Avinash Karkera

Strategic Procurement professional with over 18years experience in high value category management, vendor development and cost optimization. Proven track record of managing multi-crore procurement portfolios, driving sustainability initiatives and implementing lean inventory model to enhance operational efficiency.

Manager - Purchase - Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. - Mumbai

(2021-01)

Direct procurement of Packing Material and Finished goods valued at INR 900 crores annually which includes Rigid Plastic, Flexible Plastics, Metal Drum, Tin Containers, Carton boxes, Cement Putty, Construction Chemicals, Thinners, Texture etc.

• Drive sustainability by implementing 50% recycled content in plastic packaging and optimizing vendor proximity to reduce carbon emissions.
• Lead a direct team of 8 members including Assistant Manager and Executives to streamline procurement operations.
• Executed long-term supply plans for critical products through capacity and capability building at vendor level.
• Performed gap analysis and benchmarking against industry peers to identify cost saving and innovation opportunities.
• Oversaw Contract Negotiation for Finished Goods and Warehouse Partners.

Purchase Executive - Pidilite Industries Ltd. - Mumbai

(2014-01 - 2021-01)

Managed annual procurement of packing materials valued at Rs. 80 crores which includes Rigid & Flexible Plastic, Aluminum Tins, Carton, Labels etc.

• Collaborated with internal teams and external vendors to streamline material flow and coordinate supply chain activities effectively.
• Reduced non-moving inventory by 25% through targeted liquidation strategies and implemented inventory replenishment models to maintain optimal stock level.
• Eliminated supply chain risk by diversifying the vendor base for 100% of Class A and Class B products.
• Led end-to-end new product implementation projects, including packaging development, artwork approval, and management of commercial supplies, ensuring timely market launch.

Management Staff - Cipla Ltd. - Mumbai

(2008-01 - 2014-01)

Oversaw annual procurement of packing materials valued at Rs. 15 crores which includes Rigid Plastics, Cartons, Labels, Leaflet, Aluminum foil, PVC/PVDC/ALU ALU etc.

• Collaborated with cross-functional internal teams and external vendors to streamline procurement and logistics processes, ensuring timely material availability.
• Managed Clean sheet Costing and Purchase Order lifecycle for diverse packaging components.
• Facilitated new product launches through effective packaging development and artwork management.

Purchase Assistant - Jaysynth Ltd. - Mumbai

(2007-01 - 2008-01)

• Generated accurate Purchase Orders, ensuring timely procurement operations and supporting Purchase Managers with comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) reports.
• Coordinated effectively with internal teams and external vendors to streamline material procurement processes, improving supply chain efficiency

PGDM - Supply Chain - NMIMS, Mumbai (2019-01 - 2021-01)

B. Com - Finance & Tax - Mumbai University (2004-01 - 2007-01)

Diploma - Packaging - Indian Institute Packaging (2023-01 - 2024-01)