Kristin Biggs
VP of Global Planning & DTC Merchandsing · BRIXTON
Encinitas, CAIn My Own Words
An accomplished, results-focused professional and business owner with more than 15 years' experience of planning/forecasting, 10 years of managerial experience, 15+ years within the retail industry, certified Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a proven track record of improving sales and inventory to ensure profit turnarounds. Skilled in forecasting, financial modeling, structuring growth, creating strategic plans for improved efficiency, inventory management, and cross-functional team leadership all with dedication to the organizational goals.
Work Experience
Head of Women's Activewear Division
SPARC Retail2013 – 2020
Head of Men's Knit Planning Team for 3.5 years, Head of Live Love Dream Planning Division as well as Head of Planning for Girls Leggings, Fleece and Active Wear for 2.5 years. Built strong cross-functional & direct report relationships while successfully working remotely for 6 years. Over the course of 6 years, managed the financial success across of multiple departments and divisions for stores and ECOM with annual sales ranging from $38M - $170M (15-30% of total company revenue). Boosted sales and GM$ for the most underperforming product by +2500bp GM$ comp and +18700bp retail comp. Designed and developed analytical methods to hindsight and report quarterly/monthly status and action plans for divisions owned, resulting in +10% increase in profitability for the year.
Head of Men’s Planning Team
Club Monaco2012 – 2013
Developed and managed the financial plans for the Men's Division totaling $45M in annual revenue. Inclusive of 6 apparel departments and 10 accessory departments. Strengthened the 2012 margin results over 2011 within the Men's Merino business which resulted in +7% GM$ on +4% inventory to 2011. Managed and developed a team of 3 associates and spearheaded all planning projects relating to the Men's Division. Oversaw the implementation of the new SAP system. Worked closely with Ralph Lauren IT department in testing and initiating improvements tailored to best practices within Club Monaco.
Senior Merchandise Planner
Ann, Inc2010 – 2012
Developed, managed and presented to SVP and CEO comprehensive financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments totaling $130M. Increased total sales and margin penetration of multiple departments owned; Tops +4ppts to 2011 in sales; Woven's +3% sales and +10% margin. Spearheaded training sessions for entire planning/pricing teams and collaborated with IT to help implement and test the new SAP system.
Senior Merchandise Planner
Coach, Inc.2009 – 2010
Created financial plans for $216.4M Handbag and $2.5M Footwear categories totaling 70% of the Coach International business. Collaborated with the merchandising team to create an assortment across 18 countries based on combination of store size, assortment preference, and volume. Developed POS/Retail sales forecasts utilizing sell-through, seasonality and clearance assumptions to optimize inventory and drive top-line revenue.
Merchandise Planner
Coach, Inc2008 – 2009
Developed assortment and review tools to train the sales team in an accelerated fashion to generate all orders for the channel. Managed financials and product buys for 3 divisions totaling $99.2M in revenue. (Women's Accessories, Men's, and Fashion Accessories) Collaborated with merchandising to develop and communicate a monthly assortment based on performance metrics to support the accounts' in-store execution.
Planning Analyst
Polo Ralph Lauren2007 – 2008
Created and managed yearly budget across 4 divisions within Lauren. Owner of product development timelines and coordinated schedules of 3 brands Lauren, Chaps, and American Living. Increased productivity and cohesiveness across 3 brands by synthesizing an operational timeline for product. Recipient of the Polo Ralph Lauren Business Achievement Award in 2008.
Trunk Show Coordinator
Roberta Freymann2006 – 2007
Partnered with the Vice President to create annual financial budget in conjunction with the total company’s sales goals. Maintained successful client relationships for the company and acquired 4 new clients within 5 months of hire date. Exceeded all sales goals +5%-10% for each trunk show and met yearly goals within 7 months.
Lead Sales Associate/Visual Merchandiser
Victoria's Secret2001 – 2003
Demonstrated leadership in driving sales and profitability by achieving store and individual goals. Executed and supervised new floor-set concepts for product features and newness. Analyzed business reports for improved profitability with visual merchandising decisions.
