Raman Muralidharan
BUSINESS HEAD at ARMANA GROUP
- Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- raman.muralidharan11@gmail.com
- +880 1730342479
Experienced professional with 25 years in garments merchandising, seeking a career in retail management. Skilled in sourcing high fashion brands, with expertise in factory and buyer liaison operations.
Experience
BUSINESS HEAD
2020 08 – Sep 2022
- Oversaw business operations as Business Head, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and increased market share in Dhaka's competitive landscape.
- Managed relationships with major buyers NEXT (UK) & TOPTEN (Korea), leading to improved buyer satisfaction and repeat business through effective communication and collaboration.
- Spearheaded timely development of product samples, achieving a 20% reduction in lead time, thereby accelerating order processing and delivery.
- Negotiated costs with buyers, ensuring profitable contracts, which contributed to a significant boost in revenue and strengthened business partnerships.
- Led a team of 7 in sampling, bulk material bookings, and production timelines, resulting in successful execution of shipments within deadlines, enhancing overall productivity.
GENERAL MANAGER
2013-APR – Aug 2020
- Managed relationships with key clients such as PVH, Diesel, and Inditex, resulting in successful partnerships that contributed to over $25 million in revenue.
- Coordinated a highly effective team of 6 merchants, leading to efficient handling of merchandise and securing timely orders for over 300,000 pieces per month.
- Oversaw comprehensive merchandising processes including product development and cost negotiations, achieving on-time shipment execution and exceeding client expectations.
- Executed rigorous social audits in collaboration with the audit team, ensuring compliance with standards such as ACCORD and BSCI, which enhanced the company's reputation and trust with clients.
- Streamlined operations within the garment factories for knit, woven, and undergarments, optimizing production efficiency and turnaround times across diverse product lines.
MERCHANDISING MANAGER
2010-NOV – 2013 MAR
- Managed relationships with key clients such as American Eagle and Eddie Bauer, resulting in enhanced client satisfaction and retention rates.
- Led a team of 6 merchants in overseeing a portfolio worth over $20 million USD, which drove significant revenue growth and market expansion.
- Directed all facets of merchandising including product development and cost negotiations, achieving optimal pricing and product quality that increased profitability.
- Secured timely order placements and ensured on-time shipment execution, which contributed to improved supply chain efficiency and reduced lead times.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to align merchandising strategies, resulting in streamlined operations and successful project outcomes.
MERCHANDISING MANAGER
2009 OCT – 2010 NOV
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients including Jennyfer, Tally Weijl, and Pimkie, resulting in sustained revenue growth exceeding $15M USD.
- Coordinated a team of 6 merchants to streamline merchandising operations, leading to enhanced efficiency and improved order fulfillment timelines.
- Oversaw the entire merchandising cycle from product development to cost negotiations, ensuring successful execution of on-time shipments and customer satisfaction.
- Secured valuable contracts and optimized cost structures for multiple high-profile brands, contributing to a significant reduction in overall product costs and increased profitability.
- Executed strategic planning and timely communication across all stages of product delivery, which resulted in a seamless supply chain management and strengthened client relationships.
MERCHANDISER
1999 DEC – 2009 OCT
- Sourced diverse knit, woven, and sweater products from India and Bangladesh, resulting in successful procurement that leveraged regional strengths and innovation.
- Collaborated closely with buyers at the head office in France for order securing and approval closures, which led to streamlined product development and increased order efficiency.
- Managed a business portfolio exceeding $30 million USD, demonstrating strong financial acumen and market expertise to drive revenue growth.
- Oversaw complete merchandising processes, including product development, cost negotiations, and vendor management, ensuring timely deliveries and enhanced supplier relationships.
- Executed on-time shipments and coordinated new supplier sourcing, contributing to improved supply chain reliability and operational effectiveness.