ALI YAZDI
London
Summary
Operations and Supply Chain Leader with 12+ years of experience in procurement, logistics, inventory management, and business operations across FMCG sectors. Proven track record in driving cost optimisation, improving efficiency, enhancing supplier collaboration, and implementing effective demand planning. Skilled in risk mitigation and expanding global distribution networks to support scalable business growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Operations | Supply Chain & Procurement Manager
CRU KAFE LTD
London
2018.01 - 2025.01
- Directed end-to-end supply chain management, overseeing procurement, inventory forecasting, and logistics coordination including warehouse management and transportation to support a high-volume production and distribution network.
- Led cross-functional teams, collaborating with finance, sales, and logistics departments to ensure seamless order fulfilment, supplier negotiations and process alignment.
- Managed regulatory compliance and quality control, ensuring alignment with industry standards and certification bodies, such as Soil Association.
- Played a pivotal role in financial planning and investment, collaborating with CEO, CFO and investors to support successful fundraising rounds at CRU Kafe in 2019 and 2023, fueling business growth, product innovation and international expansion.
- Optimised cost structure, leading the relocation of manufacturing from the UK to the Netherlands, resulting in a 40% reduction in COGS while maintaining product quality and supply stability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
- Executed a large-scale warehouse consolidation, integrating operations from Bedford and Peterborough into a single hub in Leeds, cutting logistics costs by over 20% and streamlining B2B and B2C distribution processes and performance.
- Enhanced inventory management efficiency, implementing CIN7 to Unleashed ERP transition, leading to a 50% reduction in monthly costs and improved procurement and stock accuracy.
Supply Chain & Procurement Lead
MEZON MEHMAN Fashion
Tehran
2012.01 - 2018.01
- Led end-to-end procurement and supply chain management, contributing to operational efficiencies and over 100% YOY revenue growth.
- Developed and executed cost-saving initiatives, improving vendor agreements and optimising procurement and supply chain processes to maximise profitability.
Education
LLB - Law
University of Essex
Skills
- ERP & Inventory Management: CIN7, Unleashed – Expertise in procurement and stock control, system integration, and process improvement
- Microsoft Office: Excel (data modelling), PowerPoint (reporting and stakeholder presentations), and Word (documentation)
- Warehouse & Logistics Operations: Demand planning, negotiations, cost optimisation, inventory accuracy, and performance monitoring
- Financial Analysis & Budgeting: Cost reduction strategies, forecasting, profitability planning, variance analysis, financial modelling and cash flow management
Timeline
Head of Operations | Supply Chain & Procurement Manager
CRU KAFE LTD
2018.01 - 2025.01
Supply Chain & Procurement Lead
MEZON MEHMAN Fashion
2012.01 - 2018.01
LLB - Law
University of Essex