Aaron Webster
Product Development and Sourcing Manager, Kitchen and Children's Tableware
Bentonville | United States
Skills
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Interests
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In my own words
— AaronDriven project manager seeking challenging opportunities which will enable me to contribute to my company’s success by utilizing my merchandising background and product management skills, with a disciplined, method based, result oriented approach.
Specialties: Product development, program/category management, quality assurance, pre-production/production quality testing, innovation, color theory, trend forecasting, market research, product life-cycle management, auditing, branding, retail merchandising, business analysis, sourcing, domestic & import manufacturing, home, seasonal, consumer packaged goods, consumer insights, managing SKU intensive categories, vendor partnerships
Trajectory
Oct 2015 — Now
Product Development and Sourcing Manager, Kitchen and Children's Tableware · Walmart
- Develop and source over $280 million of annual private branded merchandise for the world’s largest retailer.
- Direct over 40 external vendors and multiple internal cross functional teams by defining product specifications based on trends, historical data, and strategic direction to execute development from concept to consumer.
- Annual travel to Asia to procure relationships with vendors and international associates by visiting manufacturing facilities and finalizing product assortments; capturing over $5 million in savings by better streamlining the communication and development process.
Greatest achievement: Implemented a more sustainable packaging initiative which saved over 94 tons of plastic waste annually.
Apr 2012 — Oct 2015
Product Development Specialist · Walmart
- Provided color and aesthetic specification to suppliers for items as it applied to the development and strategy of a merchandise assortment for modular and seasonal execution.
- Created a weekly competitor print advertisement report that included consumer mindsets and trip drivers, offering a summary of findings and opportunities for improvement.
Greatest achievement: Implemented a new processing tool with Consumer Testing Labs that resulted in a more streamlined approach to communication with multiple parties for timely resolutions.
Aug 2010 — Apr 2012
Order Specialist · Walmart
- Served as a subject matter expert in item-level inventory management by creating and maintaining domestic and import item numbers and verifying accuracy of item-level information from various sources.
- Executed purchase orders for modular fill, featured items, and flow by uploading distribution information.
Greatest achievement: Received company wide award for Promotional Excellence within the Small Appliance category. Recognized by executing orders and item creation with accuracy and a sense of urgency.
Jul 2007 — Aug 2010
Transportation Traffic Analyst · Walmart
- Routed shipments to distribution centers by building loads, designating carriers, and determining load ratings and fees.
- Initiated a strategy to alter system settings for Vizio Electronics which saved 62 truckloads, and ultimately over $200,000.
Greatest achievement: Received Associate of the Month award for implementing a new Ship Point form for vendors to use when requesting a new shipping location.
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Activity
Education history
John Brown University
Bachelor's Degree | 2010 - 2012
