APARAJITA UPADHYAY
Bengaluru
Summary
Results-oriented retail professional with 15 years managing apparel and non-apparel categories, including men's, women's, and kids' wear. Experienced in product management, driving growth and performance for major brands. Skilled in PLC management, supply chain integration, merchandising, P&L oversight, and marketing campaign execution.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Product Management
Jockey
01.2024 - 10.2025
- Spearheaded Product for India's largest apparel brand with an annual turnover of 5000 crores.
- Championed the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process audits, resulting in successful ISO certification and enhanced organizational efficiency.
- Drove adoption of auto-replenishment systems across multiple product categories, resulting in a cumulative 12% increase in user engagement.
- On boarded various patented technologies to enhance customer product experience.
- Enhanced brand NMSM inventory through effective PLC and B class inventory management strategies.
- Lead key digital transformation initiatives across product and supply chain functions, including automation of replenishment systems and rollout of JDA (Blue Yonder) for demand planning and inventory optimization.
- Directed product development team and negotiated optimal pricing strategies, ensuring competitive product offerings.
Brand Head | Women's wear
Jockey-India
04.2018 - 12.2023
- Spearheaded the Women's Wear business, growing it to ₹1,300 Cr turnover with a 5-year CAGR of 18% establishing it as a key revenue pillar within the organization.
- Optimized supplier terms (MCQ/MOQ) to enhance category EBITA by 6% and drove 12% production efficiency improvements through targeted special projects.
- Achieved 89% liquidation of NMSM (Non-Moving, Slow-Moving) inventory in FY22-23 by launching marketing led clearance strategies, distributor incentive programs, and limited-edition merchandise drops.
- Conceptualized and executed Jockey's first-ever women-centric marketing campaign - "Jockey Woman Knows Me", creating a differentiated brand voice and boosting market recall.
- Developed and implemented L&D modules for 2,500+ front-end and backend employees in 6 months.
- Conceived and launched the sub-brand Miss Jockey, contributing 12% of Women's Wear revenue and delivering 15% like-to-like growth YoY
- Rebranded and overhauled packaging for Jockey, enhancing retail shelf appeal and facilitating adoption in international markets.
Deputy General Manager | Women's Apparels, Non-Apparels and Kids wear
Pantaloons Fashion and Retail Ltd
08.2013 - 04.2018
- Contributed to core team (post ABG acquisition) by designing SOPs to enhance operational efficiency and automate processes.
- Oversaw management of multiple categories generating INR 700cr in revenue across apparels and non-apparels.
- Managed P&L by optimizing brand mix, improving gross margins, and negotiating brand-funded marketing investments and cost efficiencies.
- Negotiated trade terms with 100+ brand partners during the GST transition phase, achieving a 150 bps improvement in gross margins through strategic agreements.
- Revived trade relationships with 26 inactive distributors by securing approvals to write off legacy payment issues, restoring business partnerships and expanding market reach.
- Strong tracking of store performance to optimize per sq ft returns.
- Enhanced inventory productivity to optimize category cash flow.
- Developed open-to-buy plans to manage inventory levels effectively., forward projections and sales plan in alignment with Store growth plan.
- Assortment planning and merchandise planning.
- Managed timely replenishments and availability across 250 stores.
- Aditya Birla Group
Deputy Merchandiser
Shoppers Stop Limited
05.2010 - 07.2013
- Assortment Planning & Inventory management
- Ensured timely replenishments and deliveries of stock, optimizing inventory within OTB guidelines.
- Brand management and promotional planning.
- Monitored new launch (product/brand) performance and optimized space allocation to enhance product visibility.
- Collaborated with Raheja Group on strategic projects
Education
Master of Business Administration - Marketing
S.I.O.M
Pune01.2010
Certificate in Banking & Finance -
Institute of Banking and Finance
01.2010
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Pune University
Pune01.2007
Skills
- Negotiation skills
- Analytical abilities
- Quick learning
- Strategic planning
- JDA merchandising tools
- SAP proficiency
- SaaS applications
- Power BI expertise
- Microsoft Office skills
- Excel proficiency
- Supply chain knowledge
Accomplishments
• Corporate Nominee, Economic Times Young Leader's Award (2016) - Nominated by ABFRL for demonstrating exceptional leadership potential among India's emerging business leaders.
• Chairman's Award - Emerging Professional Category, Aditya Birla Group Global Awards (2014) - Honoured for outstanding business performance as a young leader.
• Best Leader - Most Efficient Team, IBM Vibes Employee Engagement Survey (2015) - Recognized for building and leading the highest-rated team in efficiency and engagement across the organization.
• Chairman's Award - Emerging Professional Category, Aditya Birla Group Global Awards (2014) - Honoured for outstanding business performance as a young leader.
• Best Leader - Most Efficient Team, IBM Vibes Employee Engagement Survey (2015) - Recognized for building and leading the highest-rated team in efficiency and engagement across the organization.
Timeline
Head Product Management
Jockey
01.2024 - 10.2025
Brand Head | Women's wear
Jockey-India
04.2018 - 12.2023
Deputy General Manager | Women's Apparels, Non-Apparels and Kids wear
Pantaloons Fashion and Retail Ltd
08.2013 - 04.2018
Deputy Merchandiser
Shoppers Stop Limited
05.2010 - 07.2013
Master of Business Administration - Marketing
S.I.O.M
Certificate in Banking & Finance -
Institute of Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Pune University