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Katie Skinner
Senior Merchandise Planner - International at AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC.
Professional Background
Katie Skinner is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in merchandise planning and supply chain management. Currently serving as the Senior Merchandise Planner - International at American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Katie has made significant contributions to the company's global merchandise strategy. With a proven track record in enhancing productivity and driving profitability, her role involves overseeing the international merchandise calendar and ensuring that the right products are available in the right locations to meet customer demand.
Katie's career journey began at Hillshire Brands, where she honed her skills as a Supply Planner. This role equipped her with the foundational knowledge of inventory management and forecasting, which she has successfully built upon in her subsequent positions. After her time at Hillshire Brands, Katie transitioned to Tyson Foods as a Senior Supply Planner and later as a Senior Demand Planner. Here, she played a critical role in aligning supply with demand through rigorous analytics and strategic planning.
In her earlier career, Katie worked as a Merchandise Planner at Dick's Sporting Goods, where she developed a keen eye for market trends and consumer preferences, which have become instrumental in her roles at American Eagle Outfitters. Rising through the ranks, she served in various capacities—including Associate Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Analyst, and Deployment Planner at American Eagle—gaining invaluable insights into product development and retail operations. Her strategic and analytical abilities have made her a key asset in driving sales and optimizing inventory levels in a highly competitive retail landscape.
Education and Achievements
Katie holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering from the prestigious University of Pittsburgh. This rigorous academic background provided her with critical thinking skills and a strong analytical foundation that she has applied throughout her career in merchandise planning and supply chain roles. In addition to her primary degree, Katie has also pursued further education at the University of Michigan, enriching her understanding of diverse business strategies, particularly within the retail sector.
With a career marked by dedication and continuous improvement, Katie has received accolades for her innovative approaches to merchandise planning and forecasting. Her ability to leverage data analytics to inform decision-making has led to significant improvements in inventory turnover and reduction in excess stock, contributing directly to her employers' bottom lines.
As a thought leader in her field, Katie is passionate about mentorship and often shares her expertise with aspiring merchandise planners and supply chain professionals. Her commitment to personal development and encouraging others illustrates her leadership qualities and reinforces her standing as a respected figure in the retail and merchandising community.
Achievements
- Successfully transitioned to Senior Merchandise Planner - International at American Eagle Outfitters, demonstrating adaptability in a rapidly changing retail environment.
- Played a pivotal role in developing strategies that enhanced the efficiency of merchandise allocation across international markets.
- Recipient of internal accolades for exceptional performance in demand forecasting and inventory management at Tyson Foods and American Eagle Outfitters.
- Contributed to the development of a data-driven decision-making culture within organizations, fostering collaborative work environments and innovative solutions in merchandise planning.
- Pioneered strategies that improved sales margins by optimizing stock levels and reducing markdowns, directly impacting overall profitability.
- Cultivated professional relationships with key stakeholders across various departments, leading to streamlined processes and improved communication within supply chain functions.
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