Ashen Jagroop
Sales , Marketing, Distribution, Retail - SA
Gauteng
Summary
A successful leader with proven accomplishments in launching, leading and driving growth of International Licensed brands and Country principles in the South African / African Market. EMEA Regions. Extensive experience in representing International Brands in the Luxury consumer goods sector, Sports & Leisure categories, Toys, Outdoor Equipment, Apparel, Baby Goods, Accessories, Electronic categories in the South African Market. Has passionately represented and grown international brands in SA, sourced from around the globe, and managed brands from country's such as Italy, USA, Germany, Hong Kong/East as well as Canada.
A well traveled individual and passionate in product sourcing, successful team leadership and brand development in the SA market. Additionally experienced in leading the Commercial side of business, such as finding new markets for growth, delivering on the Sales strategy, extending product ranges, leveraging, and implementing effective marketing and growth strategies in the SA landscape.
High performing candidate, holding a Master Degree MBA in Business Management as well as a BCOM honors degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management, graduating (Cum Laude).
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
Work History
GM Sales & Marketing Exec -International Brands
Prima Toys, Sports & Leisure Distribution
Gauteng
05.2019 - Current
- I was brought on board to join the Exco Team.
- Responsible for overall International Sourcing, Brand and license range building and Sales in SA.
- Product range development, assortment building, mapping, strategic sourcing for SA retailers and market, and dealing with all the retailers
- Lead and manage a full staff compliment of 30 people with 4 reporting executives and responsible for a 1.8 billion sales turnover delivery
- Key Areas of delivery:
- Oversee the Procurement and Ranging Strategy
- Formulate the Budgets and product forecasting for the business
- Lead the business strategy from concept to execution with staff
- People Management and Performance Management
- Oversee the Marketing strategy and provide direction
- Manage International Vendors, with travel and product sourcing
- Manage the P&L of the overall business, reporting to the C.E.O directly
- Implemented company policies, technical procedures and standards for preserving integrity and security of data, reports, and access.
- Organized due diligence in preparation for sale of business unit.
- Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
- Utilized appropriate financial tools to manage accounts payable and receivable.
- Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
- Spearheaded overhaul of company best practices to increase staff retention rates.
- Established and implemented departmental policies, goals and objectives.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
- Conducted business forecasts to identify recent developments.
- Assessed and analyzed departmental budgets to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
- Developed sales strategies to achieve short and long-term sales revenue objectives.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Provided strategic oversight of marketing and promotional campaigns to keep campaigns aligned with overall goals and objectives.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to create competitive advantages.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
- Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Planned, organized, directed and facilitated marketing strategy and budget implementation to meet sales goals and leverage influence.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Served as member of corporate management team and provided input towards company financial development, strategically planning growth based on key indicators and metrics.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Executive Head Sales, Sourcing -SA & Hong Kong
Prima Toys Sport & Leisure Distribution
Gauteng
05.2012 - 08.2018
- Guide the Product Development strategy
- Sourcing and International brand buying
- Manage the Trends Analysis department
- OTB Management
- Critical Path monitoring
- Part of Executive Leadership and Exco member
- Supplier Management and Strategic partnership management
- Quality Assurance process monitoring
- Overall Brand management and Division KPI management
- Leading the Buying and Planning teams
- Range Reviews and Post Seasonal guidance and leadership
- Oversee the Store and Window program scheduling
- Marketing calendar & division Promotions management
- International Travel and Trends identification, including colour pallets for seasonal buying
- Responsible for driving and implementing a results and performance driven culture
- To Lead the buying team to build on the seasons range plan in line with chain Strategy
- Guide the Product laydown process, (Apparel & Hards)
- Secured consistent stock supply by providing accurate sales forecasts and managing shipments appropriately.
- Devised promotional and advertising plans to enhance product positioning and global brand marketing development.
- Recommended new lines by surveying consumer needs and trends and tracking competitors.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
Divisional Buying & Sourcing Executive
Edcon Group - Sporting Equipment, Luxury Goods, Toys
Johannesburg
08.2005 - 04.2012
- To build a product assortment for the business that will deliver on budget and KPI’s such as Gross Profit, Stock Turn, ROI and GP margins, and meeting price points that are suitable to the consumer
- Grew portfolio from R26 million to R145 million in the financial year.
