KIM CUTRONE REED
PROFILE
Merchandising and operations professional with a demonstrated history of working in the luxury goods and jewelry industry. Expertise in product development and design, process engineering, manufacturing and analytics.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Director of Merchandise Operations, Luxury Brand Holdings, Cranston, RI
Mar 2019 – Feb 2020
Lead and drive all new product development design and material sourcing for internally manufactured items.
Source components from domestic and international suppliers to support new product development concepts.
Actively seek new and better technology and materials for current production with capability expansion and efficiency in mind.
Provide in depth category and channel sales analysis to Merchandising Directors to assist in creating catalog and web assortments and provide buying recommendations based on past and current sales performance.
Serve as the link between internal manufacturing and merchandising for new internally made items. Identify processes that are inefficient or absent and work with team members to develop new processes or improve current ones.
Merchandising Director / Buyer, Luxury Brand Holdings, Cranston, RI
Jun 2016 – Feb 2019
Responsible for purchasing, managing and creating channel assortments for gold, silver and CZ merchandise.
Manage and grow a budding internal manufacturing operation for monogram and engrave able product. Lead all product development and resourcing with international and domestic vendors for product categories.
Merchandise and manage the Sidney Thomas chain of jewelry stores.
Regularly analyze and study sales numbers and trends for internal business as well in the marketplace.
Product Manager, OXO New York, NY
Apr 2013 – Mar 2015
Manage product and category development for Drinking, Cleaning, Nursery and Food Storage baby and children products - a $6 million business with tremendous growth potential.
Collaborate and work with some of the most highly regarded product design firms in the country. Coordinate product launch schedules with cross-functional teams to meet demanding speed to market time lines.
Manage engineers daily to review CAD designs and discuss material choices.
Negotiate pricing with vendors and monitor gross margins on a regular basis.
Provide forecasting and sales analysis for all new and existing products.
Frequently test product to ensure it meets the standards of OXO’s Universal Design methodology.
Product Development Manager, Tiffany & Co., New York, NY
2009 – 2011
Increased sales and streamlined development and design for all Fashion and Fine Jewelry Charms. Launched Tiffany Grace and Locks Collection of Fine Jewelry for all national and international retail locations.
Developed existing and new international and domestic vendors for all development projects, including internal manufacturing teams.
Negotiated and researched costs for new and existing products to ensure the most accurate metal and stone rates.
Collaborated and researched with designers to formulate new product concepts.
Led cross-functional teams for all product life cycles from design concept through final launch.
Product Manager - Crystal, Tabletop & Belleek, Reed & Barton, Taunton, Ma
2007 – 2009
Led product development for Reed and Barton Crystal Tabletop product including Thomas O'Brien designer products, as well as Belleek Parian China giftware products.
Developed international and domestic vendor base to meet product development timelines and launches. Attended national and international tabletop trade shows, including Maison Object, Paris. Traveled extensively to overseas factories in Europe, including Reidel and Rogaska glass factories.
Worked with marketing and advertising to plan for markets and trade shows as well as annual catalogs and sell sheets.
Worked closely with Sales teams to create special programs for large, private label customers.
Negotiated costs for new and existing product introductions.
Product Manager - Watchbands, Zippo & QVC, Speidel, Inc, East Providence RI
2003 – 2007
Led product development for all Leather and Metal watchbands, QVC Diamonique and Zippo lighters.
Managed and developed Assistant Product Manager.
Created and planned programs for large national accounts, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart and JCPenney.
Worked and traveled with sales team to present programs to large accounts.
Decorative Product Manager, Kenney Manufacturing, Warwick, RI
2005 – 2006
Led product development for all Kenney Decorative Curtain Rods and Window Coverings.
Managed and developed Assistant Product Manager and Marketing Coordinator.
Collaborated with sales and design teams to develop private label programs for customers such as Anna’s Linen’s, Walmart, and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Traveled to main land China and Hong Kong to develop vendors and manage important projects.