Vilma Verghese

• Currently managing a team of 10 stock controllers across multiple automotive brands, my responsibilities include but are not limited to the management of the team, data management, analysis of sales, and stock volumes to facilitate the delivery of predictive market volumes.
• Participate in developing and implementing process improvement initiatives and reporting structures across brands.
• Setting up dispatch reports and weekly reporting for upcoming shipments, retails, claims, and residual stock reports, based on manufacturer data sets.
• Delivery management with third-party vendors and interstate dealerships. Investigative reporting on all stock discrepancies by conducting monthly stocktakes for New and Used vehicles.
• Dealer delegate for SA registrations for new and used vehicles.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Era Power, Era Link, SAP, SAP NetWeaver, Tune, and Power BI.

• Buying, Design, and Merchandising for the lingerie department for private label and franchise brands
• Business Strategy: Category business strategy depending on consumer research reports in-house and Gap Analysis.
• Business Strategy: Category business strategy depending on consumer research reports and Gap Analysis.
• Define a strategic framework and roadmap to monetize brand partnerships collaboratively and sustainably.
• Competitor and market performance analysis.
• Category Establishment: Category establishment focusing a developing an Apt Category Mix, Supplier Mix, and Brand Mix.
• Creation of merchandise plans for the category based on insights gained from merchandise analytics, customer preference, historical trends, and fashion forecast
• Financial Plan: Develop and drive the periodic financial plan for the category
• Support in determining high-level financial goals including preseason financial plans, in-season projections, open-to-buy management, and new store budgets.
• Internal & External Collaboration: Vendor management-worked closely with production partners in China, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
• Responsible for order negotiation and sourcing to ensure margin and profits are met.
• Coaching the Buying Team in Off-Price Knowledge/ Negotiation Skill & Techniques.
• Critical Path & Marketing Calendar: Define an event calendar for the category/brands to integrate launches with social media.
• Engage with design and editorial team to plan creatives for promotion and launches.
• Paving the Future Category growth: Identifying opportunities more entry points for a category.

• Lead the overall marketing activity for the brand, with responsibility for planning, executing, and measuring the overall business strategy
• Preparation of the yearly sales budget for the brand in line with company plan
• Inventory management: monthly and quarterly reviews for in house stock and replenishments
• Developing category breaks, pricing, and promotion strategy for the brands
• Contributed to integration of new accounting and POS system to improve systems efficiency as well reducing supply chain process lead times
• Set up and implemented social media and communication campaigns to align with marketing strategies across various communities
• Updated the company website and managing analysis for social media and marketing
• Managed successful tie-ups and collaborations with corporates such as ADIA, British Business Group
• Planned and implemented training for store staff
• Worked closely with Logistics team and Finance team to improve supply chain process and payment schedule to improve supply chain efficiencies.

• Managed the OTB, and produced buying plans: Analysis to prepare range strategies, option plans by product group/range/price point, and order quantities.
• Location planning: Manage store grading, ranging, and target stock levels. Reviewing store performance and act accordingly.
• Ensured optimal levels were maintained in all stores across UAE & GCC.
• Promotional planning: Recommend weekday and weekend promotions that optimize sales areas of the business that were underperforming.
• Analysis: Prepare weekly/monthly reporting and recommendations including post-seasonal reviews.
• Update KPI targets & use of Store force to interact with stores.
• Relationship management: Ensure strong communication with Principals, marketing, VM, finance, and operations to review strategies and manage change.
• Markdown management: Analyzing performance to determine markdowns and adjusting the planned markdowns in the OTB if required.
• People management: Managing a merchandise assistant, who is responsible for weekly and monthly reporting and store stock levels (new allocations and replenishment).

• Executed the launch of CHAPS within U.A.E (a sub brand of Ralph Lauren Corporation).

• Handled 2 well-known American Brands - NAUTICA (Global Lifestyle Brand) & FLORSHEIM (Men's Luxury Shoe & Accessory Brand)
• Worked with and trained an assistant buyer to run 34 stores amongst UAE & GCC.

Responsible for establishing and maintaining a favorable image for individuals, groups, and organizations. Created media releases, listings and developed social media campaigns.

Responsible for researching trends, developing design concepts, sketching designs, selecting fabrics and trims, overseeing production, and collaborating with all the teams involved.