Steven Soubry

Operational expert, embracing data and advanced analytics to better understand and serve customers in a rapidly changing environment. Protagonist with a hands-on mentality. Analytical and conceptual procurement and merchandising executive with more than three decades of international experience in retail. Recognized as a hands-on strategist and operational expert who embraces advanced analytics to better understand and serve customers. Skilled in fashion, textiles, furniture, decoration, food, and FMCG sectors across both B2B and B2C environments. Known for designing replenishment systems, integrating data-driven frameworks, and mobilizing teams toward continuous growth. Distinguished for strengthening customer satisfaction, upholding safety and quality standards, and transforming organizations to achieve measurable and sustainable results.

• Reorganized, professionalized, and improved the purchasing department of a growing non-food supermarket chain. • Recruited and trained Category Managers, Category Buyers, and Supply Chain Officers. • Implemented new KPIs to measure performance and set clear targets for managers. • Authored and revised procedures to enable more efficient operations

Head of Merchandising • Structured forecasting, budgeting, and merchandising strategies for ready-to-wear collections. • Guided assortment planning and markdown policy to sustain profitability. • Facilitated collaboration among departments to align execution with customer demand. • Strengthened retail performance by embedding analytical rigor in reporting practices.

Head of Merchandise Management Belgium & The Netherlands • Oversaw merchandising for 162 stores and 1,100+ employees across two countries. • Reorganized local structures during an international centralization and restructuring program. • Maintained strategic alignment with Swiss headquarters and regional offices abroad. • Launched an international product-involvement initiative that engaged employees and improved store performance. Responsibilities: Business Unit Manager in charge off Shop-Merchandising, Controlling, Budgeting, Visual Merchandising, Mark-down policy. Achievements: Re-organizing the local merchandising department as a part of an international re-structuring and centralization-project. Developing the new strategic policy in all her facets. Maintaining contacts with BUM-Head Office Switserland and BUM-sister companies abroad. Organizing an international product-involvement-program 
 Skills: Recognize and define of strengths and weaknesses within the organization and develop therefore solutions and implementations. Creating of a retailculture and –structure with an open way of communicating. Well knowledge of the retail fashion market in the Benelux, in particular about concurrence/competition, its offer, its marketing and its customers.

Merchandise Management Director • Controlled merchandising operations for 50 stores and 275 employees, integrating visual strategy and shop planning. • Achieved four consecutive years of top like-for-like results within the global network. • Generated +40% EBITDA growth by enforcing cost monitoring and closing unprofitable outlets. • Delivered sell-through KPI targets consistently to maintain profitability and growth. Responsibilities: Business Unit Manager in charge of Product- and Shopmerchandising, Controlling, Budgeting, Visual Merchandising, Mark-down policy. Achievements: Realization of a continuous positive development of the turnover like-for-like. 4 years in a row the best result like-for-like of Charles Vögele international. Providing stock within a large continuous cost-effective expansion. A progress about +40% of EBITDA(operating result). Developing of a sharp cost monitoring program, reorganize and closing of unprofitable stores. Increase of productivity. Seasonally achieving the Sell-Through KPI with 1 common goal -> being profitable!
 Skills: Integration and controlling of a uniform concept by passionate management and a direct and open communication. Well knowledge of the retail fashion market in Belgium, in particular about concurrence/competition, its offer, its marketing and its customers.

Buying Controller • Monitored procurement of underwear, nightwear, RTW and footwear categories under strict budget control. • Refined KPI reporting methods, coached staff, and enhanced forecasting precision. • Applied markdown policies that supported lifecycle efficiency while protecting margins. • Reinforced business performance through structured evaluation of supplier agreements.

Purcharser • Negotiated fabrics and shirting supplies for apparel manufacturing, ensuring competitive cost structures. • Supported B2B customer service activities by aligning supply with demand. • Encouraged vendor accountability through clear communication and contractual discipline. • Advanced sourcing strategies by introducing structured review frameworks.

Purchaser • Handled procurement assignments with full compliance to company sourcing standards. • Introduced operational checks that secured reliability in supplier relationships. • Strengthened purchasing workflows by embedding review procedures and accountability systems.

HACCP Manager • Ensured compliance with HACCP standards. • Managed food safety procedures in plant operations.

Marketing Planning Manager • Researched pharmaceutical markets, delivering insight to guide promotions and product launches. • Engineered forecasting systems that improved accuracy in marketing allocation. • Adapted budgets to reflect evolving healthcare trends and sector challenges. • Promoted strategic agility by aligning resources with growth opportunities.