RACHNA SARAH THOMAS
DUBAI,UAE
Summary
Accomplished Senior Buyer and Sourcing professional with vast experience in researching and purchasing highly-desirable products to meet consumer needs.
Talented in building strong relationships with key suppliers and negotiating prices for best value when making purchases.
Proven track record of identifying cost saving opportunities and developing and executing strategies to maximise sales and profits
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
, UAE
09.2021 - Current
- Handling complete Buying and Sourcing of ~170 Million AED Bathroom department
- Consistently working on improving the assortment which has led to ~10-15% category and Margin growth year on year
- Visiting Trade fairs and Industry Events for sourcing new products to China, Far East , India and Europe
- Communicating with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiating prices to maintain profit margins .
- Identified potential new suppliers for strategic expansion initiatives.
- Analysing global trends and identifying the relevant and most commercial looks for the market
- Product development as per Trends by floating the design and product briefs to vendors, getting the samples prepared and quotes for the cost, Finalizing the vendors along with the agreed price
- Visiting Stores within UAE and across GCC, interacting with the retail operations and deriving the insights useful for buying decisions
- Visiting competition regularly and understanding their offerings
- Complete range and assortment planning for the season and Product Presentation to management
- Facilitating Stock availability by regularly following through the shipments in order to hit all the critical dates and events
- Samples review and Co-ordination with the Packaging department to develop the requisite packaging
- Inter department co-ordination within the organization, Coordination with Planning team for assortment and allocation, communication of placement of order, logistical support, liaising with Marketing , E-commerce, Training ,Visual merchandising team for the various Retail activities.
Buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
DUBAI , UAE
07.2017 - 09.2021
- Handled complete Buying and Sourcing of ~100 Million AED Lighting department
- Worked on turnaround of the department under the leadership guidance which led to ~6 % category and Margin growth year on year
- Visiting Trade fairs and Industry Events for sourcing new products to China
- Analysing global trends and identifying the relevant and most commercial looks for the market
- Identified new vendors whilst researching competitive markets globally.
- Invested in continuous professional development to stay abreast of industry changes.
- Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable prices and products
- Visiting Stores within UAE and across GCC, interacting with the retail operations and deriving the insights useful for buying decisions
- Visiting competition regularly and understanding their offerings
- Complete range and assortment planning for the season and Product Presentation to management
- Facilitating Stock availability by regularly following through the shipments in order to hit all the critical dates and events
- Samples review and Co-ordination with the Packaging department to develop the requisite packaging
- Inter department co-ordination within the organization, Coordination with Planning team for assortment and allocation, communication of placement of order, logistical support, liaising with Marketing , E-commerce, Training ,Visual merchandising team for the various Retail activities.
Assistant buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
DUBAI , UAE
01.2012 - 07.2017
- Assisted in handling the Household categories ~Wall Decor , Rugs and Lighting
- Visiting Trade fairs and Industry Events for sourcing new products to China, Far East , India and Europe
- Developed strong rapport with vendors for smooth business operations.
- Liaised with new vendors and suppliers to boost product offerings and increase profit margins
- Enhanced product offerings with careful selection of high-quality goods.
- Visited competition regularly and understanding their offerings
- Coordinated range and assortment planning
- Monitored supplier performance, addressing any instances of non-compliance promptly.
