Katherine Wright

I am an experienced fashion merchandiser and product developer who loves to work on sourcing and seeing product from concept to delivery. I have worked in both apparel at the Greg Norman Collection and accessories at the Sak Brand Group. 

My work has taught me about the importance of cost savings, sourcing effectively, and line planning. I worked extensively on reaching margin goals, standardising systems, and tracking product lifecycles. I have spent a lot of time working with the international offices on pricing and sampling.

I have recently completed my master’s in business administration in London, to strengthen my understanding of how to build a business from the ground up and solve larger issues creatively. 

In my spare time, I run a blog called Hipster at Home and a podcast We Should Start A Band.

SELF EMPLOYED — Malvern, USA August 2020 – Present

Launch Catalyst (Contract) – Handled duties of co-creation of entrepreneurial ventures and digital materials for new departments. Put together clear business plans based on founder’s concept. Oversaw and designed logos. Assembled branding colour palettes. Shot and edited photos to create marketing materials.

• Working with 3 companies and 1 organisation.
• Assisted in choosing brand names and outlined steps to secure URL.

THE SAK BRAND GROUP — New York, USA November 2016 – August 2018

Product Management Coordinator – Maintained samples orders and online databases pertaining to 150-250 SKUs of product for all quarterly markets. Engaged with Merchandising and Design to track product throughout market cycles. Managed all lab dips and library for leather development in NY office.

• Reviewed and edited product to hit 60% margin costing goals.
• Analysed construction of carryover styles, implemented cost saving options, and collaborated with China team to save company $500,000 annually.
• Standardised and improved product development processes across 2 brands: The Sak and Sakroots including photographing sent samples to help track received pieces and address construction problems earlier.
• Generated and maintained The Sak’s 60-page line sheets in In-Design and PowerPoint for company-wide use during quarterly markets.

GREG NORMAN COLLECTION — New York, USA July 2014 – November 2016

Assistant Merchandiser (February 2016 – November 2016) – Managed menswear’s 120 SKUs. Choose product allocation based on pricing. Placed sample orders and tracked salesmen samples throughout production process. Checked in samples and communicate with warehouse to make sure sales representative’s samples were sent out. Handled salesmen sample invoices to pay factories.

• Sourced fabric and trims for 2 lines: Greg Norman Men’s and Attack Life, including sustainable fabrications leading to product pricing reaching 55% margin.
• Reviewed fabrication testing to determine proper labels and hangtags. 

Product Development Assistant (July 2014 – February 2016) – Handled womenswear’s 65  SKUs throughout sampling lifecycle each biannual market.

• Sourced and developed customised trims for markets; established new digital library and tracking system.
• Created and maintained samples grid, Buy Plan, and management system.
• Inputted information into VSR to make digital inventory for sales force for bi-annual markets.
• Attended the yearly PGA Merchandise show to set up brand’s booth with more than other 1000 brands present.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) August 2019

HULT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL | London, UK

• Scholarships awarded: Women in Business; Global Professional
• Concentration: Entrepreneurship

Bachelor of the Arts (Studio Art) May 2014

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES | Geneva, USA

• Major Concentrations: Printmaking, Photography
• Minors: Psychology; Cognition, Logic, and Language