Katie McNeil

About Katie McNeil

I\'m a Vice President at Ross Stores, one of the most operationally disciplined retailers in the world. Retail is won through execution: the right product, the right price, the right location, the right time. That environment shapes how I think and how I lead. I am deeply comfortable with data, rigorous about margin, and relentless about the details that separate good merchants from great ones.My expertise spans the full merchandising lifecycle, from overseas factory sourcing and supplier negotiation through assortment strategy, pricing, inventory management, and in-season execution. I have led through hypergrowth, disruption, and transformation, and I know how to build the infrastructure, the teams, the vendor relationships, and the processes that make growth sustainable.I lead from the front and develop from within. I ask hard questions early so my teams are not surprised later. I hold the line on financial discipline without sacrificing the creative instincts that make great merchandising. People who have worked with me will tell you I invest in their growth as much as I invest in the business. CORE EXPERTISE: VP Merchandising · Divisional Merchandise Manager · DMM · P&L Ownership · Gross Margin Improvement · Category Strategy · Assortment Planning · Open-to-Buy · Inventory Management · Supply Chain Strategy · Vendor Negotiations · Brand & Licensing Partnerships · Consumer Insights · Demand Forecasting · Cross-Functional Leadership · Talent Development · Succession Planning · Revenue Growth · Market Expansion · Off-Price Retail · Women\'s Apparel · Mass Market RetailINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: Specialty, Off-Price, & Discount Retail, Department Stores, Women’s Fashion, Apparel, Accessories, Licensed & Branded Apparel, Consumer Products, Consumer Goods, Big Box Retail, National & Multi-Unit Retail, Mass MarketI am always open to connecting with fellow merchants, retail leaders, and industry partners. Reach me here or at k••••••••@gmail.com.

Experience

1. Vice President Divisional Merchandise Manager

   Ross Stores, Inc.

   Mar 2015 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Direct comprehensive merchandising operations for specialty divisions, including junior denim, junior woven and knit bottoms, and young contemporary categories, at Fortune 500 retail department chain. Supervise and mentor team members across buying and planning functions. Foster cross-functional collaboration with C-level executives to define seasonal strategies, operational improvements, and business transformation initiatives. Contributed to company expansion from 900 to locations by gaining significant market share, constantly revamping merchandising strategy, and maximizing sales. Navigated COVID-19 business disruption by transforming declining wear-to-work category and capitalizing on loungewear and activewear opportunities, stabilizing erratic category with new vision and strategy in 2017. Leveraged big-picture, empowering leadership style to mentor, coach, and develop professionals into higher-level roles throughout tenure. Positioned team members for success by removing barriers, understanding individual motivators, and supporting each in reaching or exceeding goals. Excelled as board member for Ross Women\'s Network, developing networking programs connecting members company-wide and organizing annual events to support diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Education

• Louisiana State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Marketing

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General