Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Core Competencies
Early Experience & Activities
Timeline
Generic
ALESSIA BORTOLUSSI

ALESSIA BORTOLUSSI

Vicenza

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in vendor management, specializing in supplier negotiations, contract management, and performance evaluation. Proven success in implementing cost-saving initiatives and optimizing procurement processes while maintaining high-quality standards. Recognized for fostering strong team collaboration and adaptability in fast-paced environments, consistently achieving results through effective vendor relationship management and strategic sourcing. A solid track record of driving process improvements and delivering exceptional value by cultivating productive partnerships that enhance operational efficiency.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Product Development & Vendor Manager

Fintex srl
04.2021 - Current
  • Own development of 400+ SKUs/season across CN/TH/VN/IT, aligning design intent with target gross margin.
  • Achieved cost savings by consolidating purchases and leveraging scale.
  • Enhanced team decision-making with comprehensive vendor performance reports and analysis.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives within the vendor management function, driving operational excellence throughout the organization.
  • Reduced risk by developing and enforcing strict vendor qualification criteria.
  • Authored SOPs for costing, sampling, and production handover.
  • Coordinated logistics activities, ensuring timely delivery of products from suppliers to distribution centers or customers directly.
  • Reduced procurement costs by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
  • Established long-term supplier relationships, fostering trust and collaboration for continuous improvement.
  • Achieved strategic objectives by aligning vendor capabilities with company goals.
  • Improved product quality by conducting thorough vendor audits and implementing corrective actions.
  • Trained team members on best practices in vendor management, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the department.


Product Development Lead (Promoted From Senior Product Developer)

Pomelo Fashion
10.2018 - 03.2021
  • Managed development (300+ SKUs/season), coordinating cross-functional teams across design, sourcing, and QA.
  • Negotiated costs/MOQs with Asia-based suppliers, securing ~5% fabric cost reduction and improved margin control..
  • Led vendor network of 20+ mills/factories; ensured compliance with quality standards and MOQ targets.
  • Mentored junior developers and formalized training playbooks to improve sampling accuracy.
  • Implemented rigorous testing protocols for quality assurance, resulting in fewer defects and higher customer satisfaction rates.
  • Increased efficiency with process optimization initiatives that streamlined workflows across the entire product development cycle.
  • Drove efforts toward sustainable practices in both manufacturing processes as well as sourcing of raw materials used in production.
  • Worked closely alongside sales teams to ensure a seamless transition from concept ideation through to end-user adoption.
  • Championed data-driven decision-making by leveraging analytics tools to monitor product performance and guide strategic planning.
  • Identified areas for improvement within existing product lines and developed strategies for continuous enhancement.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing teams to create compelling promotional materials that showcased key product features and benefits.

Product Developer & Technical Coordinator – Womenswear

Dapper and DA+PP
08.2014 - 12.2017
  • Supported end-to-end lifecycle from design development to delivery (200+ SKUs/season).
  • Streamlined communication between departments, facilitating efficient collaboration during product development phases.
  • Negotiated trims/materials with vendors to maintain cost efficiency and quality benchmarks.
  • Key Project: Reduced returns rate by 12% through improved fit consistency and POM documentation.
  • Reviewed products and updates to meet company quality standards, scheduled production, and work-in-progress tracking and reports.
  • Enhanced product usability by conducting thorough market research and identifying consumer needs.
  • Coordinated with suppliers and manufacturers to secure favorable pricing agreements for raw materials, reducing overall production costs.
  • Evaluated prototypes for performance, aesthetics, and durability, refining designs as necessary before mass production.

Education

Certificate - CLO3D

Secoli Istitute
Milan, Italy
01-2023

Certificate - Communication Strategies For A Virtual Age

University of Toronto, Coursera
01-2022

Certificate - HTML5

University of Michigan, Coursera
01-2021

Certificate - Management of Fashion & Luxury Companies

Bocconi University
Milan, Italy
01.2020

Diploma - Fashion Design & Pattern Making (Italian Boutique Tailoring)

Burgo Fashion Institute
Milan
01.2014

Skills

    - Product development expertise

    - Cost analysis and sourcing

    - Supply chain management and quality assurance

    - Logistics and customs compliance

    - Regulatory compliance expertise

    - CLO3D and Adobe software proficiency

    - ERP and PLM systems expertise

    - Expertise in advanced Excel functions

    - Revenue growth initiatives

    - Client relationship management

    - Effective vendor negotiations

    - Analytical problem-solving

Languages

Italian (Native)
English (Fluent C1)
Thai (Intermediate B1 – supplier liaison)

Core Competencies

  • Product Development
  • Sourcing & Costing
  • New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD)
  • Should-cost & Cost Engineering
  • PLM/BOM
  • Critical Path (Time & Action)
  • On-Time In-Full (OTIF)
  • QA/QC (AQL, FPY, CAPA)
  • Vendor Compliance (REACH, RSL, BSCI, Sedex, OEKO-TEX, GRS)
  • Logistics & Incoterms (FOB/CIF/DDP)
  • Team Leadership

Early Experience & Activities

Internship, Brancato Costumi (Franca Squarciapino) – 2013 Dresser, ZFashion – Milan Fashion Week & Dolce & Gabbana – 2012

Timeline

Product Development & Vendor Manager

Fintex srl
04.2021 - Current

Product Development Lead (Promoted From Senior Product Developer)

Pomelo Fashion
10.2018 - 03.2021

Product Developer & Technical Coordinator – Womenswear

Dapper and DA+PP
08.2014 - 12.2017

Certificate - CLO3D

Secoli Istitute

Certificate - Communication Strategies For A Virtual Age

University of Toronto, Coursera

Certificate - HTML5

University of Michigan, Coursera

Certificate - Management of Fashion & Luxury Companies

Bocconi University

Diploma - Fashion Design & Pattern Making (Italian Boutique Tailoring)

Burgo Fashion Institute
ALESSIA BORTOLUSSI