Wade Hastings

20035 Oak Cave

(210) 215-4271
San Antonio, TX 78259 whdb003a@westpost.net
________________________________________
Versatile retail merchandising and marketing professional with successes driving
top-line sales and developing process efficiencies in diverse, highly competiti
ve environments. Passion for people, product and processes enhances end-to-end
knowledge across business segments to gain alignment with corporate initiatives.
Skilled at leading and motivating teams that value individual strengths and vi
ew diversity as an asset. Adept at leveraging strategic and tactical initiative
s and building relationships to facilitate business drivers across functional ar
eas.
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
Procurement / Purchasing
Global Sourcing / Direct Importing
Strategy Development
Inventory Control
Financial Analysis / Management
Product Development
Vendor Management
Supply Chain
Negotiation
Marketing / Advertising
Branding
Media Management
Team Leadership
Relationship Building
Project Management

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
* Managed purchasing and business development activities for a $25 million produ
ct category of a $15 billion retailer supporting sales and profit production in
300 stores. Developed strong vendor relationships and negotiated cost of goods
and trade fund allocations to maximize profitability. Projected and procured pro
duct for promotional events, holiday selling periods, and daily inventory needs.
Analyzed and strengthened pricing to achieve alignment in segment with key com
petitors. RESULTS: Achieved 24% sales increase in one year.
* Expanded private label product development across key business segments. Iden
tified assortment and initiated product development and design. Built relationsh
ips across functional areas to unify product goals and objectives. Sourced produ
ct globally to ensure best possible quality and cost. RESULTS: Delivered a 36%
sales increase and improved profitability.
* Led purchasing efforts for a $62 million business segment. Spearheaded negoti
ations with key suppliers to address raw material cost increases in a high veloc
ity business segment. Initiated bid process and analyzed cost, quality, service
level and logistics of key suppliers. RESULTS: Reduced cost by 15% while bui
lding business relationships and leveraging the total business. Grew gross reve
nue by 193 basis points, outpacing department growth by 310 basis points.
* Managed all procurement activities for a $134 million product segment, the sec
ond largest in the division. Launched key initiative to gain corporate support
/ resources to drive sales and profits. Analyzed assortment and revised product
 mix. Created complete marketing strategy including communications, merchandisin
g, promotions, events, and signage. RESULTS: Achieved record sales and increas
ed units sold by 20% the first year. Recognized with corporate Certificate of Ex
cellence award.
* Retooled an ongoing national brand promotion. Analyzed promotional expenses im
pacting profitability of key business segment. Spearheaded challenging negotiati
ons with key supplier. Developed complete sales and marketing plan to offset exp
enses. RESULTS: Created a win / win scenario by driving sales volume and saving
the company $800,000 in recurrent costs. Recognized with corporate Merchandisi
ng Award of Excellence.
* Led all aspects of media planning and execution for a high profile retailer wi
th 300 stores in multiple markets. Supervised a staff of ten and the activities
of two media agencies. Managed an $80 million budget. Analyzed costs and negotia
ted advantageous contracts. Transformed processes and initiated bidding environm
ent. Evaluated ad, price, and product zones as well as store demographic data to
optimize media spend across multiple customer marketing vehicles. Revamped prin
ting and paper programs to mitigate costs. RESULTS: Reduced total expenses by
$5 million annually.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
H-E-B GROCERY COMPANY, San Antonio, TX 1999 - 2010
Buyer / Category Manager - General Merchandise 2009 - 2010
Buyer / Category Manager - Home Health 2008 - 2009
Buyer / Category Manager - Health & Beauty 2004 - 2008
Media Manager 1999 - 2004
K*B TOYS, Pittsfield, MA 1997 - 1999
Manager - Media and Marketing Finance
MONTGOMERY WARD, Chicago, IL 1995 - 1997
Regional Media Manager
RADIO SHACK / TANDY CORPORATION, Fort Worth, TX
1993 - 1995
Divisional Advertising Manager
FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, Fort Worth, TX 1984 - 1993
Sales Executive / Special Projects Manager

EDUCATION and TRAINING

Bachelor of Arts, Communications, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, T
X
Karrass Negotiation Training, San Antonio, TX