Pradeepan Vijayan
Dubai
Summary
Experienced retail professional with a demonstrated history of working successfully between both retail and distribution. Having worked with Apparel, Footwear, Electronics , Furniture , Bags and Luggage, Furniture and Food and Beverages Categories. I am very commercial with excellent negotiation skills and a real passion for the industry. Actively looking for a new role in the United Arab Emirates to fully utilize extensive experience gained over 19 years.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Buyer & Operations
Cuple St LLC
08.2019 - 11.2023
- Conducted extensive market research for fashion footwear, Handbags, Watches , Perfume and accessories, analyzed consumer behavior buy conducting surveys and interacting with customers
- Analyzing sales data from different market places and to forecast demand and supply and optimize the inventory levels
- Resourcing and managing manufacturer, negotiating and managing vendors and payment and delivery schedules in favor of the company
- Monitoring supplier and manufacturer performance and quality to ensure timely delivery and quality of products
- Developing and managing buying budgets, analyzing financial data and tracking expenses to adhere to follow the budget
- Collaborating with influencers and deciding promotional activities to drive sales and brand visibility
- Analyzing sales performance at all platforms including website and market places to improve and implement the necessary changes
- Managing listing of products on various market places including Amazone and Noon, Namshi along with website
- Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
- Keeping track of competition.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Employed expert inventory management and oversight skills to formulate business metrics and meet corporate goals.
- Prepared detailed reports to highlight inventory levels, purchase orders and discrepancies.
- Developed new strategies to reduce purchasing costs and maintain quality standards.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
- Oversaw purchasing process from initiating requests to finalizing contracts to deliver smooth transaction.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
- Developed and managed budgets for purchasing and projected purchasing needs.
- Created hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.
- Provided clerks with information to print on price tags such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs or style number.
- Cultivated relationships with wholesalers and distributors to increase inventory availability.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Studied and monitored market trends to identify potential suppliers.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
Category Manager and Buyer
Apparel Group
10.2016 - 07.2019
- Oversees and maintains inventory.
- Researches, analyzes, and forecasts current and future buying trends, markets, styles, and products with attention to specified target market and demographics.
- Negotiates contracts with wholesalers and suppliers.
- Create reports on sales, budgets and customer satisfaction and adjust your strategies accordingly
- Assume responsibility of budget development and revenue for category
- Devise long-term development strategies for product categories
- Develop exit strategies for unsuccessful products
- Place appropriate orders to ensure product availability that meets consumer demands
- Determine the positioning of a product category to maximize visibility
- Liaise with marketing teams to determine competitive pricing and promotional activities of a product category
- Make forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory
- Worked closely with product team, risk management team, fund managers, operations team and managed and handled team assistants.
Deputy Category Manager
Reliance Retail Ltd
02.2014 - 09.2016
- Ensuring company product categories along with displays are optimized for sales and marketing.
- Researching and analyzing trends in sales and consumer behavior.
- Drafting reports for the organization to enhance sales.
- Producing, adapting, and advising on display and current marketing materials as needed.
- Planning and implementing planograms for shelf displays.
- Communicating with suppliers and retailers about products.
- Optimizing in-store displays with prompted signage, category markers, and category usage tips.
- Adjusting strategies and materials to improve sales with new target markets.
- Coordinating and briefing market research initiatives.
- Checking and managing inventory for various product categories.
Category Manager
Future Group ( Big Bazaar )
12.2012 - 01.2014
- Develop and implement category strategies and plans to achieve sales and profit targets.
- Conduct market research and analyze consumer trends, competitor products, and pricing to identify opportunities and make informed decisions.
- Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate and maintain favorable terms, pricing, and contracts.
- Monitor market dynamics, including consumer preferences, industry trends, and regulatory changes, and adjust category strategies accordingly.
- Manage product assortment, including assortment planning, selection, and optimization.
- Determine pricing strategies and manage price positioning to optimize sales and profitability.
