PANKAJ DATE

Leading global sourcing operations with a business turnover of over 100 million Euros, focusing on home textiles, including bed linen, terry, kitchen, and living room textiles. Spearheaded sustainability practices, and technological advancements in supply chain and at partners. Developed and implemented long-term sourcing strategies aligned with company goals, resulting in sustainable business growth and increased supply share. Led and developed a high-performing team of 11 co-workers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Mentored and coached team members, resulting in various internal promotions.

Developed new business verticals for sourcing new product categories like Upholstery Frames & Mattresses, Solid Wood, and Flat Line, showcasing versatility in home furnishings sourcing. Led and developed a high-performing, multinational team of 8 co-workers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Developed and executed strategic frameworks for affordable supply chain management, directly impacting affordability and gross margin improvement for new market entries: Establishing New Business Vertical for 30 Million Euro. Led vendor base, doubling capacity and lowering cost by -33%. Special award and recognition for innovation and cost reduction. Achievements: Undertook feasibility studies for Mattress Ticking and Rugs & Carpets Businesses. Conducted thorough analysis & benchmarking as market assessment (pre-study) for IKEA Retail India, for Mattress Category. Established fact based reduction potential (-12.5%) in purchase cost for "Luminaries" category through SDP/Value chain analysis/Benchmarking.

Buying & sourcing of merchandise as per four best buy principals. Contribute in development & execution of Category strategy & Business plan. Liaison with Global category leader to ensure product leadership & business excellence. Constantly identify new opportunities and ensure category performance on KPIs Vendor Development, Supplier Negotiations, Setting Business direction and goals for suppliers. Ensure supplier meets social & environmental standards while achieving cost, delivery & quality performance. Leading business team comprising of Production Engineer, Supply Planner and Sustainability Developer.

IIM Lucknow- 1 year MBA student

Handled knits/winter wear category of INR 200 MN, with supplier base in India, Hong Kong, Nepal & UK. Expertise in Buying & Merchandising, Category Management, Forecasting, Retail Sales Analysis, Vendor Management, Price Negotiations, and Product Development. Achievements: Identified as High Potential candidate & nominated for prestigious ITC managerial training for leadership capability.(An opportunity given to candidates having worked with the organisation for more than 4 years ) Award for “Most Innovative Product of the Year-2007-08” presented by LRBD CEO Mr. Chitranjan Dar for Designing/launching own styles. Conducted comprehensive training programs educating store managers improve product understanding, sales & merchandise display of the category. Reorganized supply chain to achieve lower cycle time & higher OTIF ratings.

As Head of Design & Development department, established standard operating procedures for order execution from sample to shipments. Successfully secured multiple bulk orders & developed long term relationships with Buyers & Suppliers. Achievements: Implemented next generation process reorientation by using Pattern Making, Grading, and Marking (PGM) Software on SDS - 1 Shima Design System. Established technical leadership in Industry & was first in India to successfully implement it (2004) Executed orders for National & International Designers & Retail Brands- Madura Garments

Lead a three member team to create & launch Men's-innerwear brand and T-shirt brand for Domestic markets, from concept testing to commercialization involving Designing, Merchandising, Advertising & setting up distribution network.

Youngest officer to manage a workforce of fifty workmen in challenging unionized environment. Managed operations during union strikes & slowdown.