Chetan Makwana
Store Operation Manager, Category Manager
Ahmedabad
Summary
Category Manager with more than 9 years of supply chain and production planning experience. Demonstrated leadership capabilities with direct and indirect employee groups. Employs tact, sound judgment and maintains professional demeanor in communication and relationships with others while striving to deliver best quality in daily work.
Dedicated to Largest Online E-commerce B2C & Quick com professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Category Manager
Bigbasket IRCPL
Ahmedabad
12.2015 - Current
- Mentored junior team members, fostering professional development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, leading to better product availability and improved negotiation power.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan and execute successful marketing campaigns.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for better efficiency and cost savings.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain market share.
- Participated in trade shows, building brand awareness, and networking with potential suppliers or partners.
- Managed vendor contracts, ensuring adherence to terms while negotiating advantageous deals for the company.
- Increased category sales by implementing strategic pricing and promotional plans.
- Collaborated with e-commerce teams to ensure consistent online representation of products within the category across all channels.
- Contributed to increased market share through effective implementation of merchandising strategies and visual displays.
- Optimized product assortment by regularly reviewing sales performance and making data-driven decisions on SKU additions or discontinuations.
- Analyzed sales and market data to identify new growth opportunities for the category.
- Identified underperforming products and implemented strategies to improve their performance or transition them out of the assortment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by effectively addressing concerns and providing solutions in a timely manner.
- Provided regular reports and insights to senior management, effectively communicating category performance and recommending future course of action.
- Reduced out-of-stock occurrences by maintaining close communication with supply chain partners around lead times and order quantities.
- Implemented space allocation changes based on sales data analysis, resulting in improved shelf presence for high-performing products within the category.
- Worked closely with store operations teams to address any issues impacting category performance at a local level, tailoring strategies as needed for specific locations or regions.
- Maximized category turnover through proactive management strategies.
- Visited supplier offices and plants to investigate facilities and capacity to meet quality requirements, specifications and delivery dates.
- Incorporated suggested changes to layouts and promotions to drive sales.
- Captured new customers by optimizing business strategies and launching products to diversify offerings.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Led team of marketing professionals, offering mentoring and coaching to build knowledge and skills.
- Mentored local personnel on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity.
Store Operations Manager
Reliance Retail Limited
Ahmedabad
01.2010 - 12.2015
- Managed inventory levels for optimal product availability, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
- Increased sales with effective staff training and development programs, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly, fostering a culture of exceptional service that generated repeat business.
- Analyzed competitors'' strategies to adapt our own tactics accordingly, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
- Maintained strict compliance with company policies and procedures as well as local regulations, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
- Facilitated regular staff meetings to discuss store goals, share updates on progress towards those objectives, and address any challenges or concerns collectively as a team.
- Oversaw store layout and visual merchandising to create an inviting shopping environment that drove customer engagement.
- Evaluated sales data and trends to identify opportunities for growth, implementing targeted marketing campaigns accordingly.
- Actively sought feedback from employees and customers to identify areas for improvement, implementing changes as needed.
- Improved store efficiency by streamlining operational processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Conducted regular staff performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Implemented loss prevention measures, reducing shrinkage and improving overall store profitability.
- Managed store safety protocols and emergency response procedures, ensuring a secure environment for both staff and customers.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop cross-functional solutions for increased store performance.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
- Led process improvements initiatives that resulted in streamlined operations workflow across departments.
- Worked closely with the human resources department on hiring decisions to attract top talent for key roles within the store team.
- Created a positive work environment through effective communication and team-building activities, resulting in high employee retention rates.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Concept Executive
Lifestyle International PVT LTD (Landmark Group)
05.2006 - 01.2010
- Maintained optimal staffing levels during peak periods, ensuring smooth operation of the store.
- Increased sales performance by training and mentoring sales staff on effective selling techniques.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for team members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully launch new product lines.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by implementing innovative visual merchandising strategies.
- Cultivated a positive store environment by fostering open communication between staff members and resolving conflicts promptly.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently with strategic marketing initiatives and exceptional customer service skills.
- Implemented in-store events to drive foot traffic, resulting in increased revenue opportunities.
- Managed inventory levels and controlled shrinkage through regular audits and loss prevention measures.
- Organized employee schedules, delegating tasks efficiently while maintaining coverage during busy times.
- Mentored local personnel on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity.
- Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
- Optimized supply chain operations, ensuring timely delivery of products while minimizing logistics costs.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Sales Associate
Trent Limited (A Tata Enterprise)Star India Bazaar
Ahmedabad
09.2004 - 05.2006
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Vivekanand College (Gujarat University)
Ahmedabad, India 06.2003 - 04.2004
Skills
Supplier negotiation
Sales Analysis
Demand forecasting
Competitor Analysis
Consumer Behavior
Supplier Relationship Management
Category development
Process Development
Operations evaluation
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Content Creation
Root Cause Analysis
Store Layout
Operational Efficiency
Store operations
Customer Service
Operations Management
Team motivation
Store Opening and Closing
Inventory Management
Timeline
Assistant Category Manager
Bigbasket IRCPL
12.2015 - Current
Store Operations Manager
Reliance Retail Limited
01.2010 - 12.2015
Concept Executive
Lifestyle International PVT LTD (Landmark Group)
05.2006 - 01.2010
Sales Associate
Trent Limited (A Tata Enterprise)Star India Bazaar
09.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Vivekanand College (Gujarat University)
06.2003 - 04.2004