Lokesh Jindal
Division Merchandise Manager | Sourcing Specialist | Handicrafts & Home Décor
New Delhi
Summary
Seasoned Division Merchandise Manager with over 12 years of experience in the export of Indian handicrafts, furniture, and home décor to leading retails across global markets including the U.S. and Australia. Skilled in strategic sourcing, product development, vendor management, and cost optimization, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality, trend-aligned collections under tight timelines. Proven expertise in vendor sourcing, product development, pricing, and order execution. Skilled at bridging communication between buyers and factories, ensuring product quality, competitive costing, and on-time shipment. Adept at developing artisan capabilities and maintaining strong, long-term vendor relationships. Recognized for strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic problem-solving abilities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Merchandiser / Division Merchandise Manager
Flatworld Source Inc.
New Delhi
05.2015 - Current
- Leading merchandising and sourcing operations for major U.S. and Australia clients in Furniture, Home Décor, Table-Top, & Lighting.
- Manage full product lifecycles from concept and sampling to production and shipment.
- Meeting & Dealing with merchants/sourcing for all the merchandising activities.
- Prepare strategy with the team to communicate trends and product directions to proposed vendors.
- Regular meetings with the team to monitor production, Inspection planning & regular updates to buyer.
- Identifying Design needs & demands and bringing forth different new products according to the Seasonal trends & colors.
- Strong in follow up & keep a control on meeting deadlines and manage multiple tasks with passion.
- Regular meetings with the QA to keep a close check on any potential problems and on time inspections, thus leading to supplying the best quality products.
- Planning and conceptualizing various strategies to achieve top line sales budget & business goals aimed towards the growth in business volumes as well as profitability.
- Based on business volumes, Negotiate annual saving directly with vendor.
- Working closely with over 50 vendor partners across metal, wood, glass, and ceramics categories, in all regions- India & Bangladesh.
- Handled in-dept Tariff cost negotiations to help offset the impact.
- Clients Handled: Ballard Designs, Serena & Lily, McGee & Co. Balsam Hills, ALC, Cailini Coastal, Coco Republic (AUS).
- Travel experience: Travelled to Hongkong & China for setting up operations and visiting factories as per client's needs.
Merchandiser
William - Sonoma India
Gurgaon
05.2014 - 03.2015
- Merchandising operations, Supplier Management & co-ordination.
- Working in close co-ordination with Product Managers for different product categories. Also, ensuring that all pre-alerts are given at early stage.
- Sourcing with adherence to the emerging trends / quality norms, cost factors in the competitive market.
- Handling both production and new developments.
- Selection of vendors depending upon the factory strength & opportunities.
- Visiting vendors with clients on their visit.
- Working with the client back and forth to approve samples for order.
- Clients Handled: - Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teens.
- Product category- Decorative Accessories- Mirrors, Wall-Arts, Shelves, Photo frames, Candle holders, Objects, Vases, Desktop Accessories, Wall Accessories, Bath Accessories, Jewelry Holders, Home Renovation, Christmas Ornaments, Table Lamps, Chandeliers, Soft Toys, Plush & Hanging Mobiles.
Merchandiser
William E. Connor Associates Sourcing Pvt. Ltd
Gurgaon
12.2010 - 05.2014
- Clients Handled- Williams Sonoma: - Pottery Barn (Candle holders, Vases, Objects, Frames, Mirrors, Home & Office Accessories, Trims and Lighting)
- Pottery Barn Kids (all hardline category)
- Pottery barn Teens (all hardline category)
- Achievements: - Recognized as an achiever and rewarded in the form of 2 promotions in 2 years.
- Attended various workshops organized by HR towards knowledge enhancement
Merchandiser
Indsource International
Gurgaon
01.2010 - 09.2010
- Working for clients like Madam Stoltz, AU Maison with a vendor base from Moradabad & New Delhi.
- Product development & production follow up for Hardline.
- Hardline -Candle stands, table lamps, lamp shades, ceramic products (bowls, candle stands, flower pots), wooden & metal furniture, baskets, Christmas collection.
Assistant Merchandiser
Gaurav International
Gurgaon
08.2008 - 01.2010
- Handled Sampling and New Developments from buyers like Target, Dillard's, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, William Sonoma Home, Lexington, and Red Envelope.
Education
Bachelor's - Applied Arts and Crafts (Fashion and Apparel Design)
Jagannath International Management school
01.2008
Skills
- MS Excel
- PowerPoint
- ERP
- Order Management Systems
Languages
English
Hindi
Profile Strengths
- Team Leadership & Development
- Merchandising & Order Management
- Strong buyer communication and negotiation skills
- Vendor Development
- Costing & Price Analysis
- Production Planning & Monitoring
- Market Trend Analysis
Personal Information
Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Senior Merchandiser / Division Merchandise Manager
Flatworld Source Inc.
05.2015 - Current
Merchandiser
William - Sonoma India
05.2014 - 03.2015
Merchandiser
William E. Connor Associates Sourcing Pvt. Ltd
12.2010 - 05.2014
Merchandiser
Indsource International
01.2010 - 09.2010
Assistant Merchandiser
Gaurav International
08.2008 - 01.2010
Bachelor's - Applied Arts and Crafts (Fashion and Apparel Design)
Jagannath International Management school