Aaron Webster
Product Development and Sourcing Manager, Kitchen and Children's Tableware · Walmart
Bentonville, AR
In My Own Words
Driven 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
Work Experience
Product Development and Sourcing Manager, Kitchen and Children's Tableware
Walmart2015 – Present
- 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.
Product Development Specialist
Walmart2012 – 2015
- 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.
Order Specialist
Walmart2010 – 2012
- 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.
Transportation Traffic Analyst
Walmart2007 – 2010
- 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. See less
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