Ester Chighine

About Ester Chighine

Multi-disciplinary and compassionate leader who is creative, energetic and passionate about strategizing and executing high quality and innovative product lines, from high-end to moderate price-points, that exceed customer expectations. Over two decades of demonstrated success in a variety of industries. Deep knowledge of textile design, product development, merchandising and brand management of men’s and women’s accessories, leather goods, furniture and educational toys with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate products including Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Learning Furniture and STEAM. • Successful in driving revenue growth and increasing market penetration in highly competitive trade zones by capitalizing on emerging global trends and niche market opportunities. • Highly accomplished at developing strategic relationships and long-term partnerships with vendors and customers to exceed business objectives. • Creator and leader of high performing teams through mentorship and by empowering each member to reach their full potential. • Able to foster healthy, collaborative cross-functional teams by integrating merchandising, quality control, sourcing, graphics, marketing, and editorial departments to streamline process efficiencies and effectively drive project timelines. • Provide exceptional creative direction for all aspects of product design, specification, materials, colors, costing and forecasting while maintaining product safety through strict testing protocols and manufacturing standards.• Adept at presenting products to internal executive teams and sales teams, as well as to on-line and major retailers by taking a hands-on, highly interactive product demo approach.• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, and a proven negotiator.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Product Development & Sourcing

   Excelligence Learning Corporation

   Jul 2021 — Present · Monterey, CA, US

   Lead the development and sourcing of a large portfolio of proprietary children’s educational toy brands (Colorations®, Excellerations® and Environments®) for an international, multi-channel retailer that sells to early childhood learning centers, corporate childcare facilities and online direct to consumers.• Partner with merchandising team to review current proprietary brands’ performance and strategize on long-term development goals to maximize revenue. • Identify new product opportunities by monitoring the company products’ curve, analyzing market demands, predicting future trends and researching direct competitors’ offerings. • Conceptualize new products in a variety of materials including wood, fabric, plush, molded plastic, metal tubing, paper and more to include specifications, color palettes, aesthetics, guidance in functionality and safety requirements. • Train and manage the east and west coast design and product development teams in the creation of innovative, high-quality and age-appropriate products to provide teaching solutions. • Work with domestic and foreign manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the design vision is executed via clear direction throughout the developmental life cycle of each product. • Increased yearly average revenue per SKU by 28% across all proprietary brand offerings through cost negotiation and accurate forecasting. • Contributed to brand building, driving revenue optimization and EBITDA growth by increasing margins of over 8% on proprietary products from 2017 to 2023. • Responsible for increasing total revenues from proprietary products in the B2B and B2C sectors from 2017 to 2023 of over 20% by driving productivity on items with higher revenue potential. • Established a robust Sourcing Department by implementing an efficient process that resulted in better product quality, packaging, MOQs, in-stock position and product consolidation by decreasing the cost of goods for more than $8M in active products.

Skills

• Merchandising
• Trend
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Styling
• Wholesale
• Trend Analysis
• Textile Design
• Forecasting
• Apparel
• Store Management
• Visual Merchandising
• Denim
• Retail
• Sewing
• Fine Art
• Wovens
• Fine Art Photography
• Accessories
• Knitwear
• Textiles
• Fashion
• Sportswear
• Outerwear