Buyer
T.Choithrams and sons
Total years of experience :17 years, 6 Months
Responsible for category sales/margin/turns performance with Choithrams Merchandising vision.
Develop and execute financial plans for specific product categories and classes that meet the e-commerce division and company financial goals.
Manage category, promotional and close-out sku level inventory to maximize productivity, fulfilled and turn goals.
Pro-actively identify category/sku specific opportunities and issues, proposing solutions that drive the business forward and minimize liabilities.
Manages communication and coordination of category management efforts across the departments of the Category Manager’s responsibility.
Collaborates in building a quarterly category business plan based on detailed analysis of previous results and market trends.
Provide sku information for quarterly catalogues to include category analysis based on previous year sales, marketing audience, and seasonality.
Manage sample requests for the web and catalogues to include sample verification and the completion of Merchandise Information Forms.
Works closely with the Director and Merchandise Manager of each department. Communicate category/promotional plans to ensure desired service levels and optimum inventory positions are achieved.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments across the organization.
Develop sku level assortment plans for on-line and off-line promotions based on detailed sales analysis of previous results and market trends after each Merchandiser buying trip.
Maintains integrity and execution of corporate/ government regulations.
Monitors and responds to issues and opportunities resulting from deviations in financial plan variances or market trends.
Supports the development of Category segment driven assortment plans.
Maintains knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends and makes product recommendations.
Work closely with Marketing to develop marketing strategies based on sales history, market trends and seasonality.
Provide Sku for emails and marketing initiatives to the Choithrams Marketing team.
Maintain Inventory levels to meet sales and turn goals and marketing initiatives by working with the Choithrams Allocations and Replenishment Team.
First line contact for the Vendor and Management.
Market research for new Products and Vendors.
Terms and Conditions finalization for new Vendors.
Define process flow for Key verticals- New Product Launch.
Performance Analysis of Market segments.
Performance analysis of Vendor and Products.
Vendor budget management.
Daily, Weekly and Monthly Analytical report - Trend Line analysis and Future performance predictions.
Handling day-to-day activities of Product management.
Short and long-term strategic plans including annual business plans, product pricing negotiations, promotion and innovation pipeline strategy with P&L and budget responsibility.
Added New Product set with addition of new vendors across reasons.
Increased the overall conversion rate of the websites from 1.20% to 2.10%.
Occasion centric plan development and implementation.
Testing and Debugging of errors of the website to improve customer experience.
Implemented Customer flow funnel using google analytic reporting.
Leading Buying & Merchandising vertical for Appliances, Audio and Video Category for Metro cash and carry Stores.
Managing a dedicated team of Sr. Buyers, Buyers and Merchandisers and looking after business profitability.
Merchandising, P&L Management, Section Layouts, Category Management, vendor Management, Assortment Planning, Pricing, promotion is part of daily process.
Define the range and assortment and space allocation for the Category and relooking at the existing store setup.
Sets detailed KPIs on margin compliance, markdowns, stock turn, aged stock management and sell through.
Manages the weekly activities of buyers and leads the performance management and delivery of business objectives.
Completes daily and weekly category analysis, monitors stock forecasting and on shelf availability and addresses issues immediately (weeks cover, sell through, markdowns)
Dealing with top Brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, Hitachi, Panasonic, Midea, Braun, Nutribullet, Kenwood, Bose, Sonos, TCL, Apple, Electa etc
Visiting Product Launch and looking for new products and business opportunities
Planning the range in system to maintain proper order level at all stores.
Judging the performance of the products based on their planned locations.
Understanding customer buying behaviour and thus placing the products/ product mix
New Brand product line-up introduction to business
Conducting staff training program for new as well as existing product line-up
Oversee and improve overall business, evaluate market trends, manage brand values and image.
Budget Management and allocation of regional budget splits and expense reports.
Range development, product & category selections in line with budgets, forecasting consumer behavior & market trends.
Pre-buying, post-buying, and sell-through reports.
Strategically design & oversee global and local marketing campaigns, media, PR, promotions, and events in accordance with local business needs and global brand strategy.
Customer data recruitment & management, customer rewarding, local partnerships, demographic analysis reports, direct client communications.
Predicting future trends based on trend research, market observations & buying patterns.
Monitoring key performance indicators such as sales, margin, stock turn & markdowns according to budget & reacting accordingly.
Managing optimum stock levels by analyzing stock cover, promotions, high & low sales periods in conjunction with the planner.
Reacting to changes in demand by developing a chase in / exit strategy based on current trade and logistics.
Monitor the stocks at floor level and liaise with stores to ensure supply meets demand ensuring the merchandise is available in time and in right quantities.
Meeting suppliers and negotiating terms of contract, discussing product details & reviewing ranges products.
Maintain excellent business with new and existing suppliers by frequent visits to meet them to initiate as well as develop business through aggressive marketing.
Liaising with other departments within the organization to ensure timely completion of Orders.
Support the promotional activities in the store. Receive and analyze reports on the activities and provide recommendations when required.
Visit stores of renowned/competitors brands and prepare a competitive market research to analyze trends, consumer preferences, and seasonal demands etc... To formulate next seasonal collection.
Drive sales, monitor performance and identify commercial opportunities and make recommendations to meet and exceed sales targets.
Cultivate a culture of excellent customer service, leading by example. Resolve customer complaints effectively and promptly.
Minimize stock loss through the management, implementation and adherence of Mega Mart policies and procedures.
Analyze stock management information available to ensure sales opportunities are maximized.
Provide and analyze reports in order to gain understanding of current performance trends, to identify commercial opportunities and ensure Buying/Planning are aware of stock related feedback.
Prepare and implement stock takes in store in liaison with the Operations team.
Recommend, manage and/or support sales promotions and brand activities through effective planning and preparation to meet expectations. Feedback to relevant parties.
Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with key business partners.
Understand customer profiles and ensure feedback is provided on Marketing, Buying and Planning to relevant parties.
Ensure Visual Merchandising standards are maintained within brand guidelines. Implement Company expectations of standards, maintenance and cleanliness.
Monitor sales per square foot to ensure maximum productivity within brand and store specifications.
Keep abreast of market trends and competitor activity and provide feedback/recommendations to the Company.
Ensure all Company policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to.
Ensure Company Health & Safety standards are adhered to at all times.
Completes store operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.
Maintains store staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
Maintains store staff job results by coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
Achieves financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
Identifies current and future customer requirements by establishing rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.
Ensures availability of merchandise and services by approving contracts; maintaining inventories.
Formulates pricing policies by reviewing merchandising activities; determining additional needed sales promotion; authorizing clearance sales; studying trends.
Markets merchandise by studying advertising, sales promotion, and display plans; analyzing operating and financial statements for profitability ratios.
Secures merchandise by implementing security systems and measures.
Protects employees and customers by providing a safe and clean store environment.
Maintains the stability and reputation of the store by complying with legal requirements.
Determines marketing strategy changes by reviewing operating and financial statements and departmental sales records.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Maintains operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing program, operational, and personnel policies and procedures.
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Executive In General Management Programme.
MBA in International Business
Bachelor of Business Administartion