Ali Rizvi

Senior apparel sourcing and operations executive with 30+ years of experience leading multi-million-dollar sourcing portfolios across apparel, home textiles, and lifestyle categories. Proven track record in vendor strategy, end-to-end product development, commercial negotiation, supply chain optimization, and team leadership across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and regional export markets.

Senior Sourcing & Operations Manager at AMBI Trading Network (2025-07 – Present)

• Led end-to-end product development and export execution across apparel, towels, and lifestyle categories, supporting multi-region markets with a focus on speed-to-market, quality, and commercial viability.
• Drove commercial negotiations across vendor base, including pricing, MOQs, and contract terms, consistently delivering target margins while maintaining strict quality and compliance standards.
• Strategically allocated sourcing across suppliers based on capacity, capability, and performance metrics, optimizing production efficiency, lead times, and risk diversification.
• Standardized workflows and strengthened cross-functional integration across merchandising, production, and quality teams, while mentoring talent to elevate execution consistency and accountability.
• Launched and scaled export operations to USD 3M in year one, achieving 95% on-time delivery (OTD) and establishing a strong foundation for sustainable international growth.

Country Manager/Sourcing Operations Manager at C&A Sourcing Int’l Ltd. (2018-06 – 2025-04)

• Led a USD 100M+ multi-category global sourcing portfolio spanning denim, knits, legwear, and home textiles, driving supplier strategy and execution across South Asia in alignment with international buyer requirements.
• Optimized end-to-end supply chain performance across cost, quality, compliance, and on-time delivery, implementing structured improvements that enhanced margin outcomes and operational reliability.
• Developed and managed a strategic vendor ecosystem, strengthening relationships across manufacturing hubs and leading commercial negotiations, delivering sustainable cost efficiencies and long-term sourcing partnerships.
• Directed full-country operations, including P&L-linked decision-making, organizational design, and implementation of SOPs aligned with global HQ standards and governance frameworks.
• Built and led a high-performing cross-functional team, embedding a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation across sourcing, merchandising, and operations functions.

Manager Operations at GBX Trading FZE (2014-09 – 2018-04)

• Directed end-to-end country operations in Pakistan, managing sourcing, merchandising, and quality functions with an annual turnover exceeding USD 5M.
• Successfully established and scaled the Karachi office, driving market entry, building organizational structure, and forging long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
• Led commercial and operational strategy across the full product lifecycle—from development and sampling to bulk production and shipment—for global retailers including New Look, NKD, Mango, Woolworths, and New Yorker.
• Managed and developed a cross-functional team of 10+ professionals, ensuring alignment with international compliance standards, superior quality benchmarks, and on-time delivery performance.
• Strengthened supplier network and negotiation frameworks, improving cost efficiency, reliability, and production scalability.

Country Manager at Primotex HKG (2012 – 2014-08)

• Led country operations and market development in Bangladesh, establishing the Dhaka office and building a localized sourcing and sales platform from the ground up.
• Managed full P&L responsibility, driving annual revenues of USD 2M while ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
• Developed and executed market entry and client engagement strategies, positioning the business as a reliable sourcing partner for global retailers including H&M, Inditex, and KIK.
• Directed end-to-end sales and supply chain operations, coordinating closely with the China-based button manufacturing facility to ensure seamless production, quality assurance, and on-time delivery.
• Built and mentored a lean, high-impact team, optimizing productivity and accountability while maintaining agility in a competitive sourcing environment.
• Strengthened cross-border supplier and client relationships, enhancing service levels, responsiveness, and long-term business retention.

Head of Merchandising & Sourcing at Panache Hong Kong (2011-09 – 2014-08)

• Led regional merchandising and sourcing strategy across Hong Kong and Bangladesh, managing a business portfolio with annual turnover exceeding USD 10M.
• Directed and scaled a 38-member cross-functional team, overseeing merchandising, product development, and in-house sampling operations to drive efficiency and speed-to-market.
• Orchestrated global supplier partnerships across Turkey, France, Canada, Hong Kong, USA, and Dubai, strengthening sourcing diversification, cost optimization, and supply chain resilience.
• Drove end-to-end product commercialization strategy, aligning design, development, and production with international market requirements and brand expectations.
• Enhanced operational performance and delivery reliability through structured planning, vendor management frameworks, and rigorous quality/compliance standards.

Director Merchandising USA at Synergies Sourcing Bangladesh Ltd (2008-07 – 2011-06)

• Selected to establish and lead merchandising operations, building the function from the ground up and implementing policies, systems, and governance frameworks to support scalable growth.
• Managed a USD 10M business portfolio across the USA, Canada, Brazil, Europe, and Australia, leading key client relationships including Dollar General, Oved Apparel, Cia Hering, Riachuelo, and Quebramar.
• Directed a high-performing team of 30+ professionals, including Merchandising Managers and a full QA division, driving accountability, capability building, and succession development through structured training programs.
• Drove commercial growth and client acquisition, developing sales strategies, expanding global accounts, and engaging directly with buyers through international travel and relationship management.
• Optimized sourcing, costing, and vendor strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships, improving cost efficiency, securing production capacity, and enhancing operational reporting for better decision-making.

Head of Merchandising Europe at Synergies Sourcing Bangladesh Ltd. (2005 – 2008)

• Led merchandising and production operations for a key business unit, delivering USD 35M+ revenue from major international clients across Europe and the USA.
• Managed strategic client relationships with brands including Kik, Wirba, Quebramar, Urban Clothing, and George & Martha, ensuring alignment on development, production, and delivery.
• Directed a large cross-functional team (30+ members) across merchandising, production coordination, and quality assurance, driving performance, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Optimized end-to-end production and sourcing processes, improving visibility, supplier coordination, and on-time delivery through structured planning and factory engagement.
• Strengthened supplier partnerships and compliance standards through regular factory visits, audits, and leadership collaboration, enabling scalable and sustainable growth.

General Manager at Icom / Leapfrog Solutions (2000 – 2005)

• Oversaw merchandising, sourcing, operations, and quality across multiple categories.
• Managed USD 10M–15M turnovers and teams of 5–10 employees.
• Established offices, implemented SOPs, and optimized vendor networks

Senior Merchandiser & Merchandiser at Synergies Sourcing Pakistan Ltd & Magnum Textile Pvt Ltd (1994 – 1999)

• Managed end-to-end merchandising and sourcing functions for apparel and textile exports.
• Managed Factories in Bahrain, Oman, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.