Ankita Rakheja
Buyer|Beauty
Dubai
Summary
Dedicated and passionate professional with 8 years of expertise in buying for cosmetics, skin care, bath& body products. Proven track record in managing budgets, achieving sales targets, and curating assortments for private label initiatives. Combines technical proficiency as a Cosmetic technologist with strategic acumen to drive product development and business growth. Known for meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
2
2
English, hindi
Work History
Senior Executive Private Label Cosmetics
Landmark Group - Lifestyle
11.2020 - Current
- Achieved X% to Y% increase in sales margin target for category
- Increased ROS for products from X to Y
- Managed private label beauty portfolio for Skin Care, Bath & Body, Perfume, and Impulse ranges
- Aligned organizational objectives with company mission to increase business growth and integrate work strategies.
- Developed and implemented new product development procedures ensuring safety compliance and driving innovation
- Led cross-functional initiatives for bottom-line profits throughout product development lifecycle
- Negotiated with suppliers, reducing costs by over 20% and improving lead times
- Defined competitive product RSPs and intake margins
- Supported quality control and ensured regulatory compliance
- Conducted sensory evaluations to ensure product quality and effectiveness
Lead technologist
Trent Ltd., A TATA Enterprise
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Identified and evaluated new vendors to enhance quality and cost efficiency
- Defined NPD processes for rapid and cost-effective launches in line with market trends
- Achieved launch timelines as short as 3 months from idea to market
- Led end-to-end project launches for professional skin care ranges, including conceptualization, product range creation, formulation, packaging, costing, and marketing
- Created artwork meeting regulatory standards for packaging across different countries
- Explored international markets and facilitated local manufacturing to align with trends
- Collaborated with government-approved testing labs for product analysis
- Addressed consumer complaints promptly and took necessary actions
- Spearheaded the expansion of cosmetic portfolio to include 200+ shades in lips and nails
- Managed shade approvals and manufacturing processes
- Led international projects for color cosmetics, bath and body products, and perfumes
- Provided documentation support for cosmetic import registration in India
- Overhauled existing products using new raw materials
- Collaborated with market leaders and consultants to drive innovation in product development
- Established standards for product handling, storage, and transport
- Conducted training sessions for beauty consultants on product technical aspects at retail stores
Technical Executive
Trent Ltd., A TATA Enterprise
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Provided product development support to vendors
- Tracked, analyzed and monitor technology performance metrics.
- Ensured quality assurance throughout the product development process
- Managed vendor communications and relationships effectively
- Collaborated with R&D experts in the Indian cosmetic industry for product creation
- Offered technical inputs to buyers for development briefs to vendors
- Handled documentation and interpretation of reports according to Indian standards
- Conducted in-house testing of products and provided feedback reports to buyers and vendors
- Supported the buying team with technical queries
- Approved products based on control samples for all batches
- Revamped old formulations in bath and body and fragrance portfolios
- Maintained vendor trackers to monitor project statuses
- Analyzed consumer feedback and complaints, implementing necessary actions accordingly
R&D Executive
The Body Care
11.2014 - 09.2015
- Formulated and tested skin care and hair care products for in-house brand
- Oversaw the scaling up of formulations from lab to manufacturing batches
- Developed professional skin lightening kits comprising cleansers, de-tan cream, dermabrasion exfoliator, whitening massage cream, serum, and mask
- Created hair removal products including epilatory liposoluble waxes, strip-less waxes, hydro-soluble waxes, and depilatory creams
- Formulated professional hair care products for salons such as sulfate-free shampoos, deep moisturizing conditioners, serums, and masks
- Designed professional treatment products like cuticle removing creams, mud packs, and peel-off masks
- Developed skin care products such as face washes, cleansing creams, moisturizing lotions, and sunscreens
- Conducted stability testing for all products
- Revamped existing formulations with cost-efficient alternatives while maintaining product texture and efficacy
- Benchmarked best-selling products and formulated equivalent or superior alternatives with higher profit margins
- Collaborated with technical teams from raw material suppliers to develop new products
R&D Trainee
Marico Ltd
05.2013 - 06.2013
- Conducted analytical testing of hair care products
- Specialized in packaging technology for hair oil bottles
- Formulated hair gels and oversaw lab-scale up of formulations
- Conducted extensive research on the project titled "Effect of coconut oil and LLP on hair
Education
Bachelor of Cosmetic Technology - Cosmetology
Lady Amritabai Daga College(LAD College), Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University
Nagpur, Maharashtra 06.2010 - 01.2014
Skills
Communication and Negotiation
Budget Management
Product Development
Market Analysis
Team Management
Technical Proficiency
Product Assortment Curation
Buying and Procurement
Additional Information
- AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS , Consistent Blue rating achiever (KRA Achievement >100%) for 2 consecutive years (2016-17 and 2017-18) at Trent Ltd. Category excellence award for StudioWest team at Trent R&R 2017-18 Excellence in brand performance for StudioWest team at Trent engagement conclave Dec-2017 Outstanding achievement for StudioWest team at Trent R&R 2016-17
Timeline
Senior Executive Private Label Cosmetics
Landmark Group - Lifestyle
11.2020 - Current
Lead technologist
Trent Ltd., A TATA Enterprise
07.2017 - 08.2018
Technical Executive
Trent Ltd., A TATA Enterprise
09.2015 - 06.2017
R&D Executive
The Body Care
11.2014 - 09.2015
R&D Trainee
Marico Ltd
05.2013 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Cosmetic Technology - Cosmetology
Lady Amritabai Daga College(LAD College), Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University
06.2010 - 01.2014