Qaiser Farooq

Experience

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  Al-Futtaim

  Jul 1994 - Jan 2007

  Category Buyer

  Key Responsibilities:• Achieved budgeted sales targets for assigned brands and categories across GCC.• Sourced products globally, attending trade shows and vendor factories.• Managed 175 product categories and 8,000+ SKUs from 100+ global suppliers.• Developed buying plans aligned with company strategy and market trends.• Optimized inventory through strategic stock replenishment.• Strengthened vendor relationships and managed product performance.• Ensured margin optimization and cost-effective supplier negotiations.• Planned promotions in collaboration with marketing.• Worked cross-functionally with retail, sales, merchandising, B2B, finance, and supply chain teams.Achievements Summary:• Spearheaded a remarkable 1400% growth in department sales turnover over a 12-year period.• Played a pivotal role in the successful opening of seven Ace retail stores across GCC Region.• Contributed significantly to planning and launch of the first ACE BigBox retail store (20,000 sqm) in Dubai 2006.• Awarded the "Service Champion" recognition in January 2004 by Al Futtaim Group Retail Division for presenting the ERP, SAP Buying Requirement Planning module.• Drove the highest-performing categories in the co, contributing 32% to the overall co budget across five dept.• Developed and executed highly successful assortments within each subcategory, solidifying the brand’s position as the leading DIY retail chain in the UAE.• Led the end-to-end implementation of the SAP MM module for the buying team, optimizing operational efficiency.• Designed and implemented SAP reports and purchase order management systems for the buying department, enhancing procurement processes. Show less

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  ABYAT

  Jan 2007 - Feb 2009

  Senior Category Manager

  Key Responsibilities include:• Led the launch of Kuwait’s first 20,000 sqm Mega BigBox store, managing market study, product sourcing, and layout planning.• Conducted market research to shape category mix and optimize product selection, pricing, and merchandising.• Managed sourcing from Europe, Far East, and GCC, negotiating favorable supplier terms.• Oversaw store layout, logistics, and promotional strategies to enhance customer flow and sales.• Analyzed sales, stock, and customer feedback to drive data-driven decisions.Achievements Summary:• Successfully led a market study project with MDJ2 Consultancy firm UK, identifying opportunities and risks to strategically launch Kuwait’s first 20,000 sqm Big Box store prior launching Abyat in Kuwait.• Developed and executed department strategies, selecting suppliers, brands, and products while setting retail pricing to achieve budgeted profitability.• Successfully launch the opening of (new retail concept ) Kuwait's first 20,000 sqm Mega Big Box concept store, achieving a seamless customer experience from day one.• Developed a detailed 195-page product catalog at the SKU level, effectively marketing the brand and positioning it as the market leader.• As ERP (SAP )certified Senior Category Manager, key contributor to ERP implementation and MC structure setup• Built a highly trained retail and commercial team by organizing training programs in collaboration with suppliers.• Successfully managed, cross-functional departments (marketing, operations, logistics, visual merchandising) to ensure alignment and smooth execution of the store opening. Show less

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  Multitrend Int'l Al Homaizi

  Mar 2009 - Apr 2010

  Logistics Manager

  Key Responsibilities include: • Managed supply chain operations for Multitrend’s brands sourced from Europe, the US, and the Far East.• Oversaw inbound, warehousing, and outbound distribution for seven international brands across 18 retail stores in Kuwait, Dubai, and KSA.• Built and maintained relationships with suppliers and freight forwarders to ensure timely delivery at the lowest cost. • Worked closely with brand management teams to align forecasts with purchasing and inventory processes for effective storage planning."• Held overall accountability for capacity planning, distribution, and warehouse inventory.• Identified cost reduction opportunities and implemented effective strategies.• Led the logistics department and managed the flow of goods.• Monitored employee efficiency and conducted performance reviews.• Managed 2PL and 3PL warehouse solutions in Kuwait and Dubai, along with distribution to retail stores in Kuwait, UAE, and KSA.• Played a key role in organizing store openings and coordinating requirements across the GCC.Achievements Summary:• Accelerated store sales by optimizing inbound and outbound logistics processes.• Successfully supported the opening of 12 retail stores in 12 months across Kuwait, Dubai, and KSA by providing efficient supply chain management services.• Established a 3PL logistics solution and negotiated Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with logistics providers in Dubai, covering distribution in KSA, UAE, and Kuwait.• Developed and streamlined the buying process and purchase order management for both imported and locally supplied products, including merchandise and non-merchandise items.• Successfully conducted a training program for the brand and merchandise teams, enhancing their understanding of the supply chain process and incoterm negotiations to optimize company benefits Show less

