Ramesh Rai

Strategic and performance-driven Business Leader with over 27 years of experience in Apparel manufacturing, sourcing and large-scale operations. Proven ability to Lead end-to-end business functions including P & L management, production, sourcing, supply chain, and business development. Extensive experience in managing high-volume Production (up to 150,000+ pcs/month), large teams (1000+ workforce) and multilocation vendor networks.

Strong track record of delivering profitability through cost optimization, operational efficiency, and strong buyer relationships. Experienced in working with leading Indian and International brands with deep understanding of retail supply chain dynamics, fast fashion cycles and private label manufacturing.

Sourcing Head & Manager Planning - Since 99 Apparel Pvt.Ltd - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2025-01)

• Lead end to end sourcing and production operations.
• Manage multi-vendor production model (10+ vendors across India)
• Handle monthly production of 75000+ pcs
• Ensure cost control, quality compliance, and on-time delivery.
• Drive vendor development and scalable production strategies.
• Develop backup vendors.
• Handle Supply Chain disruptions (delays, shortages, price fluctuation)
• Build long term relationships with reliable vendors.
• Ensure competitive sourcing to meet target garment cost.
• Monitor supplier timeline to avoid production delays.
• Take proactive actions for delays (alternate sourcing, expediting orders.)

General Manager - Operations - Meridian Clothing Co.Pvt.Ltd - Bhiwandi, Maharashtra

(2021-11 - 2025-03)

Managed large-scale apparel manufacturing operations.

• Managed 500+ machines and 800 workforce
• Delivered monthly shipments of 150,000 pcs
• Improved OTIF (on-Time In-Full) delivery performance.
• Implemented process standardization and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee end-to-end operations cutting-sewing-finishing-packing
• Take final responsibility for factory performance.
• Control operational cost (labor, Overheads, wastage)
• Manage workforce planning (operators, supervisors, line managers)
• Maintain discipline and motivate teams for better output.
• Align production plans with orders priorities and delivery schedules.
• Ensure smooth communication between factory and merchandising team.
• Ensure factory follows social compliance, safety and audits (e.g., SEDEX, WRAP)
• Identify bottlenecks and improve workflow.
• Making sure the factory runs on time, at the right cost, with the right quality and maximum efficiency.

General Manager - Operations - Manan Apparel Pvt.Ltd - Bhiwandi, Maharashtra

(2016-09 - 2021-10)

• Managed production for major Indian retail brands
• Led 600 machines and 700 manpower operations
• Improved cost efficiency and production planning Systems.
• Work closely with PPC team to ensure line planning and load balancing.
• Monitor Hourly, daily, weekly and monthly production targets.
• Convert business goals into operational plans.
• Monitor progress and ensure results are achieved.
• Identify gaps, delays and bottlenecks.
• Control operational expenses.
• Lead department heads and operational teams.
• Build a strong and disciplined work culture.
• Work closely with departments like sales, finance, HR, procurements.
• To ensure that the business runs smoothly, and profitably, while delivering the right quality on time.

Sourcing Head & Manager Planning - Ruff Jeans - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2012-07 - 2016-08)

Managed high-volume denim and casual wear production.

• Managed 100,000 pcs/month production capacity
• Developed sourcing network and vendor partnerships.
• Led production for denim and casual wear categories.
• Monitor fabrics, trims, and accessories availability.
• Attend buyer meeting and Audits if required.
• Reduce rejections, alterations and defects.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
• Ensure factory follows social compliance, safety and audit standards.
• Overseeing cutting, stitching, finishing and packing processes.
• Ensure OTIF (On time in full delivery) achievement.
• Improve productivity and efficiency (SAM, line efficiency)

General Manager Production - Malhar Fashion Pvt.Ltd - Bhiwandi, Maharashtra

(2008-12 - 2012-06)

Managed comprehensive production operations.

• Prepare overall production plans based on order quantity, delivery timelines and capacity.
• Ensure proper line planning and machine allocation.
• Monitor daily weekly and monthly production targets
• Balance work load across lines to avoid bottlenecks.
• Ensure production meets buyer quality standards.
• Control production cost (Labor, overhead wastage)
• Lead production managers, line supervisors and workers.
• Maintain discipline and motivation on the production floor.
• Follow buyer audits and certifications (Like social compliance)
• Right Product, right quality, right cost, delivered on time.
• Maintain smooth coordination between all departments.

Production Manager - Goyal Garb Pvt.Ltd - Mumbai

(2003-09 - 2008-11)

• Managed high fashion garments production for international buyers.
• Led 400 machines and 550 manpower.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly production plans.
• Allocate lines, machines and Manpower effectively.
• Ensure smooth workflow from cutting to finishing
• Set up sewing lines based on style and operation breakdown
• Balance the line to achieve maximum efficiency
• Monitor KPIs like efficiency %, DHU and output per operator.
• Minimize downtime and bottlenecks.
• Work closely with QA/QC team for inline and endline quality.
• Ensure orders are completed within deadlines.
• Reduce overtime wastage and idle time.
• Coordinate with merchandising, planning and quality teams.
• Maximum output with minimum cost, maintaining required quality and delivery timelines.

Production Merchandiser - Ambertex Sekhsaria Exports Pvt.Ltd - Vapi, Gujarat

(1999-11 - 2003-08)

Coordinated large-scale production operations.

• Coordinated large-scale production of 175,000 pcs/month.
• Order Planning & Coordination
• Understand buyer requirements (Style, quantity, delivery date)
• Prepare a Time & Action Plan for the order.
• Coordinate with all departments (Cutting, sewing, finishing)
• Follow up on development samples (fit, size set, pp sample)
• Source and ensure timely available of fabric and trims.
• Monitor consumption and avoid shortage/Excess
• Track daily production Status
• Ensure Production is running as per Plan.
• Work closely with QA/QC team to maintain buyer standards.
• Handle Quality issues and approvals.
• Monitor production cost vs. target cost.
• Control wastage and improvement efficiency.
• Support profitability of the order.
• Coordinate packing list, labeling and documentation.
• Work with logistic for smooth dispatch.

Bachelor of Arts - General

Certificate - Garment Manufacturing Technology (GMT) - Venus Institute

Certificate - Fashion Designing - R.K. Institute