Grady Chen

Lead Wine Buyer/ Manager with over a decade of experience in wine purchasing, merchandising, and inventory management. Proficient in wine purchasing, vendor management, and acquisition-cost negotiation. Skilled in inventory management, demand forecasting, and inventory turn optimization. Successfully oversaw assortments of 2,000+ SKUs, reducing stockouts by 20% through effective inventory strategies and demand-informed replenishment.

Multiple Wine Shops Manager / Lead Buyer at Dr. Wine, Wine Story, Bona Vinos, Bridge Wine, Charles St. Wine (2016 – Present)

• Oversaw wine purchasing experience and inventory management across multiple retail locations, managing 2,000+ SKUs and ensuring timely replenishment aligned with forecasted demand.
• Negotiated vendor management agreements, focusing on acquisition-cost reviews, quality assurance, allocations, and service terms to optimize procurement outcomes.
• Conducted analysis of inventory strategies, achieving a 20% reduction in stockouts and improving inventory turns.
• Utilized marketing insights and demand forecasting to inform promotional planning and merchandising recommendations, enhancing overall sales performance.
• Facilitated strong communication and interpersonal skills through cross-functional collaboration with operations, merchandising, and external partners to drive effective business relationships.

Sales Associate (Seasonal) at Sherry‑Lehmann (2015-11 – 2016-02)

• Advised high-end clientele on premium wine selections, utilizing extensive product knowledge across global regions to enhance customer experience.
• Maintained merchandising standards and contributed to promotional displays, participating in tastings and product education to align with market trends.

Assistant Manager at Square Wine & Spirits (2014 – 2015-10)

• Participated in purchasing decisions for a specialty wine portfolio, focusing on small producers and unique varietals to enhance product offerings.
• Managed daily store operations, ensuring inventory accuracy and effective merchandising execution to optimize customer experience.
• Organized tasting events and educational sessions, fostering customer engagement and encouraging repeat business through enhanced communication and interpersonal skills.

Level 3 – WSET