Senior Merchandiser
Li & Fung India Pvt. Ltd
Gurugram, India
02.2007 - 12.2011
- Responsible for sourcing various product categories from India and Bangladesh for various International customers - Sourcing for Wal-mart International from India and other Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China
- Managed a small team of Merchandisers
- Vendor identification, development and vendor relationship management - Domestic and International factory visits to assess vendor capabilities - Price negotiations - Order finalisations and order handling - Working closely with QA team to ensure timely and quality shipments - Handling customer visits - Working with vendors on Range developments for customer selections
- Annual budgeting and ensuring to meet the team's quarterly and yearly targets
- Products handled in Soft-Home category - All Home textile products, Towels ,Soft furnishings, Bed linen, Blankets and Quilts, Sheet sets, Duvet sets, Decorative Cushions, Table linen, Curtains and Draperies, Floor coverings – Bathmats ,Rugs , Coir and Rubber Doormats, Hand knitting yarns and Accessories – Scarves ,stoles and Pareos
- Products handled in Hard-Home -Flatware, Kitchenware, Cookware, Dinnerware, Glassware, Hangers, Luggage, Exercise Equipment, Napkin Rings, Candles and Pot pourri, Photo frames, Stationary, Handicrafts and Home decoration – Vases and Candleholder, Christmas Ornaments and X-mas trees, Beaded articles and many more
- Key customers handled - Wal-mart International, Karstadt-Germany, Neckermann, Quelle Germany, Home Shopping Europe, Quelle France, River Island- UK, Vroom & Dressman– Netherlands,Loblaw –Canada, Myer –Australia
Senior Merchandiser
William E. Connor & Associates
Gurugram, India
02.2006 - 02.2007
- Independently handing overseas customer accounts - Mothercare UK, Actus Japan, Williams Sonoma-Home USA
- Products handled - Curtains, cushions, throws, sheet sets, towels, Bedding, Gift articles
- Responsible for communication with buying team & co-ordination with vendors, meeting the deadlines for samples, shipments
- Ensuring the quality & timely shipments.
Senior Merchandiser
Li & Fung India Pvt. Ltd
New Delhi , India
07.2002 - 01.2006
- Independently handled customer accounts : Argos UK, Homebase UK, Allders UK, Aeon Japan, Daiei Japan.
- Products included -all Home textiles, Floor-Coverings & Handicraft items
- Responsibilities included interacting with Buyers & Vendors, visiting factories, ensuring the right quality & timely shipment as per Buyer's requirements
Merchandiser
JAYANITA EXPORTS PVT LTD
Delhi , India
04.2000 - 07.2002
- The responsibilities included handling the customer accounts independently, interaction with vendors and customers, executing the orders on time
- Customer's handled: USA Catalogue Company, USA Importer servicing US and Canada retailers.
Education
DIPLOMA - EXPORT MANAGEMENT
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF EXPORT MANAGEMENT
INDIA 09.1996 - 09.1997
B. Tech - Textile Technology
Gujarat University
L.D. College of Engineering 06.1990 - 01.1996
Skills
- Category management proficiency
- Global sourcing
- Cost-reduction strategies
- Supplier management
- Commercial acumen
- Strategic planning
Accomplishments
- Awarded Season's Sensation Superstar at Homecentre for continuous efforts in turnaround of the assigned category
- Awarded Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Superstar award at Homecentre for outstanding contribution in department's growth
- Awarded Project Team of the Year at Homecentre for the very successful launch of Bed & Bath Festival
- Awarded Project Team of the Year at Homecentre for successful implementation of Home categories at Lifestyle stores
- Awarded Best Member of the Merchandising team at Jayanita Exports
Certification
Successfully completed the Managerial Effectiveness Program - Joynery 2024 at Landmark group
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
09.2021 - Current
Buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
07.2017 - 09.2021
Assistant buyer
Homecentre , Landmark Group
01.2012 - 07.2017
Senior Merchandiser
Li & Fung India Pvt. Ltd
02.2007 - 12.2011
Senior Merchandiser
William E. Connor & Associates
02.2006 - 02.2007
Senior Merchandiser
Li & Fung India Pvt. Ltd
07.2002 - 01.2006
Merchandiser
JAYANITA EXPORTS PVT LTD
04.2000 - 07.2002
DIPLOMA - EXPORT MANAGEMENT
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF EXPORT MANAGEMENT
09.1996 - 09.1997
B. Tech - Textile Technology
Gujarat University
06.1990 - 01.1996
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