Vaishnavi Rao

Category Manager with 10 years of experience in the Home and Commercial Interiors and Design industry, including 4+ years in Category Management and Procurement Manager and 6 years in Interior Design. Strong expertise in category strategy, vendor management, procurement, pricing, and end-to-end product lifecycle management. Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally, optimize assortments, launch new products, and support business growth in fast-paced, ecommerce-driven environments.

Procurement Manager - Fedilitus Projects PVT LTD

(2025-06)

• Sourcing & Vendor Management: Identify and build relationships with profitable suppliers. Standardize and manage vendor review processes.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to secure the best value for the company.
• Risk Management: Develop strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions, product shortages, and price volatility.
• Budgeting & Cost Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit analyses, set spending benchmarks, and manage departmental expenses.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and delegate tasks to purchasing agents and buyers.
• Negotiation & Persuasion: Ability to secure favourable contract terms and navigate vendor discussions.
• Strategic Thinking: Long-term planning to build stable supply chains and drive profitability.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent stakeholder and supplier relationship management
• Coordination with Design team and understand the design requirement before proceeding with the scope Finalisation.
• MEP vendor Coordination
• Purchase Order Management along with in time deliveries and work completion

Category Manager - Livspace – Home Interiors Design E-commerce

(2018-12 - 2025-05)

• Owned the end-to-end category strategy, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and lifecycle management
• Curated and expanded the product range based on market trends, seasonality, and customer demand
• Led vendor onboarding, negotiation, and performance management, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and lead times
• Involves identifying and evaluating the best suppliers to secure high-quality goods and services
• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.
• Managed procurement activities including purchase requisitions, POs, quotations, and SKU creation
• Worked closely with merchandising, inventory, planning, and quality teams to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages
• Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to improve assortment efficiency and drive category performance
• Maintain accurate records of purchases and pricing
• Negotiate contracts and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Supported new product launches, provided product costing, and enabled design teams with regular training
• Improved internal processes and tools to enhance productivity and operational efficiency
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand procurement requirements
• Acted as an individual contributor while managing multiple vendors and stakeholders
• Utilized internal Canvas tool for vendor development, PO creation, and order tracking
• Source and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed

Interior Designer - Monticello Retail Pvt. Ltd

(2017-03 - 2018-11)

Contract

• Managed large-scale interior projects with strict adherence to timelines and budgets
• Mentored junior designers and provided 2D/3D design support
• Prepared materials and presentations for client approvals

Junior Interior Designer - Bharani Constructions

(2016-06 - 2017-02)

• Developed space planning, layouts, and construction drawings
• Created 2D/3D visualizations and client presentations
• Supported material specification and detailing

Junior Interior Designer - Bonito Design

(2016-01 - 2016-06)

Internship

• Designed layouts, elevations, and 3D views for residential projects
• Assisted in material selection, sourcing, and client coordination
• Did site visits for selection meetings

Diploma - Interior Design - Design Academy (2015)

PUC - KSCIHE

SSLC - MYCEMCO English School (2011)