Viraj Thorat
Pune
Summary
With over 9 years of expertise in procurement and supply chain management, specializing in fruits, vegetables, spices, organic pulses, and cereals. Consistently surpassing YTD sales targets and enhancing profitability through adept pricing strategies. Effectively supervising a network of local farmers and vendors to ensure top-notch quality, quantity, and compliance. Skills in procurement, quality control, and logistics significantly improving operational efficiency. Excelling in devising procurement plans, coordinating with vendors, and prioritizing seasonal availability and fill rates. Strong leadership skills demonstrated through successfully training and managing a team of 150+.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Category Manager
MilkBasket
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: Reliance Retail Ltd
- Implemented and supervised a network of farmers and market players to ensure a consistent supply of fruits and vegetables
- Developed and executed procurement plans to guarantee reliable sourcing of produce
- Managed inventory for warehouse and stores, emphasizing seasonal availability, shrinkage control, and fill rates
- Monitored market trends and evaluated the influence of promotions on sales performance
- Collaborated with sourcing and quality teams to uphold high product standards
- Surpassed year-to-date sales targets, enhancing profitability through effective pricing strategies
- Conducted impactful training sessions for staff members on quality control and product handling protocols, resulting in a 15% improvement in product handling efficiency
- Reliance Retail Ltd
Category Manager
Kin Marche
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Procured fruits and vegetables for 23 stores, adhering to indent plans and price bands
- Managed a network of local farmers and vendors, ensuring quality and compliance
- Oversaw imports, negotiated vendor terms, and managed pricing and promotions
- Enhanced in-store product displays and managed advertising campaigns
- Trained staff in quality control, product handling, and logistics
Territory Procurement Manager
Ninjacart
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Managed the supply chain to ensure timely delivery of produce, including addressing customer feedback
- Oversaw procurement, quality control, load management, and monthly budget monitoring
- Coordinated dispatch and handled product issues and customer reviews
- Managed lemon supply and tomato sales in key markets such as Mumbai (Vashi, Kalyan, Dadar, Borivali)
Senior Manager
Kmeen Agro Pvt Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2021
- Company Overview: Formerly Thorat Exports
- Founded and managed an organisation supplying Certified Organic Grocery (spices, pulses, cereals, superfoods) to wholesalers and retailers
- Established a network of suppliers for both organic and regular quality materials across India
- Supplied organic groceries to retailers in Pune and Mumbai with zero complaints and timely deliveries
- Managed all aspects of the supply chain, including sourcing, logistics, and sales
- Formerly Thorat Exports
Senior Officer Category
Avenue Supermarts Ltd.
11.2013 - 06.2015
- Company Overview: DMart
- Procured fruits, vegetables, and imported produce, adhering to sourcing standards
- Managed labours, transportation, and staff, overseeing a team of 150+
- Implemented customer offers and controlled shrinkage and damage
- Developed procurement plans and coordinated with vendors, monitored market trends, impact of promotions on sale
- DMart
Education
MBA/PGDM - Marketing
SKN Sinhgad Business School
Solapur06.2013
B.Sc - Agriculture
Padm. Dr. D.Y. Patil college of Agriculture Business Management
Akurdi, Maharashtra12.2011
12th - English
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College
Pandharpur, Maharashtra12.2007
10th - Marathi
Kawathekar Highschool
Pandharpur, Maharashtra12.2005
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Sales planning
- SAP
- Logistics Management
- Demand planning
- Category management
- Inventory optimization
- P & L Management
- Material Management
- Sales Promotion
Certification
- Food safety Supervisor
- Microsoft Excel 2021 Beginner to Advanced with AI
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Marathi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
RAWE
- Completed a 2-month internship at Farmers Farm, gaining hands-on experience in farm management and operations.
- Acquired valuable insight during a 2-month training program at the processing unit of Venkys Uttara Feeds Ltd, contributing to operational efficiency and quality control.
- Garnered practical knowledge in sales and marketing through a 2-month stint, demonstrating effective communication and customer engagement skills.
Timeline
Category Manager
MilkBasket
02.2023 - 07.2024
Category Manager
Kin Marche
12.2021 - 12.2022
Territory Procurement Manager
Ninjacart
01.2021 - 06.2021
Senior Manager
Kmeen Agro Pvt Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2021
Senior Officer Category
Avenue Supermarts Ltd.
11.2013 - 06.2015
MBA/PGDM - Marketing
SKN Sinhgad Business School
B.Sc - Agriculture
Padm. Dr. D.Y. Patil college of Agriculture Business Management
12th - English
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College
10th - Marathi
Kawathekar Highschool
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