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  Alghanim Industries

  Jul 2010 - Aug 2013

  Buying Manager

  •Led a team of Category Manager, Asst Buyers, and Merchandiser, driving strategic buying, product selection, and merchandising to maximize sales and profitability.•Developed and executed annual buying plans, budgets, and strategies to achieve business objectives.•Attended international trade fairs and conducted factory visits to source new categories, enhance existing product ranges, and negotiate competitive terms.•Monitored sales performance against budget, implementing corrective actions to ensure financial targets were met.•Analyzed market trends and competitor strategies to optimize buying decisions and maintain a competitive edge.•Managed product selection, pricing strategies, and sell-through targets.•Led new brand and product launches, promotional campaigns to drive sales.•Collaborated cross-functionally with Retail Operations, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, B2B Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align business goals.•Established and enforced buying policies, procedures, and compliance systems to improve operational efficiency.Achievements Summary: •Spearheaded the development of a new product category range, and achieved 42% growth compared to budget within the first year as well as 227% compare to SPLY within the first year.•Expanded customer segments by introducing new subcategories, contributing to business growth.•Successfully restructured the ERP-SAP product merchandise categories, implementing best retail practices to improve sourcing strategies and reporting capabilities.•Optimized retail floor plans and planograms in collaboration with the visual team, significantly enhancing the shopping experience.•Led product training programs, boosting team performance and surpassing sales targets.•Minimized logistics-related damages and improved product quality through close coordination with the Supply Chain, QC teams in China, and suppliers. Enhanced and streamlined supply chain processes, optimizing operational effectiveness. Show less

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  Al Dabbous International

  Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

  Division Manager

  Key Responsibilities include:• Led multiple projects, ensuring seamless execution across functions.• Developed a strategic business plan covering competitor analysis, market positioning, and pricing strategies.• Attended trade fairs and factory visits, securing partnerships with reliable Chinese furniture manufacturers for quality and cost efficiency.• Assisted in recruitment and hiring for the QC teams in China.• Designed merchandise range and floor plans to enhance operational efficiency & performance.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline business operations.Achievements Summary: • Successfully conducted in-depth competitor analysis on product range, pricing, and customer preferences, leading to the strategic launch of a new home furniture business.• Successfully attended trade fair and visited factories in China and secured partnerships with reliable manufacturers for cost-effective, high-quality Furniture. • Successfully designed an 8,000 sqm showroom layout, optimizing product visibility and enhancing the customer shopping experience. Show less

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  DIVERSITY GROUP | SPECIALIZED GULF Co, KUWAIT

  Nov 2014 - Dec 2016

  Business Development Manager

  Key Responsibilities include:• Led business development initiatives to expand market share in protective coatings, industrial flooring, and antimicrobial solutions.• Established key partnerships with international brands (Silikal, Bioni and MaxMeyer) to drive sales growth.• Identified opportunities, developed strategies, and executed market penetration plans.• Managed sales pipelines, negotiated contracts, and secured high-value projects across various industries.• Built and maintained strong relationships with key clients, architects, contractors, and decision-makers.• Organized technical presentations, product demo, and training sessions for clients and technical team.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and customer satisfaction.Achievements Summary:• Successfully expanded market share by securing major contracts for industrial flooring, and decorative plastering solutions across diverse sectors.• Established and strengthened partnerships with Silikal , Bioni , and MaxMeyer, leading to revenue growth and expanded market presence.• Successfully managed technical sample demos for projects and training sessions in collaboration with Silikal and Maxmeyer technical teams, driving product adoption and significantly enhancing client satisfaction. Show less

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  The Imperial Group of Companies

  Jan 2017 - now

  Senior Manager

  Led business development initiatives, including market expansion, trade fair participation, and brand promotion across the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.Optimized procurement, supply chain, sales, and after-sales processes within the group.Conducted market studies, competitor analysis, and developed growth strategies for leadership.Built strong supplier and client relationships, resolving escalations effectively.Aligned cross-functional teams, mentored Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Sales teams, and supported recruitment.Developed and implemented KPIs to track sales, order fulfillment, and supplier performance.Achievements Summary:• MECA Co, Contributed significantly to establishing MECA Co. as a leading industry player by representing the company as an exhibitor at ISSA global trade fairs in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East, securing valuable partnerships, boosting brand visibility, and converting leads into long-term clients."• Imperial Street Sweeper Division: Played a key role in managing the largest GCC sale of Italian street sweepers, ensuring exceptional after-sales support. • Imperial Parts Trading Department: Successfully planned and executed the Parts Trading Department, boosting revenue and operational efficiency in the Imperial Street Sweepers Co. • ERP System: Successfully upgraded the ERP system in collaboration with the IT department across the group’s companies to improve purchasing, supply chain, and sales processes.• Imperial Commercial Kitchen Division: Planned and executed a strategic marketing plan, boosting market presence with key tools like a company profile, products catalog, and website. • Tanzifco Equipment Division: Developed and executed a marketing plan to support sales team with key assets like a product catalog and company profile.• E-Business: Led a market study on E-Business, identifying trends and opportunities to capitalize on online growth Show less