Garment Technologist/Product Developer
HENLEYS CLOTHING
01.2011 - 09.2011
- Managed fit of ladieswear and men’s jersey
- Responsible for creating technical packs and graded size specifications to factories - Responsible for margin and price negotiation on above ranges including advising designers on cost effective methods of construction - Ensure all product was fitted correctly and all comments on fit/price/construction made in fit meeting were communicated clearly to relevant internal colleagues or factory partners - Responsible for examination of test reports and advising on care label text and washing instructions
- Key achievements at Henleys: - Proposed and implemented changes to improve consistency of quality and fit across whole brand.
Assistant Product Developer
JD SPORTS FASHION PLC
05.2009 - 01.2011
- Distributed technical design packs and graded size specifications to relevant factories for proto typing & costing - Worked with supplier to gain workable pricing, margin and shipping date - Held fit meetings, commenting on fit and construction of samples - Issued clear, concise fit, construction and trims comments to suppliers - Examined test reports and advised on care label text and instruction - Supplier trips abroad - Ensured that sample room was well maintained and organised
- Key achievements at JD: - Gained qualification in apparel testing by Intertek - Started to travel to suppliers and proudly represent the company and myself
Designer
CORPROTEX APPAREL
06.2007 - 06.2008
- Also held several part-time jobs while studying at university and am happy to share more information on these on request.
Education
1st Class BA (Hons) - Clothing Design and Technology
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester2009
School -
St. Catherine’s College
Northern Ireland2004
Skills
- Category Targets
- Trend Knowledge
- Category Reviews
- Category Development
- Data Analysis
- Go-To-Market Strategy
- Profit Target Achievement
- Highly Motivated
- Communication
- People Management
Voluntary Work
I am a listening volunteer for Samaritans working 4 hours / week from the Stockport branch. Being a listening volunteer I provide support to anyone who calls but am specifically trained in speaking to people who are feeling suicidal.
Timeline
Senior Category Manager
NEW BALANCE
07.2019 - Current
Apparel Product Manager
NEW BALANCE FOOTBALL
03.2017 - 07.2019
Apparel Product Developer
07.2012 - 03.2017
Garment Technologist
VISAGE LTD
09.2011 - 07.2012
Garment Technologist/Product Developer
HENLEYS CLOTHING
01.2011 - 09.2011
Assistant Product Developer
JD SPORTS FASHION PLC
05.2009 - 01.2011
Designer
CORPROTEX APPAREL
06.2007 - 06.2008
1st Class BA (Hons) - Clothing Design and Technology
Manchester Metropolitan University
School -
St. Catherine’s College
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