Parag Dekhane
Category Manager
Mumbai
Summary
Category Manager develops and executes category strategy as part of company Business plan. Develops and executes category and commodity strategies, negotiates and awards supplier contracts and conducts commodity and supplier business reviews. Improves company profitability, asset management performance and supports improved customer delivery through thoughtful supply base network design.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Category Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
Mumbai
12.2021 - Current
- Mitigated business risk and improved customer lead times through thoughtful supplier network design.
- Studied technical aspects of managed category to identify key quality attributes and cost containment levels.
- Partnered with buyers to develop category-appropriate order frequency for spend under management.
- Developed and executed spend category to support business objectives.
- Incorporated suggested changes to layouts and promotions to drive sales.
- Maximized category turnover through proactive management strategies.
- Fostered positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating collaboratively with Brand Partners.
- Identified and reported key performance indicators to define successful category management.
- Supervised marketing and planning activities to exceed sales and margin goals.
- Recovered 15 Cr business and About to Achieve 100% of target for Current Year
Manager- Front End Category
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
Mumbai
05.2017 - 12.2021
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Worked with loss prevention in monitoring shopper behavior.
- Monitored sales floor and merchandise displays for presentable condition, taking corrective action such as restocking or reorganizing products.
- Generated sales reports and used data to adjust acquisition, assortment and allocation of Merchandise .
- Analyzed trends and sales targets to create distribution plans for retail partners.
- Followed up with retail stores with reminders to replenish stock, helping achieve peak inventory levels.
- Created sales projections and adjusted purchase plans to maximize inventory for Zone ( 90 + stores Network).
- Increased Non apparel Business Mix from 5% to 7% in two years
Operations Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
Mumbai
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Partnered with vendors and suppliers to effectively manage and budget.
- Introduced new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Got best Audit score awards for consecutive 2 years ( Shrinkage and Processes)
Store Operations Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
Pune
06.2011 - 09.2015
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Protected store from loss or theft by setting and enforcing clear security policies.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
Education
MBA - Marketing Management And Research
India Institute of Engineering And Management
Pune 06.2009 - 03.2011
Bachelors in Hotel Management And Catering Tech. -
BVIHMCT
Pune, MH 06.2004 - 03.2008
Skills
Performance Optimization
Category Reviews
Category development
Budgeting and Allocation
Market Analysis
Strategic planning
Brand development
Markdown procedures
Vendor relations
Retail sales professional
Planogram design
Relationship building and management
Budget forecasting
Timeline
Category Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
12.2021 - Current
Manager- Front End Category
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
05.2017 - 12.2021
Operations Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
09.2015 - 05.2017
Store Operations Manager
Pantaloons ( Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd)
06.2011 - 09.2015
MBA - Marketing Management And Research
India Institute of Engineering And Management
06.2009 - 03.2011
Bachelors in Hotel Management And Catering Tech. -
BVIHMCT
06.2004 - 03.2008