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, Italy01-2023
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, Italy01.2020
Diploma - Fashion Design & Pattern Making (Italian Boutique Tailoring)
Burgo Fashion Institute
Milan01.2014
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