Merchandising professional with experience in Retail, E-Commerce and CPG industry Specialties: Category Management, Vendor Management, Utilizing Big Data Analytics, Customer Analysis, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Identifying New Trends, New Product Launches, Market Research, Brand Development, Dietary Supplements

Category Merchandise Manager @ • Follows through with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Replenishment, eCommerce, Franchising and Sales Analysis, to ensure key areas align with strategic direction for the category • Utilizes big data analytics and market research to identify market trends, consumer preferences and whitespaces in product assortment • Lead promotion plan development and implement necessary plans to achieve or exceed sales and margin goals for assigned businesses including domestic, international, and internet distribution channels. • Manages internal resources, data, and shelf space allocation to conduct annual line review reset walkthrough • Coordinates with various cross-functional teams, including Scientific Affairs, Product Development and Packaging, to develop new product offers and reformulations to leverage new ingredients, technology and industry trends • Research and study market trends and competitive landscape to support successful launch of new products created by the new product development groups and from third party vendors • Negotiate agreements with third party vendors to secure preferred products, pricing, vendor marketing programs, PMs, and promotions to drive existing and new customers into GNC, including exclusive programs. • Enhance the scope of third party and proprietary brands by working closing with Marketing and Production teams to plan, develop and implement marketing materials From October 2014 to Present (1 year 3 months) Greater Pittsburgh AreaAssociate Category Merchandise Manager II @ • Works with various cross-functional teams, including Scientific Affairs, Product Development and Packaging, to develop new product offers and reformulations to leverage new ingredients, technology and industry trends • Utilizes big data analytics and market research to identify market trends, consumer preferences and whitespaces in assortment • Manages internal resources, data, and shelf space allocation to conduct annual line review reset walkthrough • Monitors retail price competitive landscape via monthly store visits and internet monitoring to maximize sales and profitability per SKU • Enhances the scope of third party and proprietary brands by working closing with Marketing and Production teams to plan, develop and implement marketing materials • Assists in the development of annual business plans incorporating forecasted sales and margin, new product launches supporting marketing and promotional activities for category • Negotiates agreements with third party vendors to secure preferred products, pricing, vendor marketing programs and promotions to drive existing and new customers into GNC • Assists negotiating agreements with raw material vendors to secure support for finished goods • Follows through with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Replenishment, eCommerce, Franchising and Sales Analysis, to ensure key areas align with strategic direction for the category From March 2014 to October 2014 (8 months) pittsburgh, pennsylvaniaAssociate Category Merchandise Manager @ • Manages internal resources, data, and shelf space allocation to conduct annual line review reset walkthrough • Monitors retail price competitive landscape via monthly store visits and internet monitoring to maximize sales and profitability per SKU • Enhances the scope of third party and proprietary brands by working closing with Marketing and Production teams to plan, develop and implement marketing materials • Assists in the development of annual business plans incorporating forecasted sales and margin, new product launches supporting marketing and promotional activities for category • Assists in negotiating agreements with third party vendors to secure preferred products, pricing, vendor marketing programs and promotions to drive existing and new customers into GNC • Assists in negotiating agreements with raw material vendors to secure support for finished goods • Follows through with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Replenishment, eCommerce, Franchising and Sales Analysis, to ensure key areas align with strategic direction for the category From February 2012 to March 2014 (2 years 2 months) greater pittsburgh areaOnline Merchandise Coordinator @ •Ideation and planning of web promotional calendar, category pages and email blasts •Monitors the competitive landscape for discrepancies in price, on-site marketing and promotional strategy •Classifies products and selects product cross-sells to optimize sales and drive new product sales •Works with vendors and various GNC departments to create impactful launch and promotional emails for new and hot products •Monitors inventory and backorder reports and reviews e-Commerce customer service issues •Reports and analyzes site search to update search mapping and terms and to identify key trends and new product opportunities •Utilizes Net Acumen and Omniture to analyze product sales data to identify and respond to consumer demand •Works with vendors to secure funding for promotions, coupon offers and sampling opportunities on website •Performs weekly sales reporting for category performance, top products, etc. •Performs search mapping and navigation updates to help site usability across categories From February 2011 to January 2012 (1 year) Greater Pittsburgh AreaStore Manager @ •Managed the operations, staffing, and sales/profit goals in a retail environment to ensure total compliance with all store operations policies. •Sold merchandise to customers by utilizing relationship selling techniques and offering outstanding customer service. •Managed work schedules within established budgets for optimal coverage and managed inventory according to company guidelines •Hired, trained, disciplined, and reviewed employees From November 2009 to January 2011 (1 year 3 months) Cleveland/Akron, Ohio AreaSenior Resident Assistant @ From August 2007 to October 2008 (1 year 3 months) West Palm Beach, Florida AreaOffice Assistant @ From August 2007 to October 2008 (1 year 3 months) West Palm Beach, Florida Area

BBA, Management @ Northwood University From 2006 to 2009 PSEO, Business Administration and Management, General @ Lorain County Community College From 2004 to 2006 Avon High School From 2002 to 2006 April Schatschneider is skilled in: Big Data Analytics, Retail Category Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Merchandising, Management, Social Media Marketing, Time Management, Competitive Analysis, Customer Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Sales Management, Market Research, ERD, Strategic Planning, Brand Development