Karunakar Akula

Seasoned Operations and Retail Management professional with over 17 years of expertise in leading store operations, Q-Commerce, last-mile delivery, customer service, inventory management, financial controls, and workforce optimization. Demonstrates a strong track record of driving operational excellence, minimizing shrinkage, enhancing key performance indicators (KPIs), managing audits, and building high-performing teams. Experienced in contributing to the growth and efficiency of prominent organizations such as Country Delight, Dunzo, Blinkit, Walmart India, and Reliance Retail.

Skilled in strategic planning and execution to deliver sustainable business improvements and customer satisfaction.

Centre Manager at Country Delight (Beejapuri Dairy Pvt Ltd) (2023-04 – 2026-05)

• Conducted comprehensive inventory audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards.
• Monitored team performance to enhance operational efficiency and maintain productivity.
• Reviewed and refined quality control processes periodically to improve overall effectiveness.
• Supervised storage operations, enforcing strict adherence to FIFO protocols and packaging guidelines.
• Oversaw inbound and outbound logistics, including delivery schedules, product returns, and cash collection tracking.
• Analyzed key performance metrics in-store and off-site, correlating findings with complaint resolution outcomes.
• Reduced manpower attrition rates by implementing effective staff management and engagement strategies.
• Maintained customer complaint rates below 0.50% through proactive issue resolution and service improvement.
• Facilitated training and development programs to support associate growth and skill enhancement.
• Managed daily center operations, ensuring optimal staff performance and facility maintenance for seamless functioning.

Store Manager at Dunzo Digital Pvt Ltd (2022-03 – 2023-04)

• Managed end-to-end operations of e-commerce warehouse, ensuring efficient inventory handling and timely order fulfillment.
• Streamlined warehouse workflows to optimize space utilization and improve processing speed.
• Coordinated with logistics and supply chain teams to maintain accurate stock levels and reduce delivery times.
• Managed inbound, outbound, and shipment reconciliation activities.
• Conducted monthly audits comparing company assets to actual physical counts.

Store Manager at Blinkit (2022-01 – 2022-03)

• Maintained TAT 83% (10min), 96% (15min), 100% (25min) within polygon.
• Ensure Order are assigned, picked and billed timely.
• Coordinating with FNV vendor for FNV products (Vehicle/Quality and Quantity).
• Ensured to maintain FNV temperature and Hygienic condition.
• Aligned the team for regular audits and analyzing the report to control the Shrinkage.
• Coordinating with central team to maintain the 100% fill rate.

Team Lead - Operations at Walmart India Pvt Ltd (2019-08 – 2022-01)

• Managed retail operations, cash management, and COD implementation.
• Launch Cash On delivery in E commerce business & trained the team on entire COD Process.
• Managed SOP compliance, audits, inventory controls, and vendor payments.
• Monitored team performance, offering improvement suggestions and training programs.
• Worked with cross-functional teams to ensure timely case resolution.
• Verified customer documents before creating customers business account.
• Monitored transactions for fraudulent or unauthorized activities.

Assistant Manager (Operations) at Reliance Retail Pvt Ltd (2012-11 – 2019-08)

• Identified compliance gaps through observations and implemented corrective measures to uphold operational standards.
• Coached team on billing and stock accuracy, enhancing vigilance against shoplifting incidents.
• Coordinated financial and non-financial audits to verify adherence to policies.
• Developed strategies that reduced operational expenditures among store associates.
• Preparation of monthly MIS like tender reconciliation, CC EMI recon, Paper finance, GV reconciliation.
• Reduced operational expenses through cost-control initiatives.

Team Leader (Operations) at SMSL PVT LTD (2009-04 – 2012-10)

• Analyzed financial reports to identify trends and discrepancies.
• Reviewed and verified financial and operational information for accuracy.
• Coordinated activities between staff and senior auditor to enhance efficiency.
• Reduced operational expenses through cost-control initiatives.

Accounts Executive (2005-10 – 2009-04)

• Managed billing, Inventory, accounting, cash handling and banking operations.
• Supported stock replenishment and customer service processes.
• Maintained daily sales records.
• Assisted with monthly and yearly financial closing activities.

Master of Business Administration in Finance – JNTU

Bachelor of commerce – KaKatiya University