English
Radhika Garg Kakkar
Merchandising Manager
New Delhi
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Merchandising Manager with over 20 years of international experience in apparel industry. Proven expertise in developing and executing merchandising strategies across diverse markets, with a keen understanding of local consumer behaviors and market trends. Strong leadership skills in managing cross-functional teams, driving sales growth, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring product assortments align with global and regional objectives. Adept at fostering supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and improving supply chain efficiency. Known for cultural adaptability, strategic thinking, and a focus on delivering customer-centric solutions in fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
19
19
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Merchandising Manager
KAS Bangladesh
12.2022 - Current
- Handling a portfolio of $100 M in kidswear. Categories include all wovens, knits, denim, sweater, jacket, innerwear, sleepwear and socks sourcing from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- Consistently delivering year on year cost savings of 5-10%, with business growth of 7% per year at a hub level.
- Manages a team of 6-7 people across India and Bangladesh.
- Role includes strategy building, range developing, supplier selection, sourcing, negotiation, order confirmation and execution.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and exclusive products.
- Researched new vendors, acquired samples and negotiated merchandise deals.
- Established a culture of excellence within the merchandising team through coaching, mentoring, and goal setting.
- Trained and supervised merchandising team members in best practices, improving overall performance.
- Monitoring sales and supporting brand office team in maintaining effective stocks for smoother sales
- Worked on projects like PLM, 3D onboarding, fast fashion business, OCS tool, sustainability, new vendor sourcing and onboarding.
Product Development Manager
KAS Pty Ltd.
10.2019 - 12.2022
- Oversaw development of more than 1200 new products each year.
- Conducted market research to understand customer needs and identify potential opportunities.
- Identified opportunities for new products and improvements to existing products to increase sales.
- Role included working with suppliers from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China and Vietnam.
- Worked on trend intels with suppliers, fabric forward working, mood boards with Melbourne design team, developing collection with suppliers on the latest trends and moods within price brackets, organizing physical/ virtual showroom meetings, range development and selection, working on selected products and getting costs closed for final confirmation.
- Created product roadmaps to help guide product development processes and align with overall business goals.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth opportunities while increasing overall team productivity.
- Increased customer satisfaction with product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols and addressing issues promptly.
- Improved internal collaboration between departments such as design, manufacturing, marketing using effective communication strategies.
Sourcing Merchandiser
KAS Pty Ltd.
12.2017 - 10.2019
- Job profile includes creating strategy and planning with buyers for upcoming business with respective suppliers, styles placing, negotiation, order confirmation, successfully handing over style to production team and monitoring them till shipping.
- Handled a team of production merchants who are responsible for production.
- Responsible sourcing category was boys wear and girls wear.
Senior Merchandiser
Auchan International
01.2011 - 11.2017
- Worked as a senior merchandiser for kidswear and babies woven division.
- Job responsibility includes supplier sourcing, capacity management, product development, sourcing, negotiation, order booking, order execution, production followup till shipping.
- Sourcing countries included India and Pakistan.
- Mentored junior merchandisers to develop their skills and enhance team performance overall.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to negotiate better pricing, improving profitability for the company.
- Streamlined merchandise presentation by implementing innovative visual techniques, resulting in increased sales.
Merchandiser
All Saints
02.2010 - 01.2011
- Worked as a merchandiser for children woven and babies department.
- Job responsibility includes sourcing, sampling, negotiation, order booking, order Reportingto DMM.
- Handling a turnover of 5 Mil EUR.
- Worked as a sampling and production merchandiserfor ladies woven, knit and leather and sampling merchandiser for accessories and leathers.
- Job responsibility included sampling, negotiation, order booking, shipping, new product sourcing like leather accessories, bags, and silver/gold jewellery Reported to General Manger.
Merchandiser
Li & Fung Pvt Ltd
04.2007 - 02.2010
- Worked as merchandiser for mens and children in woven and knits.
- Job responsibility includes sampling, negotiation, order booking and shipping.
- Reported to DMM Karstadt Quelle Division.
Merchandiser
Apparel International
Sourcing
12.2004 - 03.2007
- Job responsibility includes sampling, negotiation, order booking and shipping.
- Reported to Proprietor.
CGS Apparel Intern
05.2004 - 11.2004
- Internship during my course in men’s knits.
Education
High School Diploma -
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
05.2002 - 05.2004
English Hons
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
New, Delhi 05.2002 - 05.2005
Apeejay School
New, Delhi 01.1988 - 01.2002
Skills
- Excel in process creation and integration
- Flexible, reliable and punctual
- Vendor relations across globe
- International travel to EU, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Vietnam
Languages
Excellent
Hindi
Excellent
Timeline
Merchandising Manager
KAS Bangladesh
12.2022 - Current
Product Development Manager
KAS Pty Ltd.
10.2019 - 12.2022
Sourcing Merchandiser
KAS Pty Ltd.
12.2017 - 10.2019
Senior Merchandiser
Auchan International
01.2011 - 11.2017
Merchandiser
All Saints
02.2010 - 01.2011
Merchandiser
Li & Fung Pvt Ltd
04.2007 - 02.2010
Merchandiser
Apparel International
Sourcing
12.2004 - 03.2007
CGS Apparel Intern
05.2004 - 11.2004
High School Diploma -
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
05.2002 - 05.2004
English Hons
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
05.2002 - 05.2005
Apeejay School
01.1988 - 01.2002
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