KAREL PAULE
Merchandise Planner, Personal Assistant, Buyer
Sharjah
Summary
Analytical Merchandise Planner with 14 years of experience planning, problem-solving and predicting trends. Collaborative approach and efficient decision-making led to high-quality outcomes. Maximized inventory and minimized risk for retail partners. Adept with data analysis and application.
Detail-oriented Executive Assistant team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Passionate Buyer with 4+ years of experience, talented in procuring goods and driving business success. Sharp individual well-versed in using exemplary research skills to determine up and coming style trends.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
MERCHANDISE PLANNER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
01.2010 - Current
- Created sales projections and adjusted purchase plans to maximize inventory with volume responsibility of more than 300,000 units yearly.
- Managed inventory to secure high-performing collections in line with customer demand; minimized inventory write-offs by doing competitive promotions of slow sellers and near expiry lines.
- Identified risks and established opportunities to drive growth and increase profit through effective inventory management.
- Gathered and analyzed stock/merchandise requirements to develop buying specifications and criteria.
- Liaised with internal partners regarding store allocation, deliveries and requests, inter-branch transfers to minimize out of stock
- Evaluated product sales performance to provide accurate reports and identify improvement opportunities.
- Coordinated with Buying department and retail partners to develop smooth ordering process and efficient delivery of items.
- Generated sales reports and used data to adjust acquisition, assortment and allocation of products.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTORS
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
05.2009 - 01.2010
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Provided multifaceted services to 3 Directors by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.
- Coordinated international and domestic travel logistics including flight itineraries, hotel reservations and car services.
- Attended meetings, took notes and tracked action items.
- Updated spreadsheets and created presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
ASSISTANT BUYER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
08.2008 - 04.2009
BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYST, BUYING
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
07.2006 - 08.2008
- Delivered end-to-end IT ORACLE systems and business change projects in line with project specifications
- Devised and led operational changes to generate significant improvements and measurable results in line with business objectives
- Drafted procedure manuals, work definitions, and standard operating procedures by job title or work area
ASSISTANT BUYER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
07.2002 - 07.2006
- Sourced new suppliers to improve cost-effectiveness, negotiated contracts, and improved prices and terms, generating annual cost savings
- Communicated closely with stakeholders, including vendors and merchants, helping to secure well-timed deliveries
- Evaluated product sales performance to provide accurate reports and identify improvement opportunities
- Ensured business continuity, conducting market research to optimize strategy in line with product market trends.
Education
ORACLE RETAIL APPLICATIONS TRAINING -
Enabler Wipro
Dubai, UAE 12.2007 - 12.2007
TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM -
Performance Connect
Dubai, UAE 12.2006 - 12.2006
PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS -
Shanfari Information Technology
Dubai, UAE 11.2006 - 11.2006
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING -
Saint Louis University
Philippines 06.1993 - 03.1998
Skills
Merchandising Expertise
Sales and Trend Analysis
Good Communication and Organization
Analytical Thinker
Team Player
Promotional Planning
Stock Replenishment
Demand Forecasting
Attention to Detail
Retail Merchandise Buying
Supplier Communication
Focus and Time Management
Proficient in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power Pivot, Oracle Retail
Vendor Negotiation
Accomplishments
- SUPER-USER DESIGNATE IN BUYING - Assigned by the organization as a “resident expert” for an Oracle Retail System and business process.
- DEVELOPED EXTENSIVE EXPIRY REPORT - Tracked the expiries of around 4K SKUs and resolved system limitations to proper management of aging inventories.
- ESTABLISHED TRADE MEETING REPORTS - Developed extensive Trade Meeting Reports that helped the company in practical and vital decision-making.
Timeline
MERCHANDISE PLANNER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
01.2010 - Current
PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO MANAGING DIRECTORS
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
05.2009 - 01.2010
ASSISTANT BUYER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
08.2008 - 04.2009
ORACLE RETAIL APPLICATIONS TRAINING -
Enabler Wipro
12.2007 - 12.2007
TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM -
Performance Connect
12.2006 - 12.2006
PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS -
Shanfari Information Technology
11.2006 - 11.2006
BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYST, BUYING
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
07.2006 - 08.2008
ASSISTANT BUYER
KAMAL OSMAN JAMJOOM GROUP
07.2002 - 07.2006
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING -
Saint Louis University
06.1993 - 03.1998