Bilal Zafar

Bilal Zafar

Software Engineer

Followers of Bilal Zafar2000 followers
location of Bilal ZafarLahore, Punjab, Pakistan

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    COO Retail Direct Pakistan

  • Education

    • College of Business Administration

      1999 - 2001
      BCS Computer Sciences (SAD, Software Engineering, RDBMS, OOP..)
    • Virtual University of Pakistan

      2013 - 2015
      MIT (Masters in Information Technology) Information Technology

      Merit-based scholarships in 3 consecutive semesters

    • IBA, University of the punjab

      2005 - 2007
      MBA Marketing

      Major in Marketing, with 1 Distinction

  • Experience

    • Nishat Chunian Group

      May 2003 - Jan 2007
      Software Engineer

      Major Achievements:• Contributed profoundly for ERP Implementation by aligning existing processes and systems accordingly. • Just after 2 years of professional experience, was promoted to head the software development team.• Integrated various in-house developed BSS with a third party financial solution.Primary Roles:• Software Engineering (In-house software development; ensuring integration between IS/IT systems; and managing support & updates in legacy systems)• System Analysis, Design & Coordination (Assisting in requirements engineering; coordination for streamlining ERP implementation; and assessing off-the-shelf solutions as per user requirements). Show less

    • Worldcall Telecom Limited

      Jan 2007 - Jul 2014

      Major Achievements:• Designed & Implemented telecom OSS network Integration Suite, saving approx. 0.5 million USD for WTL. • Establishment of IT strategy in line with business goals & objectives, objectively ordaining future IT direction.• Development of IT security & other policies and procedures in line with IT Strategy & industry standards.Primary Roles: • Managing ICT Projects (Managing projects related to IS/IT development & automation; Telecom OSS-BSS integration; and coordinating all ICT’s cross-functional activities)• Managing ICT Framework Enhancements (Ensuring strategic alignment of ICT function with business; developing & improving IT policies & procedures; and ITGC framework improvement and compliance) Show less Major Achievements:• Optimized ICT framework by improving & streamlining many ICT processes.• Introduced and established various standardized processes, such as Software Change Management, in-house software development, etc.• Integrated multiple Business Support Systems to enhance effectiveness and control of these IT systems.Primary Roles: • Performing Business & System Analysis Activities (Performing System Analysis & Design for ICT Projects; developing & enhancing procedures for various ICT functions; and reviewing & ensuring compliance to IT General Controls) Show less

      • Manager ICT Projects & Framework

        Nov 2010 - Jul 2014
      • Team Lead / Sr. System Analyst

        Jan 2007 - Oct 2010
    • Ruba SEZ Group

      Jul 2014 - May 2017
      Head of E-commerce Planning & Tech Ops

      Major Achievements:• Founded group’s online business (JoChaho.pk) from scratch within 6 months of inception• Designed & developed Strategy, Policies and Processes for the online selling platform• Through rigorous Business Development efforts, established various strategic partnerships with vendors, technology partners, payment gateways and Logistics partners.• Implemented a user-friendly multi-channel solution, comprising Magento-based shopping cart, Mobile App and an integrated Omni-Channel engine for a uniform Customer Experience• Later on Enhanced the Business Model to an Online Marketplace, implementing a Seller Center and Order & Warehouse Management systems based on Laravel Framework.Primary Roles:• E-Commerce Setup Strategic Planning & Establishment• Technological Setup & Operational Management to establish & maintain a user-friendly and stable platform for better Customer Experience• Developing & executing plans to maximize Revenues and Gross Profits• Leading Digital Marketing Initiatives, encompassing Social Media Management & Media Buying, SEO, SEM, etc, to maximize brand awareness, traffic, conversion and brand loyalty• Setting up efficient Logistics Network to offer effective & efficient delivery options to Customers Show less

    • Nishat Linen

      May 2017 - Nov 2018
      Head of E-Commerce

      Major Achievements:• Increased brand’s yearly online sales by 2 times and Net Profit by 2.5 times within the very first 12 months of joining.• Established UAE operational hub in Dubai for online sale operations for GCC region.• Revamped overall E-Commerce Infrastructure of Nishat Linen including Technical Platform (from WooCommerce to Magento Enterprise) and associated integrations for future business needsMajor Responsibilities:• Transforming Nishat Linen from Brick & Mortal Retail to Omni-Channel enabled E-Tail market leader• Establishing E-Commerce strategy & business plans to maximize global market share, revenue and profit• Revamping Technology infrastructure to align with brand’s global E-Commerce needs• Restructuring & Developing Teams to cope up with new business processes & systems• Aligning Digital Marketing strategy with Business goals• Setting up efficient hybrid Logistics Network & diverse Payment options for cost-effective operation & customers' convenience respectively Show less

    • Telenor

      Nov 2018 - Feb 2021
      Senior Manager Digital Distribution & Devices

      Major Achievements:• Helped Telenor Pakistan to save PKR 150M in 2020 alone, through effective SIM Float Management & visibility, by implementing industry-first solution of Sim Issuance Tracking & near-real-time stock visibility at all channel touch-points• Optimized real-time distribution performance visibility for effective decision making and operational excellence.• Revamped Strategy & Business Model for company’s Devices business, increasing profitability by 50% through effective partnerships & negotiations; and operational efficiency through process improvement.Major Responsibilities:• Digitizing Sales & Distribution channel end-to-end for Telenor Pakistan• Developing digital distribution strategy & channel, leveraging the digital footprint of retail base• Since Jan 2020, additionally managing company’s devices portfolio, focusing on 4G data uptake through smartphones penetration and adding value to company’s topline revenue & profitability.• Establishing & strengthening partnerships with key OEM brands and mobile handset distributors.• Leading & driving all digital initiatives for the distribution channel enhancement (systems & apps for distribution channel) as well as devices business (VoLTE, eSIM, etc) Show less

    • UrDigitalPartner

      Mar 2021 - now
      Founder & CEO

      Major Services "Ur Digital Partner" Offers:1• Consultancy & Training Regarding o E-Commerce Business Planning & Setup o Organizational Digitization o E-Commerce Trainings & Business Process Engineering2• Tech Projects Management & Development o E-Commerce Solutions Development (B2C / D2C / Omni-Channel based / Marketplace) o Business Systems & Website Development o Mobile Apps Development (iOS & Android)3• Managed Services o End-to-End Managed Services for all E-Commerce Functions4• Full-Scale Digital Marketing Services Show less

    • Retail Direct Group

      May 2021 - now
      Chief Operating Officer Retail Direct Pakistan

      Retail Direct Group is a UK based E-Commerce Group, selling technology products & services in UK, from its own multiple platforms. I.e. www.LaptopOutlet.co.uk, www.FiveTech.co.uk, etc, as well as on the leading marketplaces. i.e. Amazon & eBay. It also provides E-Commerce development & managed services to some technology giants in UK as well.Major Responsibilities• Heading Pakistan Office, comprising the following teams: o Website Development & QA Team o E-Commerce Listing Team o SEO Team o Content Management Team o Social Media Community Management o HR• Strategic Planning for optimally running the above teams, to contribute to overall Business Growth.• Restructuring & Revamping processes, systems & teams for continuous improvement & sales growth.• Overseeing the transition to SAP ERP. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • PMP (Project Management Professional)

      PMI (USA)
      Jan 2010
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Bilal Zafar
      Distinction in Databse Management System subject in MBA IBA, University of the Punjab Aug 2007 1st position in DBMS subject during MBA