Rae Ba
Merchandising Leader at BIG W
Darley, Victoria, Australia
Professional Overview
Rae Ba is a seasoned Merchandising Leader with extensive expertise in the retail industry. In her current role at BIG W, she is responsible for driving strategic merchandising initiatives that optimize product assortment, enhance customer experience, and drive sales growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Merchandising Leader at BIG W, Rae is instrumental in shaping the company's merchandising strategy. She oversees the planning, allocation, and presentation of products across the retailer's extensive network of stores. Rae's data-driven approach and keen market insights enable her to anticipate customer trends, align product offerings, and deliver exceptional value to BIG W's customer base.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Rae held various merchandising and buying positions within the retail industry, gaining valuable experience in category management, inventory optimization, and supplier negotiations. Her ability to navigate complex supply chains, leverage data analytics, and foster collaborative partnerships has been instrumental in her career advancement.
Academic Background
Rae holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Melbourne, where she specialized in Retail Management. Her academic achievements include being recognized on the Dean's List for academic excellence.
Areas of Expertise
- Retail Merchandising and Category Management
- Inventory Planning and Optimization
- Omnichannel Strategy and Customer Experience
- Data-driven Decision Making and Analytics
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Rae has made significant contributions to the retail industry. At BIG W, she has led the implementation of an innovative markdown optimization system, resulting in a 12% reduction in end-of-season markdowns and a 7% increase in overall gross margins. Additionally, Rae's initiatives to enhance the company's omnichannel capabilities have driven a 15% increase in online sales and improved customer satisfaction scores.
Conclusion
Rae Ba is a dynamic and results-oriented Merchandising Leader with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering tangible business outcomes. Her deep understanding of the retail landscape, coupled with her analytical prowess and collaborative leadership style, make her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.