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure alignment with sales forecasts, working closely with the supply chain team to minimize stock-outs and overstocks.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute promotional plans to drive category sales and increase brand visibility.
- Analyze sales data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement and make data-driven recommendations.
- Conduct regular performance reviews of products and suppliers to ensure they meet quality standards and customer expectations.
- Stay updated on industry trends, new product developments, and emerging technologies relevant to the category.
- Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams, including sales representatives and marketing managers, to ensure the successful execution of category strategies.
Regional Sales Manager
Oren Kitchen World ( Modular Kitchen And Interiors)
01.2010 - 11.2012
- Finalized sales contracts with high-value customers.
- Collaborated with senior executives to evaluate performance in regional area and develop strategies to expand revenue generation.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
- Introduced cost-saving initiatives to reduce losses and increase profit margin.
- Conducted product demonstrations and presentations to potential clients to capture more sales.
- Executed successful marketing campaigns to generate new business and expand customer base.
- Attended industry conferences and tradeshows to stay up-to-date with market trends and customer needs.
- Executed successful promotional events and trade shows.
- Modeled strong negotiation skills to help team members close tough deals with lucrative clients.
- Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
Assistant Category Manager
Future Group ( Big Bazaar )
05.2007 - 12.2009
- Research and analyze data and market insights
- Search for insights into consumer needs and wants
- Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories
- Design exit strategies for unsuccessful products
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors
- Place appropriate orders
- Ensure product availability
- Strategize positioning of a product category in order to maximize its visibility
- Collaborate with the marketing team
- Research competitors and suggest appropriate pricing and promotional activities
- Work with customers and merchandisers and find new ways of expanding product categories
- Calculate forecasts for product demand trends
- Manage and track budget
Purchase Assistant Cum Store in Charge
Hindustan Latex Limited ( Contract )
06.2004 - 04.2007
- Researched competitors' market and revenue to determine shortfalls and opportunities for new business and market capture.
- Communicated with vendors and distributors to negotiate prices and purchase contracts.
- Corresponded with sales department to achieve proper order, resupply, shipment and delivery of products.
- Analyzed annual and quarterly stock levels to schedule resupply of materials and components from vendors.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management, Accounting And Taxaation
Kerala University
Kerala India09.2001
M S OFFICE -
COMPUTER LITERACY MISSION OF INDIA
KERALA10.2000
Skills
- Skills & qualification:
- Exceptional negotiating and communication skills with ability to build relationship with vendors, suppliers and industry professionals
- Rich experience of more than 18 years in sales, marketing, business development, financial analysis, client acquisition and relationship management
- Extensive knowledge of market trends, consumer behavior and Retail industry dynamics
- Proficient in data analysis tools and software like excel and SAP,Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics and visualization tools
- Well versed in conducting trend research, Identifying emerging fashion trends and translating them in to profitable business strategies
- Strong analytical mindset, with ability to analyze sales data, identifying patterns and making informed business decisions
- Demonstrated ability to optimize inventory levels and minimize costs
- Operations Management
- Team Development
- Strategic Planning
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Supply Chain Management
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Malayalam
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Tamil
Upper intermediate (B2)
Arabic
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Head Buyer & Operations
Cuple St LLC
08.2019 - 11.2023
Category Manager and Buyer
Apparel Group
10.2016 - 07.2019
Deputy Category Manager
Reliance Retail Ltd
02.2014 - 09.2016
Category Manager
Future Group ( Big Bazaar )
12.2012 - 01.2014
Regional Sales Manager
Oren Kitchen World ( Modular Kitchen And Interiors)
01.2010 - 11.2012
Assistant Category Manager
Future Group ( Big Bazaar )
05.2007 - 12.2009
Purchase Assistant Cum Store in Charge
Hindustan Latex Limited ( Contract )
06.2004 - 04.2007
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management, Accounting And Taxaation
Kerala University
M S OFFICE -
COMPUTER LITERACY MISSION OF INDIA
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