Deidre Williams

About Deidre Williams

Hey there! I am Deidre Williams, and I recently graduated with honors from Xavier University with my Master\'s of Business Administration. I originate from Atlanta, Georgia but grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas where I completed my Bachelor\'s of Science in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development at the University of Arkansas. I can be described as naturally introverted with extroverted tendencies, curious, intuitive, strategic and forward-thinking, creative and innovative, and organized. I have designed, developed, and sourced products for a decade now in a wide array of categories:(1) entryway furniture such as hall trees, luggage racks, coat racks,(2) storage and organization solutions such as metal bathroom & kitchen storage shelfs and racks and other solutions,(3) make up vanity tables and stools,(4) accent seating such as ottomans, stools, and (storage) benches,(5) table top and wall mounted vanity mirrors and lighting,(6) toddler/newborn/infant apparel (0-36 mos- 5T) to older kid\'s apparel (S 4/5 - XXL 18/20, including plus/husky) and accessories: swim, outerwear, sleepwear, underwear/other under garments, socks, tights, bras, activewear, sportswear, seasonal/holiday events wear (outfits for casual or dressy Easter, Valentine\'s day, July 4th, Christmas, Halloween, etc.), and accessories (belts, hats/head solutions, gloves/hand solutions, scarfs, wallets, etc.), and (7) women\'s active apparel (XS-4X) in performance and lifestyle silhouettes in seamless, fleece, woven franchise & fashion fabrics, knit franchise & fashion fabrics, double knit/interlock/scuba, etc. Outside of work, I like to work with small businesses and provide feedback/direction in many different capacities (product, social media, interior decoration, marketing, networking, brand managing, etc.), workout, cook, hang out with family and friends, and do something creative!

Experience

1. Product Development and Sourcing Manager- Women s Active Apparel

   Walmart

   Nov 2023 — Present · Bentonville, AR, US

   Data savvy: analyzes performance, understands trends, and translates results into product and brand execution• Assists with strategy development, through deep understanding of customer, market trends, and industry knowledge• Collaborates with merchants to influence decisions about nearly every aspect of products including replenishment, supply chain, manufacturers, store operations, planning, assortment, layouts, budgets, modular, and pricing• Works cross functionally to deliver quality products whilst ensuring key business metrics are achieved• Strategic planning: developed strategic operational and process plans aligned with overall objectives of category• Process strategy: implemented and monitored effective process strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability• Stakeholder management: have built and maintain strong relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, design teams, and merchandising operations teams• Risk management: identifies potential risks and develops strategies to mitigate• Develops plans for highly complex strategies, supporting long-term business plans and executing prioritized strategic initiatives• Collaborates closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to align product execution with brand vision, cost targets, and delivery times• Drives continuous process improvements and innovation in materials, construction methods, and product execution to enhance customer experience• Oversees the full lifecycle of product development from concept to production handoff• Leads development and approval process, ensuring high quality standards are met• Cross functionally manages the development calendar’s key milestones• Cross functionally partners to select appropriate vendors and factories, balancing cost, quality, speed, and sustainability• Analyzes market trends, consumer insights, and sales data to inform product decisions and future strategies

Education

• University of Arkansas

  Bachelor's Degree

  2012 — 2016

• Xavier University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

  2021 — 2024