FARHAN RAHMAT KHAN
Buying, Merchandising & Global Strategic Sourcing
Ghaziabad
Summary
With over two decades of strategic expertise in merchandising & sourcing, I bring a proven track record of leading & driving business growth and shaping product development strategies across the home and hard goods sectors. Having gained formal insight into global buying practices from a leading European Institute of Purchase Mgt.
I specialize in enhancing operational efficiency and developing innovative, commercially viable product and packaging assortments. My approach focuses on building strong supplier partnerships that consistently deliver measurable results. Recognized for my strategic foresight, persuasive communication, and ability to translate vision into decisive action, I am deeply committed to advancing sustainable growth within a compliant and ethically responsible framework.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Manager Sourcing
RUSTA AB – INDIA
03.2024 - Current
- Led end-to-end global sourcing and product development for hard goods, home, and carpets, managing raw material decisions (fibers, yarns, metals, plastics, wood) to optimize cost, quality, and delivery resilience.
- Achieved 19% average cost savings via supplier consolidation, raw material substitution, structured negotiations, and value engineering.
- Streamlined the factory matrix and onboarded high-capability suppliers, resulting in a 34% category expansion in carpets and a 9% annual turnover growth.
- Partnered with Product Development to commercialize prototypes and introduce ready-to-sell packaging solutions.
- Drive cost competitiveness through FOB reduction programs, supplier negotiations, and value engineering.
- Oversee supplier governance, performance management, compliance (ICS, BSCI norms), and risk assessment across regions.
- Support annual budget planning, forecasting, and delivery against turnover targets.
- Enable product and packaging innovation through supplier collaboration and market intelligence.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Finance, Logistics, and Global Sourcing leadership.
- Categories Handling - Home, Footwear & Accessories, Cleaning & Storage (Plastic & Metal Storage & Hangers), Furniture (Wood & Metal Combination Tables). Shoe Racks, Home Decoration (Candles, Candle Holders, and Wall Hooks), Kitchenware (Kitchen Utensils and Chopping Boards), Tableware (Platters, Serving Trays, Bowls, Salt and Pepper Holders, Napkin Rings, Cake Stand, and Servers), Cookware (Sauce Pans, Stewpot, Couscous Pots, and Roasting and Baking Range). Rugs & Carpet (PP Mats, cotton printed, and hand-tufted rugs and carpets, wool and blends with tufted, handloom, and power loom carpets technology), jute Rugs & Carpet (handloom and braided). Doormat (sisal/coir with latex, rubber, and combination).
Sr. Sourcing Manager
RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Delivered 51% average cost savings across categories through structured negotiations and sustainable sourcing practices.
- Developed and implemented innovative sourcing strategies for high-quality materials at competitive prices.
- Led sourcing and procurement across diversified lifestyle and accessories categories.
- Enhanced vendor performance with thorough evaluations, consistent communication, and regular feedback sessions.
- Reduced lead times by optimizing inventory levels, ensuring production continuity without compromising service levels or quality standards.
- Implemented market benchmarking and cost-reduction frameworks to enhance competitiveness.
- Partnered with internal stakeholders to align sourcing decisions with brand positioning and customer expectations.
- Established long-term partnerships with key suppliers, fostering trust and collaboration within the supply chain ecosystem.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for cost savings and improved supplier relationships.
- Categories Handling - Home, Footwear & Accessories, Cleaning (Door Mats), Furniture (Wood KD Tables, Solid, Foldable, & Upholstered Chair, Sofa, & Benches; Upholstered KD Stools, KD Shelves, Cabinets with and without glass, KD Beds with and without drawers, Chest of drawers). Home Decoration (Candles, Incense, Wall Hooks, and Brackets). Kitchenware (Kitchen Utensils, Chopping Boards). Lighting (table, ceiling, floor lamps, and shades). Storage (Natural Material Storage Baskets and Plastic Hangers). Tableware (platters, charger plates, serving trays, coasters, placemats, and tissue holders). Home Furnishings (Terry Towels, Bed Linens, Duvet Covers, Quilts, Throws, Bathmat, Accessories (Jute Bags))
Merchandising & Sourcing Manager | Product Manager | Sr. Merchandiser
HOME & HARDGOODS I CARREFOUR GLOBAL SOURCING
11.2009 - 02.2022
- Drove YoY growth of 7–30% while securing and scaling jute tenders from India through targeted sourcing and a market-led strategy.
- Provided regional procurement leadership across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka for multiple categories of hard goods and home, and executed category roadmaps, sourcing strategies, and supplier development programs.
- Represented India's sourcing portfolio at global category councils and senior leadership forums.
- Delivered cost optimization, supplier rationalization, and risk mitigation initiatives at scale.
- Coordinated logistics activities, ensuring timely delivery of products from suppliers to distribution centers or customers directly.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and timely delivery of goods.
- Led contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions, reducing overall expenses.
- Conducted supplier audits to evaluate capabilities, assess risks, and identify areas for improvement.
- Developed and executed global sourcing strategies for optimal cost savings and value creation.
