Deependra Kumar

• Introduced new products aligned with market demand and customer insights, strengthening product portfolio and market relevance.
• Developed competitive pricing and positioning strategies, benchmarking against key competitors to optimize profitability and brand perception.
• Provided technical training and product knowledge sessions to the sales team, enhancing their ability to effectively communicate product value and technical features.
• Conducted regular product data reviews to ensure the field force remained updated on the latest company and competitor developments.
• Served as the primary point of contact for product-related queries, working closely with the sales and quality teams to resolve issues promptly and maintain customer satisfaction.
• Led the development and execution of go-to-market (GTM) strategies, collaborating across departments to ensure successful product rollouts and commercial impact.
• Revamped product packaging to modernize branding and developed new packaging concepts for recently launched products.
• Designed and executed national-level sales contests and promotional campaigns, driving higher sales engagement and brand visibility.
• Evaluated the potential of product lines, preparing long-term MRBP (Mid-Range Business Plans) and strategic forecasts for senior management.
• Prepared sales forecasts and managed product-wise order booking, aligning supply chain activities with projected demand.
• Drove liquidation of slow-moving inventory through innovative offers and trade schemes, ensuring optimal stock rotation.
• Monitored inventory levels and safety stock forecasts to maintain appropriate service levels and ensure uninterrupted order fulfillment.
• Analyzed branch-wise and region-wise sales performance to identify growth opportunities and areas needing strategic action.
• Developed sales support materials including leaflets, catalogs, and price lists, improving product visibility and market awareness.
• Coordinated brand activation initiatives such as van campaigns, retailer meets, and mechanic engagement programs, boosting market penetration and loyalty.

Dynamic and results-oriented Automotive Product Manager with a proven track record in brand growth, revenue maximization, and market expansion. Experienced in designing and executing integrated marketing strategies that enhance customer engagement and strengthen competitive positioning. Skilled in leveraging market research, digital marketing platforms, and customer insights to deliver impactful product and brand outcomes.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

• Ensured YoY growth in revenue, profitability, and market share across assigned product categories through data-driven planning and execution.
• Partnered with distributor and sales teams to drive secondary sales via van campaigns, retailer meets, and on-ground promotional activities.
• Conducted detailed market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities, shape product positioning, and define pricing strategies.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to execute new product development (NPD) ensuring timely market launch and adherence to quality standards.
• Leveraged customer feedback and data analytics to implement product improvements, leading to a 20% reduction in complaints and improved customer satisfaction.
• Developed and executed go-to-market (GTM) plans, covering ATL/BTL campaigns, sales enablement, and training programs to consistently meet revenue targets.
• Planned annual and quarterly marketing calendars and budgets to align channel activities with overall business objectives.
• Applied data-driven decision-making, analyzing sales performance, KPIs, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and correct deviations.
• Negotiated and managed supplier/vendor partnerships to optimize product margins and maintain strong supply chain readiness.
• Led product education and training initiatives for internal sales teams, channel partners, and customers to enhance product knowledge and advocacy.
• Supported territory-level market share enhancement by identifying potential states and aligning sales strategies with pan-India business goals.
• Worked alongside top management on developing sales incentive plans, training calendars, and business analytics dashboards (MIS).
• Emphasized time management, priority matrix planning, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals efficiently.
• Actively engaged in market visits to gather dealer feedback, assess consumer trends, and track new market developments.
• Managed inventory planning and demand forecasting to optimize product availability and minimize overstock or opportunity losses.
• Designed state-wise and distributor-specific sales targets, ensuring clear accountability and performance alignment.

Strategic and analytical Product Manager with expertise in product assortment planning, pricing strategy, supplier management, and inventory optimization across multiple automotive categories. Proven capability to translate market insights and sales analytics into actionable business strategies driving consistent growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

• Optimized product assortment based on online vs. offline market trends, ensuring customized strategies for each channel to maximize reach and profitability.
• Conducted ABC analysis (fast, mid, slow-moving) and XYZ classification (regular, seasonal, irregular demand) to enhance product visibility, stocking accuracy, and demand forecasting.
• Drove supplier management initiatives, negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms while maintaining long-term partnerships to ensure consistent product availability and quality standards.
• Formulated and executed pricing strategies aligning to product lifecycle management (PLCM) and ABC categories, balancing revenue growth and profit margins.
• Led robust inventory management processes, leveraging ABC-XYZ data and demand forecasting techniques to reduce carrying costs, prevent stockouts, and improve turnover efficiency.
• Conducted ongoing sales and performance analysis to monitor category trends, seasonal variations, and profitability, ensuring proactive decisions on range mix and product performance.
• Collaborated with marketing teams, suppliers, and channel partners to design and execute promotional campaigns, enhancing brand awareness, customer acquisition, and retailer engagement.
• Introduced new products to expand the portfolio, fill market gaps, and strengthen category positioning against competitors.
• Built strong cross-functional collaboration across marketing, sales, supply chain, and customer service teams to streamline operations and align strategic execution.
• Delivered weekly and monthly business performance presentations to management, highlighting results, SWOT insights, and action plans for improvement.
• Managed MIS and budget tracking, analyzing trends, achievements, and resource utilization to ensure 100% target achievement and optimal budget efficiency.
• Key Achievement: Implemented a structured data-driven analysis approach, leading the team to achieve 100% sales and profit targets for FY 2021–22. Successfully expanded from managing 2 product categories to 7 categories within 24 months, demonstrating consistent high performance and leadership growth.

• Ensured all products were manufactured with maximum efficiency and adherence to quality standards, maintaining consistency across production batches.
• Optimized inventory processes and revamped waste management systems to improve resource utilization and reduce operational costs.
• Implemented measures to enhance labour productivity, streamline workflows, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency.