RAHUL KUMAR
Bangalore, Gurgaon, Kolkata
Summary
Accomplished Category Manager with extensive experience in vendor management, merchandising strategies, and Retail/E-commerce management. Proven track record in managing high-profile brands, across various retail platforms. Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, category growth, and supplier relationship management. Successfully launched new brands and optimised inventory levels to maximise profitability. Adept at negotiating favourable contract terms and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Career goal: to leverage extensive experience in a senior leadership role within a dynamic retail environment.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager
Ace Turtle Pvt Ltd
07.2025 - Current
- Manage online marketplace (Flipkart, Amazon, Ajio, Nykaa) operations for brands Lee, Wrangler, and G-Star, generating 36 crore in revenue.
- Developed seasonal buy plans for various channels including B2C, D2C, and omni stores.
- Oversaw product offerings, including jeans, shirts, trousers, and T-shirts for men and women.
- Executed new launch listings, sourcing, cataloguing, and inventory management processes.
- Conducted fashion forecasting and category management to align products with market trends.
- Performed account reconciliation alongside marketing and warehouse management functions.
- Managed relationships across multiple sales channels to optimize performance and reach.
Vendor Manager
RetailEZ Pvt Ltd
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Managed vendor relationships for sports brands, including Nike and Adidas, to enhance category performance.
- Executed category buying and assortment mapping strategies to optimize product selection and margins.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, ensuring in-stock levels and effective liquidation strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on stock management, finance, and pricing strategies for promotional deals.
- Analyzed SKU-wise business contributions, aligning goals with achievement metrics to drive performance.
- Conducted weekly and monthly reviews of SKU performance, focusing on GV coverage and GL contributions.
- Utilized tools such as AWS and SMO Vista for pricing strategy and promotional planning.
- Facilitated brand onboarding and market trend analysis through expo visits across major cities.
Retail Merchandiser
Reliance Retail Ajio.com
03.2021 - 02.2023
- Executed brand and private label buying for B2B and wholesale markets in apparel and footwear.
- Managed vendor relationships, facilitating communication between sellers, brands, and cluster teams.
- Oversaw business turnover of 30-40 crore, achieving consistent monthly growth.
- Enhanced average order value by optimizing assortment and pricing strategies.
- Conducted weekly sales and stock analyses to inform inventory decisions.
- Collaborated with marketplace team to implement promotional campaigns and discounts.
Supply Chain Merchandiser
WILLIAMS SONOMA
Gurgaon
12.2018 - 11.2019
- Managed vendor relationships across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal for effective supply chain operations.
- Oversaw tracking of quantity, delivery, booking, and handover timelines for partners in US and globally.
- Conducted regular compliance visits to fulfillment centers to ensure adherence to standards.
- Collaborated with Maersk India team to guarantee timely deliveries and shipments.
- Coordinated with US and Singapore teams on merchandising and inventory management strategies.
- Streamlined processes for managing back-order files to enhance efficiency.
- Handled brands including West Elm and Pottery Barn in home furnishing categories.
- Monitored light fixtures and table tops to maintain quality across product lines.
Key Account Manager
Bioworld Merchandising
Gurgaon
07.2016 - 02.2018
- Responsible for Buying & Merchandising for Key a/c like Shoppers Stop (Offline + Online), Tata Trent, Iconic Fashion.
- Handling business of Men’s apparel across the categories like T-shirts, Joggers, Shorts, Shirts, Jackets & Hoodies.
- Licensee Brands (Marvel, DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Beatles, Superman, Batman, Sitcoms, Justin Bieber, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, etc.)
- Preparing Option Plan, Merchandise Mix plan, Mark Downs.
- Placing order with the sourcing team for on time deliveries.
- Place season buys in line with OTB for 81 stores.
- Analyzing Product Sell Thru and stock replenishment.
- Liasoning up with the Marketing Team for brand promotions and event management.
- Work with SCM team and warehouse team for planning the on-time inwards.
- Coordinating with Operations and VM team for in store merchandising & display.
- Coordinating with Operations team for the appointment of Brand staff.
Buyer
Landmark group
Bangalore
04.2013 - 09.2015
- Developed Buy Plan for Women's Leggings and Winter Wear in Max Fashion.
- Managed inventory for 70 stores, contributing INR 12 crores in business revenue.
- Coordinated with Planning team for store-specific inventory allocation.
- Monitored best-selling items and initiated reorders to maintain stock levels.
- Placed orders with vendors to ensure timely deliveries.
- Conducted follow-ups on orders, fabric tests, and garment test reports.
Merchandiser
Bhartiya International
Bangalore
06.2012 - 03.2013
- Development of different style sheet like leather jacket, blazer, shirt, etc. given by the buyer.
- Sourcing and ordering of the Fabric & Trims as per the requirement from quality suppliers.
- To communicate with the buyer on a day-to-day basis & ensure all approvals are taken on time.
- Coordinating with pattern master and other different departments for executing the samples and interacting with production team for production purpose to ensure that same design specifications are followed in bulk.
- To follow up with testing lab for fabric trims and garment test report.
- Presentation of range in front of the Buyer.
- BUYER’s handled: ESPRIT, GAS, S’Oliver, Timberland, HUGO BOSS.
Education
MFM - Retail Management, Category Business, Brand Management, Buying & Merchandising
NIFT
Bengaluru, KA01.2012
Skills
- Retail buying and merchandising
- Data analysis and market research
- Omni-channel business strategies
- Brand management
- Customer insights
- Supplier relationship management
- Promotional planning and coordination
- Pricing strategy development
- Retail operations management
Hobbies and Interests
- An avid bike rider (Covered several destinations)
- Active Gymming (Weights, cardio, running, cricket, trekking)
- Swimming
- Cooking
- Gardening
Timeline
Business Manager
Ace Turtle Pvt Ltd
07.2025 - Current
Vendor Manager
RetailEZ Pvt Ltd
02.2023 - 08.2024
Retail Merchandiser
Reliance Retail Ajio.com
03.2021 - 02.2023
Supply Chain Merchandiser
WILLIAMS SONOMA
12.2018 - 11.2019
Key Account Manager
Bioworld Merchandising
07.2016 - 02.2018
Buyer
Landmark group
04.2013 - 09.2015
Merchandiser
Bhartiya International
06.2012 - 03.2013
MFM - Retail Management, Category Business, Brand Management, Buying & Merchandising
NIFT