Vishal Kotai

Experience

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  Unilever

  Jul 2019 - Nov 2019

  Sales Manager

  · Showcased extensive product knowledge to assist customers in making well-informed purchasing decisions.· Ensured a tidy and organized sales floor, maintaining proper product display and stock levels.· Accurately and efficiently processed transactions using the point-of-sale system.· Collaborated with team members to meet daily and monthly sales targets.· Assisted in various merchandising activities, such as setting up displays and organizing promotional materials.· Proactively identified opportunities for cross-selling and upselling to maximize sales revenue. Show less

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  Walmart

  Dec 2019 - Aug 2021

  Buyer

  • Responsible for buying and managing inventory levels of assigned produce categories for assigned Walmart warehouse locations for approximately 400 million in sales annually.• Train and manage a team of Inventory Control Specialists to ensure accurate forecasting• Review sales history, establish sales forecasts and program budgets to prepare future item projections• Manage international and national procurement programs simultaneously to create smooth transitions between seasons and crops• Negotiate item and program pricing while maintaining a positive relationship with category suppliers• Develop packaging design and pallet configurations for optimal merchandising displays and freight efficiencies• Discuss vendor contracts, program payment terms, and delivery methods for items to be sold• Test category products to ensure cost and quality standards are being met• Adapt and resolve unexpected issues caused by weather patterns, seasonality, and market demand• Create initial reports for new store openings including lists of item selection, initial forecasts, delivery deadlines and accurate in-store displays• Complete weekly profit margin reports on competitor pricing and product offerings• Coordinate shipments with carriers to optimize freight• Monitor and resolve discrepancies of import documentation to ensure proper customs compliance• Conduct occasional onsite inspections of supplier facilities• Acquire updated food safety documents and audit reports from suppliers• Fresh Produce Department Show less

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  Loblaw Companies Limited

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2022

  Associate Buyer

  Analyzed product level forecasts as a demand planner and helped strategize on replenishment through current and historical trends analysis to maximize sales.• Worked with Transport, Distribution and Vendors to co-ordinate flow of goods through the network.• Used supply chain strategy to optimize sales and inventory effectiveness for every item.• Supported advertising efforts by assuring 100% stock availability in stores.• Maintained inventory replenishment process using an online software system such as SAP, WMS, ITrade, Vendor portal, C3 etc.• Directed customer service on decisions relating to expediting product and data changes to prevent out-of-stocks.• Strategized bagging facilities production planning by designing productions plans for Western Canada.• Placed promotional products orders and ensured product availability and allocation to stores during ad-break by reviewing ad proofs.• As a buyer I have handled proper safety stocks at Stores and Distribution Center.• Analyzed inventory to increase or decrease projections based on sales performance and inventory levels.• Reviewed and approved recommended purchases for assigned vendors (Offshore, Local and FOB vendors)• Ensured all forecast and flow requirements are executed to defined targets/standards.• Resolved issues by analyzing trend and tracking reports.• Created offshore purchasing orders (PO) based on banner projections and vessel availability.• Understood current and future trends and strategized orders with field and regional teams.• Recognized and executed enhanced inventory practices with replenishment team members. Show less

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  Jefferson Elora Corporation

  Jan 2023 - Jan 2025

  Buyer

  · Developed and implemented comprehensive category strategies and aligned them with overall business objectives.· Achieved Savings (cost reduction) – 6.8% in 2023· Executed procurement activities by initiating RFQs with other suppliers, and conducted comprehensive should-cost analyses to establish pricing benchmarks.· Conducted direct negotiations with the suppliers within various categories (IT, HR Finance, Operations, Telecom).· Directed end-to-end P2P process optimization, enhancing procurement efficiency and driving cost savings.· Established and monitored supplier commercial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), fostering accountability, and driving performance improvements.· Executed tenders with direct and indirect spend categories (Telecom, Operations, Finance, IT and HR).· Issues Purchase Orders ( Via visual Manufacturing ERP system(Plex) and S/4HANA also scheduled deliveries for suppliers, materials, equipment’s and Services. Show less

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  Canada Prep and Ship

  Jan 2025 - now

  Buyer