Paulene Shaik
Summary
I am a seasoned and accomplished Head of Merchandising with 14 years of industry experience. My track record showcases a consistent ability to drive revenue growth, optimize inventory, and maximize profitability. As a strategic leader, I excel in managing merchandise operations across international markets. My commitment to exceptional leadership, innovative strategies, and cross-functional collaboration is the driving force behind my success. Currently, I am seeking a challenging senior leadership position where I can leverage my expertise and spearhead transformative growth within a dynamic retail organization.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Merchandising
Cotton On Group
12.2021 - Current
- I oversee a $248 million portfolio for a fast fashion global retail brand, driving the implementation of innovative merchandising initiatives across 8 markets & multiple channels
- Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, developing pricing/promotional plans and analyzing daily/weekly sales reports to drive business results, optimize sales, mitigate inventory risks, and maximise profitability.
- Experienced in leveraging market insights, consumer trends, and competitor activity to propose strategies that support the overall business goals and ensuring customer satisfaction through a customer-centric mindset.
- Established and continue to nurture strategic partnerships with license partners in key regions such as Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and the Middle East, fostering collaboration to align objectives, processes, and P&L constraints while optimizing product strategies for mutual success.
- I facilitate close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Planning, Buying, Visual Merchandising, Digital, Finance, and Retail Operations to align merchandise strategies and ensure cohesive execution.
- I lead a team of 21 merchandising professionals, including Merchandise Managers, Analysts, and Allocators. I provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to foster a high-performance culture and support professional development.
Merchandise Manager
Cotton On Group
06.2015 - 11.2021
- Responsibilities included creating and managing budgets/forecasts, developing pricing/promotional plans, and optimizing assortments to drive business results. Drove sales and profitability through rigorous analysis of sales and trends, proactive inventory management, and delivering valuable insights. Stayed abreast of competitors and market trends to maintain a competitive edge and seize growth opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute merchandise strategies. Ensured effective product presentation, optimized store layouts, and implemented online merchandising strategies for maximum online sales and improved customer experience.
- Collaborated with wholesale partners to tailor a range from our assortment, taking into account their open-to-buy (OTB), bestsellers, and customer profiles. Ensured a customized approach to maximize sales and meet partner requirements.
- Collaborated with Logistics/DC and I.T teams to transition Hong Kong Distribution Centre operations to Singapore, ensuring a seamless migration and uninterrupted service, through meticulous planning, coordination, and execution.
- Led cross-functional project supporting integration of additional COG brands into Brazilian market, ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with existing operations.
- Led and mentored a team of merchandising professionals, driving high performance and professional growth.
Merchandise Planner - Franchise Brands
EDCON
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Built & managed budgets and open-to-buy (OTB) to align with business objectives and successfully launched new brands.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on brand performance, analyzing market trends, customer insights, and historical data to develop effective merchandising strategies and enhance profitability.
- Proactively optimized retail space productivity and efficiency by tracking trading densities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and franchise partners to develop merchandise strategies, ensure accurate assortment and pricing, maintain the integrity of brand image, and consider Northern and Southern Hemisphere assortments to align with market preferences and seasonal variations.
Merchandise Planner - Luxury Footwear & Handbags
THE AVI GROUP
07.2013 - 07.2014
Merchandise Planner - Infants Clothing & Access
EDCON
01.2011 - 07.2013
Merchandise Planner - Girls (Apparel, Swim)
EDCON
01.2009 - 01.2011
Home Loans Logistics Finance Officer
ABSA BANK
01.2008 - 01.2009
Home Loans Pre-Registration & Pricing Officer
ABSA BANK
01.2006 - 01.2008
Data Capturer
ABSA BANK
01.2004 - 01.2006
Skills
- Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Assortment Planning and Optimization
- Sales Analysis and Reporting
- Inventory Management
- Market Analysis and Trend Forecasting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration, Supplier and License/Wholesale Partner Relationship Management
- Team Management
References
References:
Available upon request
Software Proficiencies
- Microsoft Office Packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Budgeting & forecasting on SAP, Arthur, MFP, Enterprise, and Maple Planning
- Order & item management on Retek (Oracle), RMS, and Citrix
- Reporting on ProClarity and Qlikview
Timeline
Head of Merchandising
Cotton On Group
12.2021 - Current
Merchandise Manager
Cotton On Group
06.2015 - 11.2021
Merchandise Planner - Franchise Brands
EDCON
07.2014 - 06.2015
Merchandise Planner - Luxury Footwear & Handbags
THE AVI GROUP
07.2013 - 07.2014
Merchandise Planner - Infants Clothing & Access
EDCON
01.2011 - 07.2013
Merchandise Planner - Girls (Apparel, Swim)
EDCON
01.2009 - 01.2011
Home Loans Logistics Finance Officer
ABSA BANK
01.2008 - 01.2009
Home Loans Pre-Registration & Pricing Officer
ABSA BANK
01.2006 - 01.2008
Data Capturer
ABSA BANK
01.2004 - 01.2006
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