Nitin Dhatavkar

Experienced and results-oriented professional with 27+ years of expertise in footwear production, quality control, retail buying, and sourcing. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, optimizing operations, and enhancing product standards. Seeking a senior role in a dynamic organization where my experience and dedication can drive operational excellence.

Head – Quality Assurance (Footwear) - Seething Shoe Company - Vietnam

(2019-10 - 2024-12)

• Led QA and testing team across production units.
• Ensured international compliance and audit readiness.

Production & Quality Manager - Instep - India

(2010-09 - 2019-09)

• Managed full-cycle production for exports.
• Controlled quality benchmarks and delivery schedules.

Category Manager – Footwear - Aditya Birla Retail Ltd. - India

(2007-03 - 2010-07)

• Oversaw product planning, pricing, trend analysis, and supplier coordination.

Category Manager – Buying & Merchandising - Reliance Retail Ltd. - India

(2006-03 - 2007-02)

• Developed vendor network and implemented pricing strategies for footwear division.

Asst. Manager – Footwear Sourcing & Quality - TATA Retail – WESTSIDE (Trent Ltd) - Mumbai

(2004-03 - 2006-02)

• Handled sourcing and quality assurance for multiple brands.

Buyer – Kids Footwear - The Loft, Lakewood Malls Pvt. Ltd. - Mumbai

(2002-10 - 2004-02)

• Managed vendor selection, buying, and range planning.

Footwear Store Manager - Giant Group - Dubai

(1996-01 - 2002-12)

• Oversaw store operations, inventory, and customer service.

Footwear Sample Coordinator - Tejoomals Exports - India

(1993-01 - 1996-12)

• Developed and coordinated export samples and specifications.

Diploma - Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturing Technology - Government Institute of Leather Technology (1992)

H.S.C. - Gurunanak Khalsa College (1990)

S.S.C. - S.K. Pant Walawalkar High School (1988)