RANJIT GHADAGE

· Responsible for category expansion & growth

· Led the successful launch and market penetration of Disney home brand products, utilizing the beloved characters and brand heritage to drive consumer interest and market share growth

· Overseeing private label management for Firstcry-owned brands including Babyhug, Zoe, Pinekids, Fab N Funky, Bellamama, Babyoye, and Bonfino

· Driving new product development through comprehensive trend analysis, sales history evaluation, competitive benchmarking, and gap identification

· Scouting global vendors through diverse channels to ensure optimal product sourcing

· Negotiating costs based on competitive analysis and market trends, while also determining optimal pricing strategies for maximum margin

· Responsible for the finalization of packaging artworks, branding, and designs to meet project requirements and brand standards

· Strategically managing outright buying to maximize budget utilization, monitoring pre- and post-EOSS sell-through for optimal results

· Ensuring product registration compliance for Dubai and Saudi markets, liaising with regulatory agencies and factories, overseeing document submission and certificate acquisition, and coordinating product testing through accredited laboratories

· Building assortments through competitive benchmarking to ensure market relevance and differentiation

· Ensuring timely ordering to uphold optimal inventory levels

· Effectively managing relationships with both international and domestic vendors

· Overseeing all aspects of backend operations for every launch, including design, artwork, photo-shoots, editing, content creation, visibility, marketing, and more

· Forecasted seasonal sales and planned inventory accordingly

· Enhancing Product Detail Page (PDP) content and layout for improvement customer engagement

· Managing quality control by reviewing reports, ensuring compliance, and providing final approval for shipment pickup

· Designing and implementing system-driven processes to reduce reliance on individual dependencies and streamline operations

• • Orchestrated the Procure to Pay Cycle for a Greenfield manufacturing facility, overseeing the acquisition of precision-engineered mechanical components.
  • Devised and enacted purchasing policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to drive long-term cost and quality enhancements in accordance with company strategy and performance targets.
  • Collaborated within cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to develop workflow processes, methods, and policies for vendor engagement.
  • Managed third-party contract manufacturing agreements, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
  • Conducted supplier visits and audits for quality control inspections and supplier approval processes.
  • Led projects focused on cost reduction and containment, delivering tangible cost savings and service enhancements.
  • Cultivated vendor relationships through strategic development and ongoing assessment activities.
  • Coordinated global shipments with vendors and freight forwarders, ensuring seamless logistics operations.
  • Collaborated with governmental and private laboratories for part analysis, utilizing NDT and chemical testing methodologies as per testing standards.
  • Identified imported components through testing at NABL accredited labs, facilitating local material development in India.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures, maintaining meticulous recordkeeping of all essential documents.
  • Implemented Lean Manufacturing tools to optimize procurement processes and prevent shortages during production.
  • Identified and cultivated global and domestic suppliers to meet project requirements.
  • Negotiated and finalized orders with suppliers for both direct and indirect purchases.
  • Conducted spend analysis and presented findings to management for informed decision-making.

• • Evaluated vendor facilities for component development and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Orchestrated the manufacturing process for precision components at supplier facilities, ensuring adherence to specifications.
  • Managed tooling budgets, planned tooling activities, and issued work orders accordingly.
  • Coordinated with the tool room for timely delivery of tooling to the shop floor.
  • Collaborated on the design and manufacture of jig, fixtures, die-punches, gauges, templates, and special tooling as per process requirements.
  • Supervised tool try-outs in the manufacturing shop and ensured the performance of tooling met requirements.
  • Developed tooling schedules aligned with manufacturers' component production schedules.
  • Worked closely with consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely project implementation.
  • Conducted floor audits to identify and resolve minor operational issues promptly.
  • Led critical component development projects for Thermal Cooling (Metal Hydride and ORC) applications.
  • Conducted supplier visits and audits to uphold quality standards and approve new suppliers.
  • Managed the procurement process, including receiving indents, issuing RFQs, supplier selection, negotiations, and placing purchase orders in the ERP system.
  • Oversaw material store management for regular consumables and planned procurement of non-BOM materials.