Reshma Maru
Nairobi
Summary
Over 13 years in the furniture industry, specializing in driving retail success through strategic guidance, industry models, market analysis, and tailored training programs. Strong background in procurement, visual merchandising, and financial oversight. Committed to fostering sustainable growth and optimizing retail operations. Proven track record in strategic growth and impactful results, excelling in market analysis, customer insights, and competitive positioning. Highly collaborative team player known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments. Skilled in data-driven decision-making, communication, and relationship management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Market Specialist, Furniture Industry Growth & Retail Development
Self Employed
11.2021 - Current
- I work to bridge the gap between reputable manufacturers and ambitious retailers, whether they're established players or just starting out to open successful retail stores. Ashley Furniture industries is my main client with whom I have opened over 8 retail branches over 3 years in East Africa
- My approach involves offering strategic guidance, proven industry models, insightful market analysis, and customized training to ensure their retail operations thrive.
Senior Procurement/Merchandising Manager
VICTORIA COURTS TRADING LIMITED
10.2012 - 01.2021
- Responsible for order placement timing, Supply / Demand alignment, stock replenishment and supplier performance.
- Establishing terms, pricing, quality requirements, delivery, and contracts adhering to all company policies with regard to accounting procedures to achieve ‘best price/best quality’.
- Continuously monitoring, evaluating and improving supplier performance by visiting local/international manufacturers to measure if they meet the standards required.
- Preparing for quarterly buying trips to countries holding furniture fairs whilst sourcing for products suitable for each market segment and visiting existing suppliers to negotiate better terms and quality.
- Setting KPI's for door-to-door delivery of goods from order placement to inspection to booking vessel for shipment and preparing necessary documentation for clearing process to when goods arrive at warehouses.
- Preparing competitor analysis reports to gauge strengths and weaknesses and make improvements where necessary.
- Projecting stock levels and administering the online purchasing systems to avoid stock outs, especially for best-selling lines.
- Preparing Management reports that have detailed analysis of what is new, best and slow seller with strategies and how to maintain margins for most profitable and promotional lines.
- Undertaking design projects from concept to completion to come up with purchasing requirements for each branch local and international branches.
- Overall handling of the purchasing departments with quarterly appraisals of the team to adhere to the set KPI’s.
- Product knowledge training with coaching on the WOW factors for all Living, Dining and Bedroom lines.
Head Accounts and Merchandising Manager
DENTEX INDUSTRIES LIMITED
07.2011 - 09.2012
- Billing and Collections for receivables and payables.
- Verify the sales, purchase orders and transport invoices of the organization.
- Maintain a daily record and display of merchandise in the showrooms and ensuring that it is in accordance with the international supplier guidelines.
- Monthly payroll for employees includes statutory.
- Involved in the daily overseeing and management of the company's financial systems and budgets.
- Analyzing financial data, preparing financial reports for senior managers and directors and proposing recommendations.
- Responsible for inventory building and cost-effective accounting measures related to costing of products i.e. Imports and logistics of material to achieve final selling price for showrooms and distributors.
- Communicating with external outsourcing partners to implement improvements on various fairs showcasing merchandise to get the best out of marketing ROI.
- Performed advanced reviews of business operational trends and expected obligations to prepare accurate forecasts.
- Partnered with auditors to prepare yearly audits and realize compliance with governmental tax guidelines.
- Analyzed financial audit information and made recommendations to improve efficiency.
- Managing and training junior staff on merchandising.
Audit Manager
ALEXANDER MCDONALD & SCOTT CONSULTANCY
07.2008 - 06.2011
- Preparing client files for year-end audits.
- Preparing monthly, quarterly and yearly management reports.
- Monthly Payroll for various companies.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Completed audit papers by thoroughly documenting audit tests and findings.
- Developed and enforced audit policies and administrative and technical functions.
- Performed strategic planning, execution and finalization of audits.
Accounts Intern – Part - time
FURNITURE PALACE
02.2008 - 07.2008
- Advancing my knowledge in accounts department operations for my work experience.
Education
A.C.C.A - Accounting and Finance
Strathmore University of Business and Accounts
06.2010
High School Diploma - Business and Economics
Nairobi South Preparatory School
Skills
- Proficient in MS Office
- Experienced in QuickBooks software
- Oracle system implementation
- Business growth planning
- Logical evaluation
- Interior design expertise
- Analyzing financial data for reports
- Inventory control
- Market trend forecasting
- Financial tracking
Certification
- I.S.O certification
- Hammond Tutu & Gunther training on Tax compliance, Planning and Management processes.
Languages
English
Kiswahili
Gujarati
Hindi
Punjabi
Hobbies and Interests
- Traveling
- DIY projects
- Interior Design
Timeline
Market Specialist, Furniture Industry Growth & Retail Development
Self Employed
11.2021 - Current
Senior Procurement/Merchandising Manager
VICTORIA COURTS TRADING LIMITED
10.2012 - 01.2021
Head Accounts and Merchandising Manager
DENTEX INDUSTRIES LIMITED
07.2011 - 09.2012
Audit Manager
ALEXANDER MCDONALD & SCOTT CONSULTANCY
07.2008 - 06.2011
Accounts Intern – Part - time
FURNITURE PALACE
02.2008 - 07.2008
High School Diploma - Business and Economics
Nairobi South Preparatory School
A.C.C.A - Accounting and Finance
Strathmore University of Business and Accounts
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