Lindsey Zitek

Engaged with stakeholders to connect end-to-end business processes, compliance procedures, and priorities to inform product/service strategy and provided transparency into roadmaps and managing expectations. Built and delivered value proposition, target customer segments, and business cases to successfully expand into European and Canadian markets; converted all product packaging, materials, and instructions to meet Canadian and European regulatory standards. Drove goal alignment in response to Articles of China tariffs and collaborated with value chain partners to optimize margins and enable success across the product lifecycle.

Assisted with the transition of The Land of Nod brand to Crate&Kids; implemented organizational improvements designed to increase efficiency, strengthen departmental relationships, and align mission-driven opportunities to strategic partnerships. Evaluated supplier sources, products, and purchase quantity to improve customer service; improved knowledge of manufacturing processes of hardlines, including lighting, shelving, mirrors, and wall décor. Traveled to domestic and international trade shows and factories to assess sample execution and factory competency/capabilities, drive timelines, and negotiate pricing/minimum order quantities (MOQ).

Managed development, scale-up, and implementation of new and existing techniques to improve product performance; improved assigned category product margins and overhauled brand aesthetics. Reviewed and analyzed internal pricing and market intelligence databases based on continuous market research, knowledge, and trends; implemented tools and processes that facilitated efficient gathering, verification, and analysis.

Inspected prototype samples (rugs, bedding, apparel, towels, and soft seating) for defects and overall workmanship and checked quality against reference samples. Effectively managed and reduced long-cycle time processes by redlining terms and conditions with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Assisted in implementing compliance policies and procedures designed to mitigate risk, improve performance, and enhance the company brand.

Created and maintained material master records, bill of materials (BOM), and variances for all product launches. Successfully launched 200+ new stock keeping units (SKU) seasonally, ensuring all requests were entered and set up in the system properly. Managed the day-to-day business relationship with key suppliers through activities including requesting quotes, converting purchase requisitions to purchase orders (PO), issue resolution, sharing end-user feedback, etc.

Established and managed over 200 high-quality business-to-business (B2B) relationships by maintaining knowledge of brand messaging, executing planned programs, coordinating with clients, and exceeding sales targets. Maintained accurate forecasting of prospective customers with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and data-driven reports.

Minor in Business