Owais Shaikh

Managing a diverse portfolio for Elcorte Ingles, the largest Spanish retailer, overseeing sourcing and merchandising across 6 divisions, 21 brands, and 15 vendors, with a robust portfolio exceeding $16 million. Adept at strategic planning, innovative product development, and fostering partnerships to drive revenue growth across multiple industries

• Oversaw sourcing and merchandising operations in Pakistan, managing a $15 million turnover for Elcorte Spain, achieving a remarkable 15% YOY turnover growth through new product diversification.
• Restructured the Pakistan sourcing team and facilitated the onboarding of the product development team, resulting in an 11% increase in styles and a reduction in lead time by 2 to 3 weeks.
• Led negotiations to secure a target turnover of approximately $17 million for FY24, ensuring strong business placements.
• Implemented effective vendor sourcing strategies, leading to a 10% turnover increase in great value brands and the ladies' segment.
• Executed detailed costing processes, achieving multiple cost-saving targets across factory costing and fabric prices.
• Monitored market trends meticulously, identifying top sellers, product mix, and styles for each category. Assisted suppliers in aligning their collections with market trends and brand requirements.
• Oversaw product tracking and maintained seamless communication with suppliers, reducing delay ratio from 55% to 30% by identifying and resolving bottlenecks and reporting weekly status to buyers.
• Conducted comprehensive product risk analyses, identifying and mitigating potential risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• Implemented vendor management strategies aligned with KPIs and SWOT analyses, reducing the fail ratio to 30%.
• Provided essential coaching and support for subordinates' professional growth and development.

• Managed daily global operations involving sales, contract review, product development, negotiation, Middle East distribution, and P&L management.
• Developed and executed business strategies for Hospitality, Home, and Healthcare segments to drive market growth.
• Identified and pursued new domestic and global business opportunities, fostering lucrative partnerships for Emesa Home.
• Cultivated strategic alliances with distributors and retailers, resulting in increased profitable sales through large-scale commercial projects.
• Analyzed Profit and Loss statements, collaborating with Finance team to devise strategies addressing profitability gaps.
• Optimized procurement processes by integrating new vendor catalogues, enhancing selection procedures.
• Collaborated with finance and audit teams, providing accurate data for yearly financial audits to ensure compliance.
• Led negotiations and finalized partnerships and contractual agreements with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborated with HR to strategize staffing needs and advised on coaching and mentoring programs for employee development.

Elevated to oversee international sales operations in conjunction with sourcing offices in China, catering to the requirements of retail, hospitality, and high-fashion bedding segments. Instrumental in pivotal contract negotiations, resulting in the successful acquisition and launch of projects totaling a substantial turnover of 8 million.

• Supervised team comprising product managers, business developers, and associates, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and customer assortments.
• Formulated and executed financial budgets, focusing on business development, innovation, profitability, and customer assortments within workgroup.
• Successfully introduced various innovative products, including antimicrobial sheets, oil-resistant sheets, dry fast towels, and Soft finishes in pigment prints.
• Collaborated with prominent retailers and distributors such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Kenzo, Integral Hotel Supplies, International Hotel Supplies, Otto, Bon Prix, Martex, Kibek, Hess Natur, Battenlager, and Carrefour.
• Evaluated product specifications and testing protocols, sourcing raw materials and trims in line with established requirements.
• Conducted product costing and negotiations with buyers for seasonal contracts, ensuring favorable terms.
• Liaised with various testing labs such as SGS, BV, Oekotex for product and factory audits.
• Collaborated and negotiated with overseas factories, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective products.
• Strategized and projected sales and profitability for preseason planning, establishing long-term 3- and 5-year goals.

Led corporate planning initiatives for Middle East and US operations, managing a sales turnover of $80 million. Oversaw operations across four plants, supervising and working along with a workforce of 2000+ employees, and orchestrating the production of over 3 million units annually.

Highlights:

• Established and executed ongoing inventory forecasting strategies, ensuring continuous product availability and meeting inventory obligations.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams in Finance and Operations to optimize seasonal procurement plans, aligning with hiring needs and budget constraints to support annual financial objectives.
• Ensured product compliance with safety, sourcing, and performance standards, managing diverse SKUs from raw materials to shipping.
• Provided weekly, monthly, and yearly product forecasts, facilitating resource allocation and operational planning.
• Conducted annual assessments of production capacity requirements, identifying and addressing any shortcomings to maintain seamless operations.
• Conducted audit inspections and independent checks to verify parts and materials

Directed strategic planning, assorting, procurement, and marketing initiatives for bedding sheets and seasonal products, achieving sales targets and financial objectives.
• Supported intricate logistical requirements to sustain and propel annual sales reaching $3M.
• Completed Buyers' Request for Quotation (RFQ) and meticulously reviewed customer specifications.
• Evaluated product Time and Action (T&A) schedules to pinpoint any deficiencies in meeting buyers' shipping deadlines.

Assisted in business and product development of sheets and accessories for a manufacturing operation located in Pakistan with over 3000 employees and annual sales of $80 M