- To have a business strategy in line with the chain’s strategic initiatives, in line with the product strategy, supplier strategy and supply chain strategies
- Responsible for setting up the Website for Toys and category classification for easy online sales
- Responsible for sourcing all Toys across the group (made up of C.N.A - 210 stores and Edgars – 130 stores)
- Responsible for product development, range planning and safely engineering of toys, to ensure it meets QA and EN-71 standards
- Compiling Season and Post Seasonal Analysis to strategically compile learning’s to improve the business for the next like season
- Also responsible for providing feedback to OPS teams and Marketing teams
- Responsible for holding key supplier meetings – both locally and internationally
- Responsible for the management of marketing campaigns and promotions to advertise products that will exceed sales budgets
- Responsible for deriving the product assortment strategy and give direction to the Planning Dept
- So OTB can be signed off
- I have had 4 direct reports in my team
- Drive online business and sales with ongoing promotion and hits
- Summary of Tasks
- Responsible for compiling the weekly management feedback report, and the Profit Pattern report, Post Seasonal analysis, Category split wedge analysis, Range building, compiling line reviews, conducting store visits, supplier strategies
- Buying Experience
- I have 18 years Apparel Manufacturing experience, having come from the clothing background, I have a sound understanding on how to build a range of product to meet sales targets and have both local and international work experience
- I have worked at some of the world’s finest retail stores – like Harrods, UK Selfridges
- UK
- I have 16 years of buying experience and have overseas sourcing experience
- I am hardworking, dynamic, resilient and a confident person
- I have strong negotiation skills and excellent planning and Leadership skills
- I have built the C.N.A Toy business from R26 million to R110 million in 5 years –
- I was then given the Edgar’s toy portfolio to manage and built that business from R8 million to R60 million in 2 years
- I have turned the Toys R us business from a 20-mil loss in 2015 to a state of profitability and the number 1 retailer in SA in the space of 14 months
- This has been my legacy to date with the portfolio now worth over R700 mil
- Promotion to Sourcing
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to identify and leverage contract value opportunities.
- Administered agreements by negotiating change orders, executing contract extensions and resolving administrative issues.
- Managed and coordinated communications with candidates during interview and hiring process.
- Developed requests for proposal and issued requests for quotes to support sourcing efforts.
- Calculated and reported actual and projected sourcing savings by spend categories.
- Utilized and implemented cost-effective recruitment strategies to attract highly qualified and diverse candidates.
- Supported recovery activities to prevent supply disruptions caused by business closures and accounting delays.
- Collaborated with strategic partners to develop and manage key performance indicators and quality assurance processes.
- Used sophisticated applicant tracking systems to follow applicants from selection phase through on-boarding.
- Streamlined portfolio, negotiated payment terms and promoted spending transparency to support cross-disciplinary goals.
- Participated in business meetings to collect and relay sourcing assignment details.
- Analyzed spend data to identify and execute cost-savings, cost-avoidance and value analysis opportunities.
- Developed and implemented strategic purchasing procedures and control systems to reduce direct costs and carrying costs.
- Monitored and managed procurement budget to control costs.
- Led sourcing process for new vendors to get quality products and services and mitigate risk.
- Analyzed market conditions to make informed decisions on pricing and purchasing strategies.
- Reviewed and issued contracts and blanket purchase orders after choosing ideal vendor and drive procurement process.
- Utilized market intelligence to identify opportunities for savings and cost reduction.
- Developed and implemented procurement policies and procedures to enhance compliance with company standards.
- Analyzed supplier contracts to confirm compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key suppliers for smooth communication and to meet required expectations.
- Conducted spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Created and maintained portfolio of qualified vendors to expand options.
- Negotiated complex corporate procurement contracts by working closely with internal and external contacts.
- Prepared and presented reports to management on purchasing trends and cost savings to aid in decision making.
- Managed supply chain process, from order placement to delivery, to facilitate on-time and accurate fulfillment.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
- Completed monthly profit and loss performance reports.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to create timely and accurate purchase orders.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Researched and evaluated potential suppliers to determine best fits for company needs and to identify cost savings opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future materials availability.
