Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Tommaso Colzi

Tommaso Colzi

Berlin

Summary

-Fashion Industry Professional with 19 years of experience across multiple market segments and diverse product categories.


-Proven track record of aligning product development, operations, and commercial strategies to drive sales performance, leading multicultural teams in fast-paced environments.


-Holds an MBA and brings strong expertise in team leadership, business planning, supply chain purchasing strategies, material sourcing and procurement, product range building from design to market.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Team Lead Material Purchasing and Innovation

Zalando SE
05.2014 - Current
  • Responsible to re-structure the Material Procurement Department of Private Labels - Apparel, Footwear and Accessories, to ensure sustainability in line with profitability goals.
  • Leading a team of 8 people across Berlin HQ and China Sourcing Office, with particular focus on cost and delivery efficiency.
  • Leading material critical paths from forecast to delivery in tight cooperation with the central functions, as Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Logistics, Product Development and Quality teams.
  • Material supply base allocation, identifying and structuring opportunities towards effective partnership.
  • Scouting and testing new materials at Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 level, driving Sustainability and Innovation.
  • Strategizing and directing Volume Negotiations, Hedging Practices and Material Substitutions.
  • Conducing market analysis for favorable conditions, leveraging capacity, material forecasts and related bookings.
  • Guiding internal operations through detailed time and action calendars.
  • Frequent global travels for sourcing and related procurement activities.

Senior Lead Buyer, Private Labels

Zalando SE
03.2014 - 05.2014


  • Led a team of 6 buyers to oversee revenue and profitability growth, along with product development and production, for the Private Labels Apparel department.
  • Managed a purchasing budget exceeding 65 million per season and related supply chain activities across six monthly intakes..
  • Designed and managed the team structure, allocated resources, and set budgets for the upcoming financial year.
  • Drove cost savings initiatives through effective material management, strategic sourcing, and negotiation tactics.
  • Implemented efficient purchasing processes, reducing lead times and increasing order accuracy for diverse range of products with various manufacturers and agencies globally.
  • Analyzed market and spend data to identify areas of profit improvement.
  • Formulated the sourcing and buying strategy, related timeline, and established product acquisition processes.
  • Conducted P&L analysis to drive purchasing activities and profit growth initiatives.
  • Conducted constant data analysis for needs assessments, tracked business efficiency, and supported growth initiatives. Conducted weekly performance reviews through internal presentations and stakeholders’ meetings.
  • Partnered with satellite departments such as quality control, logistics, finance and content creation teams to ensure products and productions met buying required standards.
  • Conducted frequent sourcing and purchasing trips in the Far East, Middle East, and Europe.


Product Manager and Buyer

Miroglio Group Spa
08.2012 - 02.2014


  • Responsible for the trade analysis, purchase, and development reviews for the Miroglio’s brands portfolio.
  • Defined and executed product strategies across multiple budget categories of different product groups.
  • Analyzed sales data, owned, and managed brand performance to drive sales and profits.
  • Reviewed product specifications and technical packages, including detailed CAD, drawings, BOMs, and material details to ensure accurate communication to manufacturers.
  • Oversaw fitting and adjusted products to ensure proper outcome and functionality in line with trade analysis.
  • Supervised negotiations and product development process, from material sourcing to bulk production.
  • Implemented and consolidated successful partnership with the new manufactures to increase the product offer, in line with demand analysis.
  • Frequent sourcing and purchasing trips to meet partners across Italy, Turkey, China, and Vietnam.

Product Developer and Purchaser

Patrizia Pepe, Tessilform Spa
07.2010 - 08.2012
  • Responsible for the collection development within the assigned guidelines: timing, pricing, product outcome.
  • Responsible for the purchase and acquisition of the Footwear and Accessories collection.
  • Responsible for leather sourcing, supply chain strategies and supplier’s management.
  • Responsible for material testing, fitting sessions, costings, and production allocations.
  • Negotiated orders and PO conditions, reached targets effectively overseeing the colection critical path.
  • Regular development and purchasing meetings in Italy, Portugal, China, and India.

Product and Production Management

Chorus Sas, Buying Agency
09.2006 - 07.2010
  • Handled all aspects of sales and supply chain, from product presentation throughout product development and production management for clients in the USA, UK, and Italy.
  • Product range: fabrics, leathers, accessories, and apparel. Product level: premium and luxury.
  • Prospected and acquired new customers, cultivating long-term partnerships that drove mutual benefit and growth.
  • Conducted research to identify and onboard new suppliers for diverse product ranges, negotiating favorable terms and driving product development and production management.
  • Led purchasing agreements to ensure high levels customer satisfaction, monitoring product quality and costing.
  • Developed and implemented acquisition timelines, ensuring product specifications and delivery deadlines were met in line with contractual obligations.
  • Collaborated with multiple stakeholders, liaising between customers and manufacturers to ensure product quality and costs aligned with contract guidelines, from initial sample stages through to final production.
  • Maintained detailed records of all product development and acquisition activities, tracking progress against timelines and budget targets, and delivering regular status reports to senior management.
  • Conducted frequent on-site factory visits and business meetings in the USA, UK, China, and Italy, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with established production standards.

Education

High School Diploma -

Textile And Manufacturing Technician
I.T.I.S. Tullio Buzzi - Prato, Florence
06.2006

MBA - Executive Master in Business Administration

Bologna Business School
03.2022

Corporate Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, Capital Budgeting

Udemy
04.2023

Skills

  • Team Development and Strategic Leadership
  • Long term Global Supply Chain and Purchasing Strategies
  • Materials and Product Science, Sourcing and Management
  • Materials and Product Budgeting & Cost Accounting
  • Negotiations & Relationship Management
  • Processes Definition and Critical Path Management
  • International Business and Cross-Cultural Experience
  • Dynamic, Highly Collaborative and Result Oriented

Languages

Extended Commercial Proficiency in English; Conversational proficiency in German; Native Italian.

Timeline

Team Lead Material Purchasing and Innovation

Zalando SE
05.2014 - Current

Senior Lead Buyer, Private Labels

Zalando SE
03.2014 - 05.2014

Product Manager and Buyer

Miroglio Group Spa
08.2012 - 02.2014

Product Developer and Purchaser

Patrizia Pepe, Tessilform Spa
07.2010 - 08.2012

Product and Production Management

Chorus Sas, Buying Agency
09.2006 - 07.2010

High School Diploma -

Textile And Manufacturing Technician

MBA - Executive Master in Business Administration

Bologna Business School

Corporate Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, Capital Budgeting

Udemy

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