Ola Rifai, National Demand Planner

Ola Rifai

National Demand Planner

Fisher & Paykel Appliances

Location
New Zealand - Auckland
Education
Bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and International Business
Experience
20 years, 1 month

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :20 years, 1 month

National Demand Planner at Fisher & Paykel Appliances
  • New Zealand - Auckland
  • My current job since September 2021
Supply and Replenishment Planner at Asahi Beverages
  • New Zealand - Auckland
  • April 2018 to August 2021
Assistant Buyer at Officemax NZ Ltd
  • New Zealand
  • June 2017 to March 2018

Fast paced role supporting the Buyer in the Café, Confectionary, Cleaning and Hygiene, Technology and Education categories in relation to the management of product and supplier engagement. We undertake regular analysis of product ranges to identify category growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:
•Manage all aspects of the promotions process for all categories to achieve Co-op budgets:
•Support recommendations for promotions and ensure promotional material is accurate by reviewing mailers/catalogues/flyers,
•Signing off stock availability on full margin catalogues and all promotional activities,
•Negotiate with supplier for adequate support and competitive pricing, as well as ensuring we will maintain a good stock level

•Monitor and analyse key competitor/ market activity and category trends:
•Maintain a good understanding of what is happening in the market
•Keep an eye and regularly review the competitors position in the market, their advertising, ranging and category development business activities

•Assist the Category Manager and Team with planning, advice and reports:
•Undertake analysis of category performance, and provide information for the category budget development, activities and forecasts
•Assist with the overall category planning and segmentation, as well as regularly monitor and review the performance of the Strategic Category plan
•Working continually on maximizing profitability and brand value by enhancing and developing the category and product marketing strategies
•Co-ordinating activities and working with other departments

•Assist with managing category finances, including advertising budgets, levies and co-op with the Buyer
•Generate reports to assist with forecasts, margin results and keeping track of stock levels
•Forecasting, monitoring and regularly reviewing general and promotional sales performance
•Manage and negotiate costs and support with supplier to achieve the best value and be competitive

•Assist with managing product within the category:
•Identify opportunities to promote slow moving stock, review product ranges and provide recommendations through understanding category management tactics, then assisting with performance forecast, supply and demand, incremental sales and margins
•Try to always maintain a strong awareness of the supplier’s products, as well as the competitor’s and the market trends
•Co-ordinate and assist with our Team buying tasks by reviewing and ranging products, as well as contacting and negotiating with suppliers
•Always aware and in contact with stores to know about any product issues, as well as what is selling well and what are the customer demands


•Obtain accurate and appropriate business environment data to measure business success and opportunity:
•Monitor and assist with reporting on industry trends and changes, as well as maintain a strong market awareness of trends,
•Understand the customer - demographics, characteristics, buying behaviour and expectations

•Assist with managing, facilitating and measure promotional activities by generating statistics to help in the development of the marketing analysis and decisions:
•Implement annual promotions by planning them ahead of time, identifying products and negotiating support and costs with suppliers and giving them deadlines

•Establish and maintain business relationships externally and internally:
•Being the main contact with other departments and suppliers
•Always involved in regular meetings with suppliers to discuss and review plans, promotional results, new initiatives and supply capabilities etc.
•Assist with the performance review process with each supplier including providing data for monitoring

Assistant Planner at Ezibuy Limited
  • January 2014 to June 2017
Merchandise Category Assistant at Noel Leeming, The Warehouse Group
  • New Zealand - Auckland
  • February 2012 to January 2014
Specialist at Telstra Clear Telecommunications
  • New Zealand
  • June 2010 to December 2012

Having Knowledge of sales and marketing principles and strategies, I conceptualized the development and launch of a New Mobile Home plan, a consumer- and business- driven promotion offering competitive pricing. Delivered prepared sales talks, reading from scripts that described services, in order to persuade potential customers to purchase a service and answering customers questions.
•Obtained customer information such as name, address, and payment method, and entered orders into the system, and maintained records of that.
•Adjusted sales scripts to better target the needs and interests of specific individuals.
•Answer telephone calls from potential customers who have been solicited through advertisements.

Marketing and Sales at Life Pharmacy
  • New Zealand
  • July 2007 to May 2010

Promote extended services for all the luxury beauty fragrance brands (Dior, Estee Lauder, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancome, Shiseido, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins), and toiletries (Adidas, Playboy, etc.), and follow-ups to increase customer's satisfaction. Steer customers to products that meet their needs.
•Provided good knowledge regarding all products information
•Identified and implemented processes and sales improvement initiatives to increase sales
•Training and coaching new sales associates in sales techniques, and new product launches.
•Contacted distributors directly and kept them up-to-date in regard to everything including sales, orders, etc.

Marketing and Sales at Sunglass Hut, Auckland International Airpor
  • New Zealand
  • February 2004 to June 2007

Selling Luxury Branded Fashion sunglasses in an upscale store. Style and advise customers of new styles, fashion trends, and product features, and developed good relationships with clients to ensure customer loyalty and retention.
•Assisted store manager in merchandising and store layout to feature new items and best sellers.
•Act as the primary point of contact for all our customers.
•Coordinated and Participated in Events Presentations.

Education

Bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and International Business
  • at The University Of Auckland
  • January 2010

courses: CPIM- Certified in Production and Inventory Management

Specialties & Skills

International Sales
General Communications
Planning
Communications
Decision Maker
Proactive and Reactive
Budgeting
Forecasting
Inventory Management
Analytical
Problem Solving

Languages

English
Expert
Arabic
Expert

Training and Certifications

CPIM - Certified in Production and Inventory Management (Certificate)
Date Attended:
October 2020