Ramesh B. Email & Phone Number

India

• Managing business of FMCG Food & Beverages for 60+ cities in India
• Orchestrating Terms of Trade management and P&L responsibilities for both Food Fast Moving Consumer Goods (National & Regional Brands)
• Enhancing category profitability and sales through meticulous annual negotiations and Joint Business Planning (JBP) sessions with FMCG vendors
• Developing an annual promotional calendar by leveraging insights from seasonal trends, ensuring timely and advantageous negotiations with suppliers
• Implementing robust stock management strategies, optimizing stock days and credit days to achieve a negative working capital.
• Leading a team of 5 Category Managers and 5 Assistant Category Managers

India

• Developed and implemented comprehensive category strategies aligned with overall business objectives
• Analyzed market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement
• Fostered strong cross-functional relationships with internal departments, including marketing, sales, and supply chain
• Integrated category strategies into broader business plans to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Led negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and agreements
• Collaborated closely with procurement teams to optimize supplier relationships and drive cost efficiencies

India

• Managed national vendors for FMCG – Food & Non-Food Fast Moving Consumer Goods, oversaw Terms of Trade management for Pan India
• Led a team responsible for handling a monthly business of 4000 million INR Pan India
• Took on dual responsibilities of category management and territory/regional development for B2C & B2B Business
• Defined category roles and created mind maps utilizing Customer decision trees across categories for National rollouts
• Enhanced category profitability and sales through successful annual negotiations and JBP (Joint business planning) with FMCG – Fast Moving Consumer Goods Vendors
• Developed an annual promotional calendar by leveraging insights from seasonal trends, enabling timely and improved negotiations with suppliers

India

• Oversaw accounts for major retailers such as Big Bazaar, Spar Hypermarket, Metro Cash & Carry, Lulu Hypermarket, Bismi Hypermarket, Trent–Star Bazaar, MK Retail, and Health and Glow beauty stores
• Aligned account management with company strategy, setting sales targets and performance metrics, ensuring their achievement
• Led, managed, supervised, and supported a team of account managers and sales officers
• Ensured client satisfaction and tracked sales targets, resolving issues, and inquiries at a senior level
• Fostered a collaborative environment, generating innovative ideas to support clients and enhance brand awareness
• Identified and approached potential clients, effectively communicating product launches, and providing comprehensive support to clients and the sales team

India

• Managed the Profit & Loss of the category, devising annual plans for category sales and margin achievements
• Demonstrated exceptional financial acumen by balancing profitability and growth
• Successfully juggled dual responsibilities of category management and territory/regional development
• Developed and executed strategic plans, enhancing category profitability and sales through annual negotiations and Joint Business Planning sessions with the top 10 suppliers
• Conducted extensive market research and customer profiling in North and West regions, ensuring targeted strategies
• Devised plans for optimal store space utilization, identifying space and sales mix for various categories, maximizing both sales and margins effectively

India

• Expertly conducted assortment planning and product testing, meticulously analyzing customer preferences and catchment areas for existing and upcoming stores
• Identified reliable suppliers and skillfully negotiated prices, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Successfully negotiated commercial contracts with regional suppliers, ensuring streamlined procurement processes
• Analyzed sales and market trends, leading to effective planning and accurate forecasting.
• Evaluated the impact of sourcing decisions on company sales and gross margins, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives.
• Ensured timely delivery of products to Distribution Centers (DC) and stores, adhering to Turnaround Time (TAT) and lead times.

India

• Successfully delivered sales, margin contribution, and market share targets within assigned categories, demonstrating strategic planning and execution skills
• Worked closely with category buyers to develop comprehensive annual business and promotional plans, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and market demands.
• Conducted thorough business reviews and category assessments, identifying lucrative opportunities for private brand expansion and market penetration.
• Ensured meticulous execution of business plans, overseeing pricing strategies, distribution logistics, and promotional initiatives to maximize brand visibility and profitability.
• Established recommended pricing structures for private brand products, both initially and on an ongoing basis
• Negotiated with key suppliers to create tailored products and innovative marketing programs.

India

• Handled private label and imported stocks, ensuring consistent availability in stores.
• Conducted negotiations with suppliers to finalize profit margins, demonstrating strong negotiation skills and financial acumen.
• Planned and executed product promotions, leveraging insights from in-depth analysis of inventory, margins, and sales data.
• Designed merchandising flow for new stores, enhancing product visibility and customer engagement.
• Coordinated seamlessly with IT and Distribution Centres (DC) to resolve store-related distribution issues.
• Collaborated with the General Manager in compiling and analysing category-wise sales data, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

India

• Store Operations Career Path:o Senior Store Manager | Feb 2007- Mar 2007o Store Manager | April 2006 – Feb 2007o Duty Manager | May 2005 – April 2006o Customer Service Supervisor | June 2003 – May 2005 o Customer.
• Acted as the Area Manager, providing essential support and overseeing the opening of new shops.
• Led the recruitment of new sales and retail staff, ensuring a thorough and effective onboarding process through training and induction programs.
• Oversaw the day-to-day running and operation of stores, ensuring smooth functioning and adherence to operational standards.
• Ensured a consistently high standard of store presentation by closely collaborating with visual merchandisers to create visually appealing displays.
• Maintained precise records of pricing, sales, and activity reports, contributing to efficient management and informed decision-making.