KRISTEN REGAN

Hanover,MA

Summary

Operations executive with 25+ years scaling businesses from startup to $1M+ revenue through strategic sourcing and team leadership. I help organizations optimize procurement operations across global supplier networks, while building and managing teams up to 25 employees. Proven success navigating economic downturns and maintaining profitability through agile operational strategies.

Overview

2027

years of professional experience

Work History

PRESIDENT/CEO

PRESENT PROMOTIONS, CORP.

06.2000 - Current

Built and scaled a promotional products company from startup to 25-person operation serving over 150+ clients over 25 years.
Drive strategic planning and budget management, optimizing pricing strategies to achieve 40% profit margins.
Led strategic pivots through 3 major economic downturns, including the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, maintaining profitability through diversified supplier networks and agile sourcing strategies.
Direct sales operations and order fulfillment processes, managing 80 annual events and maintaining a 70%+ client retention rate.
Negotiate vendor partnerships across 200+ suppliers, securing quality products at optimal pricing to meet diverse client requirements.
Identify trends, source new products, and manage supplier relations.
Source products internationally across 5 countries, managing import logistics and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
Developed promotional strategies and managed online fulfillment operations, driving brand awareness for client campaigns across 15 industries.
Lead and scale team operations from 3 to 25 employees, managing recruitment, performance, and organizational development.
Ensure superior customer service.
Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility.
Led cross-functional teams to execute promotional campaigns, driving customer engagement.
Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to expand market reach and increase revenue streams.
Analyzed market trends and consumer feedback to inform product development strategies.
Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Conducted regular performance evaluations to mentor staff and promote professional growth.
Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.

ASSOCIATE BUYER / SAP SOFTWARE CONSULTANT

REEBOK HEADQUARTERS

Managed purchasing decisions for Reebok's complete brand portfolio, analyzing market trends and sales data to optimize product selection and inventory forecasting. Collaborated with creative teams to produce product catalogs and conducted retail store visits to ensure optimal floor plan execution.
Supported the launch of retail systems as an SAP ‘super user.’
Shaped the SAP Retail platform features as a merchandising expert, contributing to the system architecture now deployed across global retail operations.
Extensive SAP Training.
Extensive overseas travel.
Managed supplier relationships to ensure optimal product availability and pricing.
Developed and executed procurement strategies to align with organizational goals.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline order processes and enhance efficiency.
Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions for the organization.
Monitored inventory levels, implementing adjustments to prevent stockouts or excess supply.
Led initiatives to optimize product assortment based on consumer demand and sales forecasts.
Mentored junior buyers, sharing best practices in sourcing and category management techniques.
Maintained timely product deliveries by effectively communicating with vendors, merchants and distribution center.
Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data, driving better-informed buying decisions that maximized profits.
Enhanced supplier relationships by negotiating contracts and securing advantageous pricing.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products, improving overall supply chain performance.
Analyzed market trends to identify new products and make informed buying decisions.
Developed strategies for inventory management, reducing excess stock and increasing turnover rates.
Evaluated supplier performance metrics regularly, holding them accountable for meeting established standards of quality, delivery, and pricing.
Conducted regular vendor evaluations to maintain high-quality product offerings and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Negotiated pricing for materials and supplies from vendors to secure best value.
Maintained open lines of communication with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on purchasing initiatives and priorities.
Negotiated payment terms with vendors, improving cash flow management for the company.
Prepared in-depth reports regarding orders, sales and costs and distributed weekly to appropriate management staff.

ASSISTANT BUYER / DISTRIBUTOR

TALBOTS HEADQUARTERS

- 05.1995

Fostered vendor relationships and managed inventory.
Investigated market trends and monitored sales performance.
Organized purchase orders and tracked departmental budgets.
Analyzed market trends to optimize product selection and inventory management.
Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise and maintain stock levels.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.

EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT MANAGER/GROUP MANAGER

ABRAHAM & STRAUSS

Directed multi-department operations, trained staff, and managed performance.
Controlled departmental budgets and established strategic goals.
Formulated and enforced policies, resolved escalated issues, and partnered with executive leadership.
Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team performance and efficiency.
Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
Fostered a collaborative work environment by encouraging open communication among team members.
Evaluated staff performance, providing constructive feedback to promote professional growth and development.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Textiles, Merchandising & Design

University of Rhode Island

South Kingston, RI

Skills

Strategic Leadership: Strategic planning, business development, P&L management, team management (3-25 employees), performance management
Sourcing & Procurement: Vendor negotiations, supplier relations, international sourcing (5 countries), cost negotiation, product development, overseas procurement
Supply Chain & Operations: Supply chain management, inventory management, production planning, order fulfillment, vendor relations
Financial Management: Budget oversight, pricing optimization, profit margin optimization, cost analysis
Sales & Marketing: Brand management, promotional strategies, customer retention, sales operations, trade show management, cross-channel activation

Software & Systems: SAP (super user), retail systems implementation, inventory management systems, purchase order management
Specialty Expertise: Textiles merchandising, promotional products, knits, and integrated marketing campaigns
Crisis management
Staff training & management

Timeline