- Evaluated supplier proposals to identify best-fit partners based on quality, service, and pricing factors.
- Conducted market research to stay informed about industry trends, ensuring competitive advantage in sourcing decisions.
- Established long-term supplier relationships, fostering trust and collaboration for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with CM on budget planning, margin delivery, and financial performance reviews.
- Categories Handled - Home & Hardgoods: Cleaning (Door Mats); Cookware (Sauce Pans, Stewpots, Couscous Pots, Roasting & Baking Range, Lid). Furniture (Plastic foldable tables, foldable and solid plastic chairs, foldable benches, and cabinets). Wooden and metal combination tables, stools, benches, shelves, and poufs – braided and woven. Home Decoration (Candles & Incenses, Table Décor in Metal & Glassware, Lanterns, Votives, Wall Décor), Rugs & Carpets (Hand-tufted, Hand-knotted, & Handloom), Kitchenware (Kitchen Utensils, Barware, Fruit Baskets, Canisters, & Chopping Boards). Lighting (Table, Ceiling, Floor Lamps, and Shades); Storage (Cotton and Jute Storage Boxes and Baskets, Plastic Hangers). Tableware (platters, charger plate, crockery, serving trays, coasters, jug, salt and pepper, placemats, butter dish, bread basket, tissue holders, wine bottle holder, and napkin ring). Car Accessories (Car Mats and Car Aromas), Camping (Foldable Beach Chairs, Tents, Beach Mats, and Thermo Flasks), Christmas Deco (Metal, Glass, Paper, Wood, and Beaded Table and Wall Decorative), DIY (Curtain Hardware, Forging Tools, Stairs, and Shelves). Electricity (CFL bulbs). Garden (Sun Lounges, Garden Metal Tables, Garden Cushions, Multi Cushions, Pillows, Chair Pads, Garden Mats, Hammocks, Lanterns, Garden Torches, Fencing, and Candles). Luggage (PP and PC luggage, cotton pouches, and bags); Pet Products (pet bowls, pet beds, and pet accessories); Sports (bicycle, football, and protective equipment); Stationery (writing instruments, paper, notebooks, and desktop accessories); Toys (pre-school, plush, and educational).
Merchandiser I Coordinator I Mkt. & Asst. Manager
Greenfield | ITC | Marque Impex | Golden Peacock
01.2001 - 11.2009
- Progressive leadership roles across procurement, merchandising, business development, and marketing.
- Successfully turned Noida operations into a profit center through sourcing optimization and client expansion with Marque Impex.
- Managed and developed relationships with suppliers to attain maximum cost efficiency and leverage buying power.
- Developed requests for proposal and issued requests for quotes to support sourcing efforts.
- Built strong international client relationships across the US, the UK, the EU, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Categories Handled: Home Furnishings (bed linen, terry towels, duvets, quilts, throws, cushions, table linen, bath mats, rugs, and carpets). Furniture & Hardgoods( KD & solid wood/MDF furniture, chairs, tables, beds, shelves, cabinets), Décor ( lamps & shades, candles, glassware, wall décor, and photo frames), Stationery ( Note Books ), Accessories (Cotton canvas bags, braided leather belts, jewellery, wool stoles, cotton printed scarves).
Education
MBA - Marketing & Human Resource
Jamia Hamdard University
Delhi, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - English
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, India 04.2001 -
Skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Global Procurement Leadership
- Category Management (Home, Hardgoods & Accessories)
- Supplier Partnerships, Contracts & Vendor Governance
- Total Cost Ownership Optimization & Value Engineering
- Procurement Transformation, Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Global Sourcing Expansion (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
- Budgeting, Forecasting & KPI-Driven Performance
- Negotiation, Market Intelligence & Competitive Benchmarking
- Strategic Planning, Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
Certified Expert Buyer, European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM), France.
GLOBAL EXPOSURE
- Overseas market exposure to Sweden, France, Spain, Germany, China, Hongkong, Vietnam, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka.
- Regular participation in Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld & international sourcing fairs.
- Managed executive-level relationships with global retailers including Carrefour, Target, Marks & Spencer, TJX, Pottery Barn, West Elm.
LEADERSHIP & VALUE HIGHLIGHTS
- 25 years of procurement and sourcing excellence in global retail environments
- Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing senior stakeholders & driving transformation
- Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of Supplier relationship management, Key Category Management & business operations
- Trusted partner to Finance, Quality, Supply/OperationChain & Executive Leadership
Timeline
Manager Sourcing
RUSTA AB – INDIA
03.2024 - Current
Sr. Sourcing Manager
RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED
03.2022 - 03.2024
Merchandising & Sourcing Manager | Product Manager | Sr. Merchandiser
HOME & HARDGOODS I CARREFOUR GLOBAL SOURCING
11.2009 - 02.2022
MBA - Marketing & Human Resource
Jamia Hamdard University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - English
Aligarh Muslim University
04.2001 -
Merchandiser I Coordinator I Mkt. & Asst. Manager
Greenfield | ITC | Marque Impex | Golden Peacock
01.2001 - 11.2009