Mark Baxter

• Managed all aspects of Kurt Geiger London Mens brand. Range planning, design, development, buying, production.
• Initiated switch in supply chain resulting in higher quality product and 5ppt uplift in IM.
• Grown 1st FY Full Price sales +4% and Online Sales +6%
• Identified new opportunities in Formal Category resulting in 9.5% growth YoY
• Delivered wholesale sales +2% from inventory -30% with increased sell through +9ppts to 68%.
• Managed small team of 3, successfully motivating them to achieve KPI's and develop buying skills.

Relocated from Australia back to UK due to illness in family. Completed professional development courses including The Art And Science of Buying and Merchandising. Maintained two personal business interests. Conducted consultancy work for small business implementing CRM systems and for a creative agency.

• Conducted all phases of research, design, development, planning, production and purchasing of retailers own label footwear brands.
• Maintained strong working relationships with International suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable trading terms.
• Analysed buying trends to build highly commercial footwear ranges and identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
• Formulated product and marketing strategy to increase department sales by 14% with 12 months.
• Report on trade and inventory to C- Suite.
• Sourced new vendors and international suppliers to boost product offerings and increase profit margins and negate exchange rate declines AUD to USD.
• Sourced the businesses first ever plant based shoe made from coconut leather and rubber, grow sustainable product mix from 0 - 8% in 12 months.

Fallenfront is a multi brand online retailer selling global street brands such as Stussy, Adidas, New Balance, Ksubi, Champion.

• Reporting directly to Managing Director, built and maintained outstanding working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams to support the business through a time of significant growth, change and development.
• Established new and maintained consistent brand messaging across multiple platforms.
• Leveraged supplier relationships to become exclusive suppliers of top tier product to create a unique high margin product offer.
• Designed and Developed a range of own label product and collaborative lines with key suppliers to further differentiate product and drive profitability.
• Designed and launched a bricks and mortar concept store. Negotiated with brand partners and suppliers to minimise stock risk. Delivered additional $300K turnover in first 12 months.
• Overhauled website and integrated inventory system to increase efficiency and data visibility.

Urge Footwear was an independent Australian Footwear brand stocked in major Australian retailers such as David Jones, Myer, The Iconic, Glue, Universal, General Pants.

• Reporting directly to Managing Director, managed a team of production administrators, logistics, online co-ordinator and outsourced creatives.
• Spearheaded brand strategy development, increasing market presence across major Australian retailers.
• Launched new product lines, including bespoke offers for major retailers boosting overall company revenue.
• Re-launched DTC online platform due to tough bricks and mortar trading conditions. Achieved 70% online sales growth, boosting company wide margin.
• Travelled regularly to China, India to meet with suppliers and develop compelling on trend footwear collections.

• Collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to establish the Fox brand in UK Surf Lifestyle retail.
• Developed accurate sales forecasts for improved strategic planning and timely deliveries, which had been a previous pinch point.
• Increased revenue 20% in 12 months.

• Cultivated strong relationships with independent clients to secure 3 franchise stores across my territory.
• Supervised project to open 3 stores, managing product offer and inventory for each location.
• Responsible for management of key accounts JD Sports and ASOS.
• Consistently achieved all sales and profit targets.