Raj Kumar Swaminathan

•Leading and developing a team of merchandise planners to optimize performance.

•Negotiating financial strategies with internal and external parties to enhance cohesion and outcomes.

•Analyzing historical data and market trends to strategize and execute effective range planning.

•Negotiating purchase targets with key vendors to secure optimal rebate rates and strengthen supplier relationships.

•Analyzing merchandise performance by category to forecast inventory replenishment for five markets in the Middle East.

•Planning markdowns and commissions, and executing liquidation strategies for overstocked and aging merchandise.

•Collaborating with marketing and eCommerce teams to provide merchandise details for promotional campaigns and implementing price adjustments based on competitor reports.

•Implementing pricing strategies, monitoring margins, and entering product costing for new shipments.

•Liaising between buying division and suppliers on new product developments and ensuring timely displays with visual merchandisers.

•Reviewing vendor reports (open-to-buy, standstill) and strategizing to meet financial goals.

•Preparing and sharing sales reports (daily, monthly, yearly) while tracking sales targets and managing repeat orders.

•Resolving vendor issues related to customer complaints, damage claims, and spare parts, ensuring minimal stock loss.

•Liaising with vendors on new orders, ensuring article creation, product photos, and purchase orders are updated in the system.

•Creating weekly top seller reports to inform management and merchandising teams of business performance and trends.

•Ensuring vendor compliance with company policies, QC requirements, packing instructions, and shipping documentation processes.

•Maintaining organized material data and fabric samples for product development and future reference.

•Monitoring production progress with vendors, following up on timely shipping, and addressing issues with senior management.

•Maintaining accuracy in reviewing shipping documents, creating articles, and generating purchase orders based on management's instructions.

•Liaising with warehousing and vendors on new orders, lead times, and resolving damaged or missing item claims.

•Collaborating with freight brokers to negotiate the best services at competitive shipping rates.

•Supporting the finance department by creating payment requests and following up with banks.

•Organizing documentation and tracking for confirmed orders, shipments, and deliveries, ensuring accessibility across departments.