Christopher Askew
Head Of Sourcing / Senior Buyer
Stewartby
Summary
Multi-faceted, fast acting, and successful leader owing to strategic management, teamwork & commitment to detail. Vast experience in all aspects of Retail forged from roles within Buying, Merchandising, Branding, Sourcing & Account Management. A proven track record of over delivering KPIs and step changing category performance. Extensive experience sourcing from China & India, improving efficiency & OTIF in the supply chain.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificates
Skills
- Range planning
Work History
Head of Sourcing and New Business
Technical Consumer Products Limited
Corby
03.2021 - Current
- Led fundamental shift in TCP strategy focussing on direct-to-consumer, and strategic reposition of product offering.
- Sourced, and developed new factory partners, product range, branding & marketing. Landed over 300 new products, from 15 factories within 9 months.
- Major success delivering over £1.7m additional turnover (11%) and gaining new category listings at Screwfix, Wilko, Homebase and B&Q.
- Created single source of information for full end-to-end governance.
Merchandise Manager
Clinton Cards
Corby
2021 - 2022
- Implemented plans to significantly improve GMROI, and reduce clearance.
Head of Buying: DIY & Smart Home
Homebase
Milton Keynes
03.2016 - 07.2020
- Completed nine Range Review in first twelve months, reducing fixing category cost prices by 30% and exceeding sales & profit targets by over 60%.
- Led largest Range Review in Homebase history growing profit by 19%.
- Launched new range of Door Handles, sourcing modern styles & new finishes. Grew sales by 44% & stock turn by 57%.
- Responsible for entire pricing model, utilising price comparison software to maintain competitiveness.
- Created successful promotional programme, delivering record profits on Command hooks two years in row.
- Completed Strategic Planning & Management in Retail course, significantly developing my understanding of GMROI, and range planning.
Senior Merchandiser: Homewares
Homebase
Milton Keynes
03.2013 - 02.2016
- Negotiated £250k of trading funding whilst in Far East direct from factories.
- Led team of six to double stock turn within first twelve months.
- Phased all budgets, led key senior monthly re-forecast meetings, ensuring category traded positively against all KPIs.
- Landed a new premium Homewares range, spent three weeks in the Far east sourcing new products, negotiating cost & volumes directly with factories.
- Improved the sourcing strategy by focussing on full product lifecycle blended cash contribution and increased participation of domestic sourcing to de-risk stock & reduce lead time.
- Completed GAP negotiation course, awarded Homebase Retail Champion.
- Successfully managed out under performance within team.
Senior Merchandise: Decorating Accessories
Homebase
Milton Keynes
12.2010 - 03.2013
- Worked closely with Buying to deliver highest range review payback of company.
- Rationalised range in decorating accessories to enhance customer journey & increase gross margin return on investment, by delivering the same sales & margin on less stock.
Merchandiser: Paint
Homebase
Milton Keynes
07.2009 - 11.2010
Assistant Merchandiser: Decorating Accessories
Homebase
Milton Keynes
10.2007 - 06.2009
Education
BA (Hons) - Accounting
University of Portsmouth
PortsmouthCertification
GAP Partnership: Essential Negotiator
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