Vaidehi Lakhe

Results-driven Product Development professional with over 9 years of experience across PD, R&D and merchandising. Creative and innovative mindset with the ability to translate trends into unique product concepts for the Bed Linen product segment - Sheets, Fashion Bedding, Utility and Institutional bedding. Experienced in end-to-end new product development, from concept to sampling, quality alignment, and launch readiness, with foundational exposure to IP/ IPR processes and coordination with overseas legal counsel.

Known for strong cross-functional collaboration, partnering effectively with design, sourcing, quality and sales teams with a proactive approach to deliver shared team objectives (maintaining timelines, margin, and customer expectations). Seeking to contribute product and category expertise to a leading textile or fashion brand while continuing to grow in scope and responsibility.

Senior Executive in Product development & design dept. - Indo Count Industries Ltd - Mumbai

(2016-08 - 2023-10)

Manage the end-to-end product development process, from concept ideation to final product launch.

• Working on buyer's RFQ, planning and arranging product samples with proper tags, inserts and packaging
• Managing USA Sheeting and Hotel bedding category: Different Thread Count, Jacquard & dobby designs, different finishes
• Managing products: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcases
• Managing buyers: Walmart, Kohl's, Costco, Land's End, Sam's club, Macy's, Boll and Branch, Standard Textiles, Sobel Westex (Hilton, Disney, Cairo Cale, Wynn), Casper, Miracle, JC Penny, HBC, QVC etc.
• Studying the tech pack, bed map and CAD received from the buyer/designer
• Working on color standards, trims and accessories, arranging special yarns
• Providing Color matching approval of Printed strikes offs and yarn dyed before proceeding for main sample process
• Managing USA Utility & Fashion Bedding category: Different Stitching style/Confectioning, Embroidery, Quilting, Comforters with different wadding/batting
• Managing products: Duvet Cover, Comforter set, Quilt set, Blankets, Bedskirt, sleeping bag, Decorative cushion covers (Designer Embroidered and quilted)
• Managing buyers: Kohl's, Westelm, Revman, Bed bath and beyond, Boll and Branch, Target, JC Penny, Belk etc.
• Coordinating with outsource and plant team to ensure seamless execution of product development
• Anchoring, managing and executing international events like New York Home Textile Market week – held in the month of March & September every year
• Conducting preliminary search for new trademark on respective Patent & trademark offices' sites
• Working and servicing Trademarks and Patents Database
• Making the Asset under custody (AUC) sheet quarterly to be submitted to the Auditors
• Maintaining all Trademark certificates & Patent copies with its renewal dates
• Researching and identifying new and innovative product ideas that align with market demand - Brainstorming for new innovations & Conducting Comp shop
• Analyzing customer trends, competitor products and global textile innovation to identify opportunities and improve product offerings
• Initiating communication with new technology vendors around the globe and call for samples, if required
• Making the impactful presentation of new innovations, to be circulated to the management
• Providing input and insights from a product perspective to contribute in new and sustainable packaging design along with write-ups to be mentioned on the packaging/inserts
• Maintaining the copy of agreement and license made with Brands & technology vendors
• Coordinating with the renowned labs worldwide, conducting Third Party Testing and maintaining test reports database
• Collaborating closely with the design, Marketing and sales team to understand the buyer's requirements
• Purchasing & Coordinating with vendors for services, trims, Embroidery, fabrics etc.
• Arranging trims, yarns, fabrics (griege, finished, flannel, knitted, Jacquard etc.) from the purchase team
• Arranging payments of vendors, laboratories and Attorneys. Following up for the same with the accounts dept.
• Coordinating product dispatches with courier dept.
• Proficiency in conducting Fabric Analysis
• Stock and inventory management
• Factory visit for gaining on-floor practical knowledge and bonding with team mates on regular intervals

Domestic Merchandiser (Sampling and Development) in Marketing dept. - Orbit Exports - Mumbai

(2014-06 - 2016-07)

A Jacquard and novelty fabric manufacturing company.

• Taking updates from Factory & PPC (production planning and control) team related to production
• Working closely with designing team for development of new quality samples & designs
• Working closely with sampling team for quality hangers/swatches & sampling yardages
• To ensure that the samples required by buyers are called from warehouse and are sent to them on time
• Follow up for sample and bulk production status
• Entering orders in ERP (SAP) and ensuring those are well executed
• Discussing Attention orders with management and resolving them
• Issuing sales contract number and making Performa Invoice against the Purchase order received
• Have Worked on Tally for entering PI and billing purpose
• Working independently for order execution and handling domestic buyers

Advance diploma in apparel merchandising - Apparel Merchandising - MSBTRE (SASMIRA, Mumbai) (2014)

Bachelors of textile science - Textile Science - NAGPUR UNIVERSITY (2013)

High School - CBSE (2010)

Secondary School - CBSE (2008)