Rakhee Sharma

Passionate & Diligent professional with over 15 years of experience in Garment Sourcing, Operational management and product management across India and Bangladesh for US, UK, Japan & Australian buyers. Adept at Costing, product knowledge & development & fulfilling quality requirements. Adept at developing & establishing cost effective vendor source for timely procurement of apparel. Excellent interpersonal, analytical & negotiation skills.

Sourcing Head at Taking Shape (Retail)-Meydan Group of Australia (2024-06 – Present)

Lead and establish sourcing and buying office based in India. Making the Vendor consolidation strategy for effective supply chain of sourcing.

• Lead and establish sourcing and buying office based in India
• Making the Vendor consolidation strategy for effective supply chain of sourcing
• Developing negotiation strategies to deliver against business objectives and achieve sustainable relationships with suppliers
• Developing risk mitigation strategies including contingency plans, lead-time reductions and supply chain efficiencies
• Collaborate closely with the various stakeholders in Australia headquarters and locally
• Act as a key liaison between the India office and the company's headquarters
• Lead and mentor the local team, providing guidance, training, and support
• Conduct market research to identify new sourcing opportunities, trends, and competitive dynamics
• Address and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise in the sourcing process
• Oversee daily operations of the liaison office

Merchandising Manager at Taking Shape (Retail)-Meydan Group of Australia (2022-09 – 2024-06)

Calculating procurement costs and developing cost reduction strategies. Driving purchasing decisions based on cost and scenario analysis.

• Calculating procurement costs and developing cost reduction strategies
• Driving purchasing decisions based on cost and scenario analysis, as well as market trends
• Negotiating contracts with key suppliers, including costs and terms of supply, service, and quality
• Plan and communicate development calendars and project plans for all innovation projects
• Research new technologies, materials and garment construction innovations from market & supply chain
• Apply predictive costing to ensure target price aligns with product designs
• Cross collaboration with the Design, Sourcing and Garment Tech Operations
• Collaborate closely with the various stakeholders in Australia headquarters and locally
• Manage the feasibility, completeness, and clarity of specs
• Review the specs with vendors in the context of intended use of product
• Lead the development process, ensuring that high quality prototypes are created
• Review, analyze and independently validate vendor cost information
• Independently negotiate with vendors for the best product cost
• Ensure all development samples are produced accurately and are shipped on time

Senior Sourcing Manager at BlackBerrys (Retail) (2022-01 – 2022-09)

Handling Blackberrys Mens Shirts Category (Formal & Casual Shirts). Season Launch - Key Milestone calendar finalization with Product and create Capacity & Lead time details.

• Handling Blackberrys Mens Shirts Category (Formal & Casual Shirts)
• Season Launch - Key Milestone calendar finalization with Product and create Capacity & Lead time details
• Product review to ensure compliance with the testing & performance requirement
• Arrange cross department Line review meetings to discuss confirmed styles with vendor & production team
• Drive business allocation to potential partners basis detailed technical understanding of product categories
• T&A management-Conduct Flow meetings of T&A review & actions
• Analyse and reduce supply chain lead times by systematic allocation of styles to partners
• Costing analysis
• Ensuring right product quality with right price at right time

Senior Merchandiser at TRIBURG (Sourcing) (2016-06 – 2021-03)

Handling Woven Shirts & Bottom business from India region for categories: Menswear & Kidswear. Strategic placement of styles to vendors based on capability, capacity, price & performance.

• Handling Woven Shirts & Bottom business from India region for categories: Menswear & Kidswear
• Strategic placement of styles to vendors based on capability, capacity, price & performance
• Garment cost negotiation along with Time & Action plan based on target delivery
• Product review to ensure compliance with the international testing & performance requirement
• Arrange cross department Line review meetings to discuss confirmed styles with vendor & production team
• Focal to address all the product related communication with buyer
• T&A management
• Identifying business opportunities
• Constantly ensuring to adhere with Work Ethics & Company standards during working hours

Assistant Merchandising Manager at GASL (TCNS) (2011-03 – 2016-05)

Independently handled core business from enquiry stage to Shipping. Responsible for Costing, profit margins to facilitate year on year profit.

• Independently handled core business from enquiry stage to Shipping
• Responsible for Costing, profit margins to facilitate year on year profit
• Effective Shipment planning to ensure timely Shipments
• Accounts Handled – MEIJER (US), FRED MEYER (US), CHARMING SHOPPE (US)
• Selected as best performer employee in 2013
• Chosen for a one week leadership program at one of top management institute of India (IIM CALCUTTA)

Merchandiser at Sargam Exports (2009-06 – 2011-02)

Coordination and implementation of the product from the development to shipping with the buyer and factory. Productively handled Internal controls, Systems and process evaluations.

• Coordination and implementation of the product from the development to shipping with the buyer and factory
• Productively handled Internal controls, Systems and process evaluations
• Liaison between buyers & production team
• Developed effective relationship with the buyers resulting in successful and timely completion of assigned tasks
• Maintained records for communications with buyer and internal teams
• Accounts Handled – H & M - Womenswear (European), Kapphal - Womenswear (European)

B.Tech in Textile Sciences – Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences (2005 – 2009)

Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing – Symbiosis Pune

Certificate in Management Development Course - Interpersonal Effectiveness & Leadership Excellence – Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (2013-07 – 2013-07)