Hi, I’m
Vaibhav Bhalki
Auckland
Summary
As a passionate leader with a proven track record of success, I build trust, empower teams, and connect them to a shared purpose. Leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision, I've spearheaded the launch of multiple ventures, spearheaded change management and deployment of products, and maximized profitability. I'm skilled at identifying growth opportunities, fostering a culture of creativity, and exceeding business objectives.
Overview
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Kolalu Foods
Founder
11.2023 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Founded Kolalu Foods (2023): Led a team of passionate FMCG professionals to launch a new Indian company celebrating culinary heritage.
- Leadership: Built and guided a team from the ground up, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Business Acumen: Navigated local regulations and legal requirements to ensure business compliance.
- Problem-Solving: Developed creative solutions to overcome challenges and keep operations moving forward.
- Product Development: Curated a high-quality product line featuring spices, ready-to-cook mixes, chutneys, condiments, and spice blends.
- Sourcing & Partnerships: Established relationships with traditional manufacturers who prioritize quality and authentic recipes.
Foodstuffs North Island
Retail Operations Manager
01.2019 - 11.2023
Job overview
- High-Performing Teams: Built and motivated a team of retail professionals, fostering a culture of coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning.
- Financial Acumen: Managed budgets across multiple teams, maximizing efficiency through cost-saving initiatives and strategic resource allocation.
- Operational Excellence: Increased on-shelf availability and minimized stock-outs across 200+ stores, leading to improved operational performance.
- Change Management Expert: Successfully led and delivered change initiatives across stores, boosting employee engagement and motivation.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilized data analytics and SAP to optimize operations, including buying, inventory, and store integrations.
- Strategic Collaboration: Partnered with senior leadership to secure support for goals, spearheaded policy implementation, and exchanged best practices with other departments.
- Resilient Leader: Demonstrated agility and quick decision-making in resolving challenges and ensuring seamless store openings and operational excellence.
- Compliance Champion: Ensured consistent adherence to company policies and industry regulations across all stores.
Spoonful Bengaluru
Startup Founder
12.2021 - 05.2022
Job overview
- Market Leader: Conducted target market research to identify trends, competition, and untapped sectors, driving successful expansion.
- Operational Efficiency Expert: Streamlined operations, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.
- Product Innovation Champion: Championed product development from concept to launch, ensuring customer needs were met.
- Strategic Network Builder: Built an extensive network within the industry, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among startups.
- Partnership Architect: Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to unlock growth opportunities.
- Innovation Catalyst: Cultivated a company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Founder & Visionary: Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
Foodstuffs North Island
Deployment Delivery Manager
01.2017 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Executed Large-Scale Transformation: Led the deployment of SAP and online trading channels to 200+ stores, driving a customer-centric approach.
- Delivery & Collaboration Expert: Managed cross-functional teams (stores, vendors, product owners) ensuring smooth project delivery, change management, and on-time go-live.
- Resourceful Leader: Effectively allocated resources (people, budget, tools) across projects for optimal execution.
- Data & Process Champion: Managed SAP & online range setup, coordinating with GS1 to upload data and images for over 100,000 articles across 140 stores.
- High-Performing Team Builder: Led a 45-person team, fostered staff rotation for upskilling, and successfully trained over 2,500 employees.
- Quantifiable Success: Achieved a 94%+ success rate in replicating physical store ranges online, exceeding client expectations.
Foodstuffs North Island
Sap Deployment Manager
01.2015 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Large-Scale SAP Deployment Leader: Led the successful implementation of SAP across 100+ large format retail stores in New Zealand's North Island, driving improved business efficiencies.
- Change Management Champion: Actively managed change for 2,000+ store employees, ensuring smooth adoption of new systems through targeted training and communication.
- End-User Focused: Prioritized user experience by proactively identifying and resolving potential system issues before they impacted end users.
- High-Performing Team Builder: Developed and led a team of 35+ SAP specialists across various departments, fostering continuous improvement through regular process reviews.
- Risk Management Expert: Oversaw risk mitigation strategies during critical deployments, ensuring minimal disruption to mission-critical systems and end users.
- Communication & Collaboration Master: Effectively collaborated with development teams, stores, and stakeholders, keeping everyone informed throughout the deployment process.
Foodstuffs North Island
Buyer-Supply Chain
01.2010 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Supply Chain & Inventory Optimization: Managed stock across multiple categories in large format locations, optimizing inventory levels and meeting customer demand.
- Sourcing & Negotiation Expert: Negotiated pricing and contracts with vendors, ensuring best value for the company while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Demand Forecasting & Merchandising: Analyzed trends and forecasted purchasing needs to develop effective merchandising strategies.
Metro Cash & Carry India Pvt.Ltd
Senior Supervisor-SAP Operations
01.2007 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and providing consistent guidance.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, delegating tasks and setting clear performance expectations.
- Optimized resource allocation, enabling the department to meet tight deadlines and achieve project goals.
Education
Massey UniversityAuckland
Post Graduate from International Business Management
12.2010
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurial and Innovative
- Problem-Solving
- Operational Efficiency
- Change Implementation
- SAP implementation
Availability
In 4 weeks
References
References on request
Timeline
Founder
Kolalu Foods
11.2023 - 05.2024
Startup Founder
Spoonful Bengaluru
12.2021 - 05.2022
Retail Operations Manager
Foodstuffs North Island
01.2019 - 11.2023
Deployment Delivery Manager
Foodstuffs North Island
01.2017 - 01.2019
Sap Deployment Manager
Foodstuffs North Island
01.2015 - 01.2017
Buyer-Supply Chain
Foodstuffs North Island
01.2010 - 01.2015
Senior Supervisor-SAP Operations
Metro Cash & Carry India Pvt.Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2009
Massey University
Post Graduate from International Business Management
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