As a procurement professional, my primary responsibility is to ensure that my organization sources products and materials at the most optimal price and quality from suppliers across South Asia. To do this, I must maintain and develop expertise in global supply markets, product innovations, and competitors across nine countries. Consistently implementing effective sourcing strategies and practices across all regions is crucial to my role. I drive project procurement from proposal to execution, ensuring that the most cost-effective sourcing strategies are utilized for all projects.In addition, I establish and manage a Supplier Relationship Management program to cultivate long-term business relationships with key partners and suppliers. By creating and executing world-class categories for projects, I ensure on-time delivery, mitigate risk, generate top-line growth, and produce bottom-line savings, delivering significant value to my organization. As a strategic procurement leader, I manage supplier relationships and utilize a category management approach. I also participate in project management meetings to understand project scope, risks, and installation schedules with critical milestones.To maintain comprehensive knowledge of relevant suppliers across all categories, I focus on cost drivers that impact vendor costing. I develop and maintain a vendor database, establish pre-qualification criteria, conduct annual reviews of high-spend vendors, and undertake related activities. I comprehend market trends, driving factors, and future adverse impacts on the business, and prepare mitigation plans accordingly. Developing and implementing strategies and processes that enable regional/global spend leverage, competitive pricing, quality, delivery, and risk management with the supply base, ensures my organization is well-positioned to succeed in today's rapidly changing business environment.

With a proven track record of expertise in profit delivery, I have honed my skills in effective assortment planning, buy plan, inventory management, and supply chain management. My proficiency in leveraging data from Google Analytics has enabled me to optimize marketing strategies and improve sales. I am also adept at creating process flow charts, RASCI matrix, and calendars for streamlined operations, and my leadership in brand and vendor management has helped me achieve top and bottom-line objectives.Moreover, I have demonstrated success in brand selection and API integrations, which has allowed me to conceptualize customized branding options on a quarterly/monthly basis. With my experience in designing product ranges based on customer profiling and regional specifications, I have been able to deliver products that meet the unique needs of customers in various markets.Overall, my expertise in profit delivery, data analysis, process improvement, and brand management has enabled me to drive success for businesses by improving their operations, increasing revenue, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

As the Head of the apparel and general merchandise business, we took charge of all aspects of sourcing and operations. Created a comprehensive strategy for the category portfolio that encompassed merchandising, sourcing, and tactical planning from the ground up. We analysed data from MIS reports using an ERP system to inform merchandise planning, sell-through patterns, demand estimation, product usage patterns, product mix, price point analysis, and SPSF. This helped us successfully achieve profitability for the department based on top and bottom-line performance.To optimize product selection and inventory levels, we conducted assortment planning, buy plan, OTB, and inventory management. We also developed brand strategy and storylines based on forecasts across divisions. Moreover, we provided higher margins through regular buying while maintaining the customer connection of lowest prices. To ensure an annual stock turn, we implemented a negative working capital strategy. As a result, increased the net margin by 5% without losing sales, earning recognition for the accomplishment.Leadership, strategic planning, and data-driven approach helped achieve profitability and increase the net margin of the business. Expertise in assortment planning, inventory management, brand strategy, and pricing helped optimize product selection, reduce costs, and maintain customer satisfaction. Overall, accomplishments demonstrate ability to lead and drive results in a highly competitive industry.

During my time at Gokaldas, I had the opportunity to network with buyers, merchandisers, and sourcing professionals from around the globe. Additionally, I trained a team of 30 sales professionals in sales, marketing, and merchandising processes. As part of our daily routine, we engaged in product development, design, research, and analysis, as well as conducting review meetings, resolving conflicts, and tracking progress and growth.One of the major projects I handled was for the World Cup Soccer in 2006, the Indian Cricket Team-Pakistan Series-ICC championship trophy, and the South Africa Series. Our team also supplied apparel and related products for top football clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona.My core responsibilities included setting performance benchmarks, determining deadlines, and ensuring project plans were implemented within given constraints. I reported regularly to the CEO on our team's progress and suggested process changes to improve overall output. I also trained, mentored, and developed core team skills, fostering unity during conflict situations with clients. Moreover, I introduced new clients to the company, developed new business, and ensured we struck fruitful deals. Finally, I continuously suggested new ideas and strategies to improve our business processes and enhance our product.

I collaborated with national and international clients across the United States, Europe, Korea, and Sri Lanka in my global role. I shared ideas, best practices, and resources across teams such as Nike, Peter England, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, San Frisco, Karstadt, Mexx, More & More, Greystone, Mustang, Wool Worth, S. Oliver, Quelle, and others.My primary responsibility was to coordinate with team members and contribute to effective people management. Additionally, I led the quality checking team and introduced several new problem-solving techniques. I held weekly conference calls with clients to understand their requirements and planned both short and long-term orders accordingly.Other responsibilities included networking with junior merchandisers, established players, and newcomers to form a highly effective in-house team as well as external collaborations. I also devised sourcing strategies according to specific client needs and ensured a steady supply of materials to clients at the required time. Additionally, I kept track of inventory management systems and effectively coordinated at all levels of the supply chain. Finally, I acted as the primary representative of my organization wherever I went, building positive rapport with prospective clients and customers alike.