Bani Budhalakoti

• Manage the category functioning and co-ordinating pre-production /production activities for Adults apparel category over 10 million USD. • Co-ordinating various aspects like Range & assortment planning, Sourcing & Negotiation, Budgeting, Store distribution, Order processing, Production Planning, Vendor Management, Sample Development, Approvals, Critical Path Management etc. • Gather and analyse costs from various vendors to present for internal meetings and finalise contracts with the suppliers while managing category budgets. • Analyse new development concepts, align them to various factors like Cost Target, Production Feasibility, Timeline, Risk Assessment and Supply Chain impediments. • Plan the seasonal strategy and implement business ideas in collaboration with internal stakeholders while analysing cross functional product outcome, existing season performance and upcoming trends. • Planning sourcing strategy, vendor placement and production schedules. • Conduct & preside over seasonal range planning meetings (in USA & HK) presenting ranges to internal team and being an integral part of the buying process. • Purchase Order Management including raising PO’s, maintenance of PO’s through changes and communication with vendors as well as store distribution. • Co-ordinate the sample development, timeline management and critical path processes. • Overseeing the fit process and approvals with technical input. • Liaise with local & overseas suppliers and teams for seamless communication and critical input for effective problem solving. • Effectively coordinate with internal teams like Fabric technology, Planning, Buying and Marketing to maintain smooth running of product life cycle while minimising disruptions. • Responsible towards associated functions like Product Integrity, Quality, Shipping and Compliance. • Nurture relationships with key internal & external stakeholders for business growth interests.

• Responsible for the category functioning and sales for Kohls Women’s & Kids wear brands including Sonoma, Jumping Beans, Hang Ten and Tony Hawk licensed product. • Lead seasonal costing activities; gather all prices through various suppliers and align to FOB target through negotiation and style re-engineering. • Presenting cost offers from various suppliers to buying teams and finalise contracts for production. • Finalise seasonal ranges and transition styles to production vendors while planning production plans, setting out critical path and timelines. • Coordinate fit sessions with tech team and communication with vendors to meet guidelines. • Approve samples at all stages including, fabric, trim, accessories, embellishments, colour, wash and labels. • Effectively liaise with local and overseas suppliers to ensure brand guidelines are met. • Be responsible for timeline through the season by TNA tracking and supplier production updates. • Coordinate with cross functional support teams to ensure Compliance, Product Integrity, Quality and On-time shipping.

• Coordinating the production for licensed merchandise for AFL Men, Women & Kids apparel & accessories category. • Liaising and negotiating with off-shore suppliers on daily basis tracking T&A and critical path. • Analysing sales along with the sales team to further develop business strategies and organising salesmen samples. • Co-ordinating with the designers to understand end product need. • Communicating with the Licensors and Major retail chains including Kmart & Target to understand fit and delivery requirements. • Create spec sheets and fit blocks across all categories. • Conduct fit sessions and implement changes with technical input. • Following the approval processes of each licensed product and adhering to the guidelines and requirements of the licensor. • Conducting Quality Control checks at the warehouses and preparing reports for future implementation.