Naresh Kumar

Results-driven Quality Assurance and Social Compliance leader with 23+ years of experience in the export industry, including 20 years specializing in hard-goods — lighting, furniture, tabletop, and home décor. Proven track record of leading inspection teams, driving factory-level social compliance audits, and managing end-to-end vendor and buyer relationships for international clients across the US, UK, and China. Recognized for strong business acumen, meticulous quality standards, and the ability to build lasting trust between manufacturers and global retail partners.

Senior QA / QC at Indiaccent Group (2021-06 – 2026-08)

Hard-goods buying house for exports: lighting, furniture, tabletop & décor

• Lead a team of 3 QAs, scheduling inspections and approving software-based quality reports across the production pipeline.
• Conduct internal social compliance audits in line with buyer requirements, safeguarding ethical sourcing standards.
• Perform multi-stage inspections and deliver findings directly to client QA teams based in China and the US.
• Own production and inspection planning end-to-end — execution, follow-up, and issue resolution.
• Manage buyer correspondence for approvals, timeline extensions, and shipment clearance.
• Provide technical guidance to the team on new product developments and sourcing.
• Partner with buyers on mart and factory visits, offering hands-on technical expertise.

Senior QA cum Sourcing Merchandiser at Indus Valley – Greenfields (2012-06 – 2021-06)

Established export buying house (founded 1983) specializing in hard-goods

• Led a team of 2 QAs, prioritizing inspections against shipping deadlines and building execution plans.
• Directed multi-stage inspections and reported findings directly to buyers.
• Ran internal social compliance audits and factory evaluations to buyer specifications.
• Sourced new products and vendors, and accompanied buyers on mart and factory visits for new selections.
• Managed furniture vendor relationships across Jodhpur, Jaipur, Saharanpur, and Moradabad, plus additional hard-goods and soft-goods sourcing from Agra, Firozabad, Delhi NCR, Karur, and Allappy.
• Owned sample and counter-sample approvals, verifying product specification sheets, packaging, and artwork.

Merchandiser cum QA at Prestige Overseas (2010-03 – 2012-06)

Buying agent for Poundland Ltd (UK) — 500+ store discount retailer

• Managed purchase orders, master calculation sheets, invoicing, and packing lists for UK/Ireland-bound merchandise.
• Sourced product offer sheets and developed samples from vendors to meet buyer requirements.
• Conducted bi-annual social compliance factory surveys for existing suppliers and onboarding surveys for new ones.
• Reported audit outcomes to the compliance office in Hong Kong and tracked supplier progress against CAP (Corrective Action Plan) findings.
• Inspected goods to AQL 2.5 standards and coordinated with the UK QA team on product approvals.
• Liaised with the artwork development team to align packaging and artwork with product requirements.

Assistant Merchandiser at Destini India Ltd (2007-02 – 2010-03)

100% EOU manufacturer and exporter of metal, wood & glass handicrafts

• Managed price quotations, order placement, and production planning to ensure on-time execution.
• Maintained merchandise assortment while controlling ordering, shipping, and handling costs; sourced and monitored material imports.
• Tracked timelines using T&A schedules and analyzed WIP and post-shipment processes.
• Built strong client relationships through consistent service and on-site presentations.

Jr. Marketing Merchant cum QA at Tex Corp Ltd (2003-09 – 2007-02)

Export house manufacturing zippers for global garment houses

• Shaped marketing strategy through customer, competitive, and industry analysis.
• Developed regional sales across East Bangalore, consistently meeting business targets.
• Coordinated with vendors and agencies to execute marketing initiatives; led and trained a sales team.
• Conducted root-cause analysis on product defects and implemented corrective actions.
• Performed inspection, testing, and calibration of safety and testing equipment (Crocking, Abrasion Resistance, Needle Detection, Tensile Tester, Profile Projector, and more).

Advanced Diploma in Retail Management – NIBM, Chennai (2009)

P.G. Diploma in Apparel Merchandising – IIFT, Gurgaon (2007)

Diploma in Quality Assurance & ISO 9000 – M.T.I., Gurgaon (2006)

Two-Year Course in Fitter Trade – Industrial Training Institute, Sirsa (1999 – 2001)