Virendra Yadav
Mumbai
Summary
Category & Operations Manager with 13+ years of experience in Travel Retail, Duty Free, FMCG, and Multi-Category Retail within the Indian market. Proven expertise in Category Strategy, Vendor Negotiations, Inventory Optimization, and Retail Operations Management.
Specialized in:
- Category growth – launching new categories, and driving sales growth.
- Operations Leadership – managing multi-outlet formats, SOP compliance, and customer experience.
- Vendor partnerships – negotiating joint business plans (JBPs) to strengthen availability and margins.
- Inventory and Replenishment – reducing deadstock through FEFO planning and demand forecasting. Recognized for fast-track promotions across roles (Sales, Team Leader, Merchandising, Category), with a proven track record of improving sales, margins, and operational efficiency.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Category Manager
April Moon Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
04.2023 - Current
- Leading multi-category management across Confectionery, Electronics, Travel Essentials, F&B, Toys, Stationery, Souvenirs, and Gifting in travel retail.
- Developing category strategies and assortment plans aligned to customer demand and market trends.
- Negotiating with vendors and implementing Joint Business Plans (JBPs) to strengthen partnerships and enhance profitability.
- Coordinating with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely replenishment and optimal stock levels.
- Executing markdown and liquidation planning for aging inventory to maximize sell-through.
- Driving pricing, promotions, and merchandising initiatives to improve category visibility and customer engagement.
- Collaborating with operations, marketing, and finance teams to deliver end-to-end category performance.
Category & E-Commerce Manager
Wilco Publishing House
Mumbai
08.2019 - 03.2023
- Handled multi-category management (FMCG, books, stationery, gifting) across airport and mall stores.
- Planned assortments and seasonal merchandise strategies are based on consumer demand and sales trends.
- Strengthened vendor network by sourcing, onboarding, and maintaining partnerships to expand product categories.
- Led e-commerce operations for Amazon, Flipkart, and FirstCry, including stock management, listings, and promotions.
- Conducted regular stock audits and reconciliations, ensuring inventory accuracy and reducing variances.
- Coordinated with vendors and internal teams for timely procurement, replenishment, and category visibility.
- Designed liquidation and promotional campaigns to manage near-expiry, and slow-moving inventory.
- Generated sales and performance reports to support decision-making for both offline and online formats.
Operations Manager
Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Managed multi-outlet retail operations, ensuring SOP compliance, hygiene standards, and customer service.
- Supervised day-to-day store functions, including staff rostering, attendance, cash handling, and operational reporting.
- Designed and implemented staff training programs that enhanced service quality and improved customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory management and replenishment cycles, reducing stockouts and wastage through tighter controls.
- Coordinated with procurement, vendors, and logistics to ensure smooth product flow and timely deliveries.
- Implemented visual merchandising and display layouts in line with brand guidelines and airport retail standards.
- Supported management reporting through MIS preparation for better decision-making.
Career Progression: Sales Executive → Team Leader → Jr. Executive (Buying & Merchandising)
Flemingo Airport Retail Ltd.
Mumbai
06.2015 - 08.2018
- Supported category management for duty-paid retail across confectionery, electronics, travel essentials, and lifestyle categories.
- Prepared purchase orders and supported merchandising processes for premium brands, including Sunglass Hut, Porsche Design, and Victorinox.
- Assisted in sales trend analysis and vendor coordination to maintain stock flow and product availability.
- Supervised daily store operations, including staff management, rostering, and customer service.
- Trained and guided sales associates on upselling, cross-selling, and customer engagement.
- Ensured visual merchandising and stock display standards across high-traffic airport outlets.
- Began a career in frontline sales, providing customer-focused service and achieving sales targets, leading to a promotion to Team Leader within 6 months.
Sales Associate
Vivinia Designer Jewellery
Mumbai
11.2013 - 05.2015
- Delivered personalized customer service in a premium jewelry retail environment.
- Promoted sales by upselling and cross-selling high-value products, consistently achieving sales targets.
- Assisted in stock records, inventory counts, and store displays to maintain visual merchandising standards.
- Represented the brand at national jewelry exhibitions, enhancing customer engagement and brand visibility.
Operations Executive
Magic-O-Meal Tiffin & Catering Services
Mumbai
04.2010 - 10.2013
- Managed daily kitchen operations, order planning, and timely dispatch to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw the procurement of raw materials and vendor coordination, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
- Handled inventory tracking, inward/outward records, and packaging supervision for smooth operations.
- Coordinated with catering and service staff at corporate events and functions.
- Addressed customer feedback and grievances promptly, maintaining strong client relationships.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management
Sinhgad Institute of Business Management
Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaSkills
- Category management
- Operations management
- Vendor management
- Vendor negotiation
- People management
- Inventory control and replenishment
- Assortment planning
- Sales and margin optimization
- Pricing and promotions
- Visual merchandising
- Problem solving
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV, D365, Business Central
- Advanced Excel
- SQL
- Power BI
Certification
- Power BI - Learning
- SQL - Learning
- Tableau - Learning
Languages
Hindi
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Marathi
Elementary (A2)
A2
Timeline
Category Manager
April Moon Retail Pvt. Ltd.
04.2023 - Current
Category & E-Commerce Manager
Wilco Publishing House
08.2019 - 03.2023
Operations Manager
Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd.
08.2018 - 07.2019
Career Progression: Sales Executive → Team Leader → Jr. Executive (Buying & Merchandising)
Flemingo Airport Retail Ltd.
06.2015 - 08.2018
Sales Associate
Vivinia Designer Jewellery
11.2013 - 05.2015
Operations Executive
Magic-O-Meal Tiffin & Catering Services
04.2010 - 10.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management
Sinhgad Institute of Business Management
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