Senior Specialist Footwear Buyer
Edcon
01.2004 - 08.2005
- Buying, Men’s Casual and Formal footwear
- Range development in line with chain strategy to meet KPI’s of the business
- Liaising with Marketing and selecting product to best live with assortment
- Co-ordinating with QA and suppliers to ensure merchandise meets QA standards
- On-going liaising with stores to monitor and track performance
- Handling customer complaints and store requests
- Conducting store visits on a regular basis
- Visiting DC and assessing returns
- Liaising with shipping department
- Order capturing and managing receipts
- Liaising with planner on key performing styles by store
- Ensuring an in-stock position in my focus stores
- Weekly assessing my top 20 stores and styles and compiling the Monday report
- Assessing sale histories and volume price points – allowing me to identify my money-makers
- Signing off QA samples prior to passing on to QA for testing
- Negotiating with suppliers to uplift dead stock or contribute to markdowns of necessary
- I had 4 direct reports
- I used to continuously source new vendors to ensure we are sourcing from the best factories and to always keep our costings relevant
- QA requirements and oversee that suppliers comply with our quality and testing standards
- I have a very strong technical Footwear background
- I have trained in the Bronx shoe factory in Cape Town when I was a footwear buyer
- Continuous systems and critical path improvements to improve efficiency
- Making sure I am in touch with my International Business partners, and vendors, ongoing vendor management and communication
- Summary or Experience & Buying related skills include:
- Able to source quality merchandise that is in line with Edcon’s strategy and achieve required GP margin
- Able to effectively communicate and interact with suppliers and all levels of management
- Analysing business performance daily and acting accordingly ensuring sales budget is achieved
- Able to plan, manage and prioritise tasks daily
- Able to effectively hold strategic supplier meetings
- Able to analyse trends and translate them into commercial products to best suit the business
- Able to negotiate exit plans with suppliers should products not perform
- Actively participate in lay downs & & meetings to assist in making decisions
- Building supplier relationships and knowing their product capabilities and networks overseas by performing evaluations based on GP, QA & Service
- Margin management is critical and must be managed well to achieve overall profit
- Compiling of a balanced Range/Assortment
- Identify testing opportunities; on-going probing of new ideas and products to find longevity in a style to become an RPL line (Money Bankers)
- I am always looking for trends and new ideas to implement into our business, keeping Edgars as a fashion destination for our customer
- Testing of local suppliers to keep business within South Africa.
Brand Manager
Fine Fragrances / Hugo Boss and D&G
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Managed vendor purchase order dispatch, delivery, and invoicing to set contractual guidelines and maintain budgetary regulations.
- Dispensed purchase orders to suppliers with accurate pricing, deadlines and terms and conditions.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Oversaw and streamlined daily operations of purchasing department to maximize productivity and revenue.
- Led procurement team by training staff and overseeing purchasing decisions.
- Documented purchasing information in [Software] to maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Analyzed inventory usage and assessed trends to provide maximum coverage for each time period.
- Determined lowest possible cost, factoring in quality, and reliability and negotiated favorable contracts.
- Standardized inventory quarterly reporting and analysis and instituted corrective action for close-outs and out-of-stock items to keep inventory records current.
- Represented company at national and regional trade shows.
- Collaborated with buyers for special events and seasonal promotions to maintain adequate product stock and drive sales.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability.
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Devised and executed annual purchasing plans and contracts.
- Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.
- Completed monthly profit and loss performance reports.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to create timely and accurate purchase orders.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Developed and tracked metrics to measure supplier performance and cost savings.
- Analyzed market and delivery systems to assess present and future materials availability.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Identified opportunities to reduce lead times and improve inventory management.
- Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
- Researched and evaluated potential suppliers to determine best fits for company needs and to identify cost savings opportunities.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
Export Merchandiser
DCM Apparel Group
London
03.2001 - 12.2002
- Sample sealing process
- Production Planning and Costing
- Ordering of trimmings
- Label design and creation
- Liaising with textile mills and suppliers
- Liaising with agents and customers
- Liaising with design, Production and Quality Depts
- Sample chasing through production process
- Co-ordination of the AGOA Agreement
- Communication with external overseas quality auditors
- Range planning and order capturing
- Sample design and matching of trims
- Co-ordination of shipping process and outsourcing CMT
- Monitoring the Critical Path from concept design through delivery
- Liaising with the factory
- Spec sheets design
- Compiling of fabric ranges for the Merchandise Director
- Responsible for PPS Quality Audits
- Capacity planning and monitoring of monthly deliveries
- Established strong vendor relationships to maintain and support business.
- Verified products appeared at correct locations in proper quantities.
- Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
- Monitored inventory levels and kept adequate stock in product displays on sales floor.
- Updated pricing and signage to complete product displays and educate customers.
- Collaborated with store managers to devise store layouts and establish aesthetic appeal.
- Generated weekly, monthly and quarterly sales reports to highlight milestones and activities.
- Inspected merchandise for quality and arranged proper display location on floor.
- Computed material costs to align with operating budget, practicing economical measures.
Education
MBA - Business Management
Regent Business School
Durban South Africa 04.2018 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Management
Regent Business School
04.2016 - 04.2017
National Diploma - Business Management, Production Management, Production
University of Technology
04.1997 - 04.1999
Leadership Development Program -
Gordan School of Business Science
01.2010 - 04.2012
GED -
Newhaven Secondary School
04.1993 - 04.1996
Skills
Business Strategy Formulation and Operational Implementation
Strong Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Range Building, Marketing Trend Analysis, Planning & Forecasting
Strong Leadership and Motivational skillsStrong EQ skillsStrong Management and Communication skillsStrong Procurement & Sales skillsPC Literate (MS Office, Adv Excel, Power Point
Strong Decision Making / Analytical skills
Negotiating skillsPresentation skillsLeadership & Motivation
Talent & Performance Management
Business Process Mapping and Re engineeringStrategy formulation & Execution Planning Process
Accomplishments
- Part of the EXCO team
- 2012 – Current
- Chairman of Prima’s Group: Health & Safety OSHACT committee 2013 - present
- Risk Control Manager 16.2 designate for Prima Toys 2013 - present
- Won Supplier of the year for turning around the TRU business from a 15mil loss to 230 mil turnover
- Graduate of the highly sought-after Leadership Business Program
- Winner of the Chairman’s Cup 2010 – Edcon Buyer of the Year Award
- Appeared in the Edcon Vibe Magazine nominated for work excellence Award 2011
- (LDP) run by GIBS Business School (NQF 5)
- JUMP Course (Junior Management Program) Edcon Retail Academy
- 2 YRS
- Leadership Programme for high performers & Executives
- 2 Yrs
- Diversity Management
- Represented my company in New York for a distributor conference
- Twice a year I travel to Hong Kong and USA for corporate conferences
- Mini MBA Program Run via Edcon Retail Academy
- Analytical Thinking
- EQ –Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
- Professional Communication
- Thinking Hats
- Business Acumen
- Innovation
- Change Management
- Workplace Relationships
- Self-Mastery –GIBS
- Awarded for “TOY OF THE YEAR Buyer” - South Africa 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2011
Certification
Newhaven Secondary School (Durban)
Timeline
GM Sales & Marketing Exec -International Brands
Prima Toys, Sports & Leisure Distribution
05.2019 - Current
MBA - Business Management
Regent Business School
04.2018 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Management
Regent Business School
04.2016 - 04.2017
Executive Head Sales, Sourcing -SA & Hong Kong
Prima Toys Sport & Leisure Distribution
05.2012 - 08.2018
Leadership Development Program -
Gordan School of Business Science
01.2010 - 04.2012
Divisional Buying & Sourcing Executive
Edcon Group - Sporting Equipment, Luxury Goods, Toys
08.2005 - 04.2012
Senior Specialist Footwear Buyer
Edcon
01.2004 - 08.2005
Brand Manager
Fine Fragrances / Hugo Boss and D&G
01.2003 - 12.2003
Export Merchandiser
DCM Apparel Group
03.2001 - 12.2002
National Diploma - Business Management, Production Management, Production
University of Technology
04.1997 - 04.1999
GED -
Newhaven Secondary School
04.1993 - 04.1996