Kate Chisholm
Solihull
Summary
Ambitious Buying and Account Management professional with over five years of commercial experience across retail, fashion, and beauty. Proven expertise in supplier and client relationship management, category range optimisation, market research, and product development. Strong track record of driving sales performance, managing stock levels, and presenting strategic growth insights to executive leadership.
Ambitious and highly motivated, consistently delivering high-quality results in fast-paced enviornments through collaborative working. Keen to explore a new challenge within Buying to continue building a successul long-term career.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
National Buying Specialist
Aldi
08.2023 - Current
- Executed product launches and seasonal lines through market research, gap analysis, and quarterly performance reviews to determine required range adjustments while preserving target margins.
- Presented category performance and year-on-year growth analysis to Directors to evaluate product viability and strategic retail pricing.
- Managed supplier relationships across wine portfolios including French, South African, USA, Chilean, and Argentinian regions to maintain optimal stock levels and prevent out-of-stock scenarios.
- Collaborated with suppliers on commercial label designs and product selection tailored to customer preferences and the retailer's affordable positioning.
- Led sustainability initiatives across wine ranges, including bottle weight reductions to optimize packaging taxes and exploring alternative packaging solutions such as plastic wine bottles.
Wholesale Sales & Buying Coordinator
Public Desire & Kaiia The Label
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed 10 key accounts including ASOS and Urban Outfitters by building trusted relationships and negotiating prices and lead times to meet target margins.
- Achieved a nearly 50% unit increase in ASOS orders from first to second reorders following fast sell-through on the initial 2022 brand launch.
- Delivered expert product guidance and customer profile insights during meetings, following up with joint business plans and targets to maximize sales.
- Analyzed large data sheets and advanced formulas to track year-to-date performance, top sellers, and sales forecasts.
- Coordinated photo shoots and sample development with studio and supplier teams to ensure timely delivery and compliance with customer specifications.
- Assisted in the successful launch into Urban Outfitters by actioning product amendments and reviewing final sample quality.
Wholesale Merchandising Administrative Assistant
Public Desire & Kaiia The Label
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed apparel and footwear product uploads across menswear and womenswear categories using Shopify import and export tools.
- Maintained end-to-end purchase order and critical path processes while generating weekly operational reports and resolving supply discrepancies.
- Cross-checked commercial and proforma invoices to verify exchange rates, pricing accuracy, and data integrity.
- Supported one of the brand's largest influencer collaborations by coordinating content delivery under tight deadlines for successful product launches.
UK National Account Assistant
Good Ventures
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Constructed joint business plans and presented new product development (NPD) strategies during client meetings aligned with budget constraints.
- Conducted weekly outreach to prospective retail clients and assisted in the strategic launch of new brand portfolios.
- Managed the Shopify wholesale app to onboard new accounts, update product information, and implement promotional campaigns.
- Analyzed sales-out data and compiled weekly and monthly performance reports to identify consumer buying trends and seasonal promotional insights.
Sales & Trade Internship
Good Ventures
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Researched and analysed skincare market trends, presenting insights in weekly trade calls.
- Created price lists and managed samples, enhancing organisational efficiency.
- Participated in strategic meetings to deepen understanding of business objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts Geography
University of Liverpool
Liverpool, LIV01-2020
A-Levels -
Roundwood Park School
Harpenden01-2017
GCSEs -
Sir John Lawes
Harpenden, HRT01-2015
Skills
- Supplier relationship management
- Category performance analysis
- Seasonal trend forecasting
- Negotiation strategies
- Adaptive problem solving
- Product development
- Team Leadership
- Product knowledge
Additional Information
- Keen runner, participating in the Manchester Marathon 2026
- Full clean driving licence and access to vehicle
- References available upon request
Timeline
National Buying Specialist
Aldi
08.2023 - Current
Wholesale Sales & Buying Coordinator
Public Desire & Kaiia The Label
01.2023 - 08.2023
Wholesale Merchandising Administrative Assistant
Public Desire & Kaiia The Label
03.2022 - 01.2023
UK National Account Assistant
Good Ventures
05.2021 - 03.2022
Sales & Trade Internship
Good Ventures
02.2021 - 03.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts Geography
University of Liverpool
A-Levels -
Roundwood Park School
GCSEs -
Sir John Lawes