Chanda Bisht
Addlestone,Surrey
Summary
Results-driven professional specialising in merchandising, product development, and critical path management. Expertise in vendor relations, PLM and SAP systems, and cost negotiation supports effective project execution. Strong skills in sample coordination, product sourcing, and advanced Excel reporting facilitate strategic decision-making. Proven ability to collaborate with teams and manage stakeholders for enhanced project outcomes.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
HR Executive
Marks & Spencer, India Sourcing Office
2021.02 - 2022.09
- Managed end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes across the India region.
- Coordinated with internal and external stakeholders to align HR services with business requirements.
- Managed statutory compliance, including PF, ESIC, insurance policies, gratuity, and medical cover.
- Supported employee engagement initiatives and HR compliance activities to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Maintained accurate employee records, compensation data, and processed final settlements to ensure compliance.
MAA/BAA – Lingerie/Menswear
Marks & Spencer, Head Office, London
2016.10 - 2017.08
- Managed critical paths to ensure key deadlines and milestones were achieved.
- Analysed competitors and presented findings to inform strategic commercial decisions.
- Managed sample libraries and organised products for fit meetings and trade sign-offs, ensuring timely preparation for key evaluations.
- Supported merchandising and buying team by coordinating administrative tasks, enabling efficient workflow.
- Processed orders and maintained accurate PLM system records.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers, merchandising teams, press, and e-commerce departments.
Merchandiser – Womenswear Lingerie (Sleepwear, Knickers & Vests)
Marks & Spencer, India Sourcing Office
2014.12 - 2016.04
- Managed product development and order execution from sampling through to production.
- Coordinated with UK buying teams and vendors to secure timely delivery of samples and production milestones, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
- Ensured timely completion of all testing, approvals, and sample requirements.
- Negotiated costs with suppliers to achieve target margins while maintaining commercial objectives and product quality.
- Maintained PLM records and monitored critical paths for all confirmed orders.
- Led weekly meetings with suppliers to review production status and delivery schedules, fostering clear communication and accountability.
Merchandiser – Womenswear
French Connection, Corporate India Office
2012.03 - 2014.12
- Managed product and vendor development for womenswear categories.
- Collaborated with UK teams and factories to enhance product development and ensure high product quality.
- Oversaw fabric approvals, lab dips, strike-offs, and embroidery developments to ensure alignment with design specifications.
- Planned production timelines and coordinated quality inspections with QA teams.
- Negotiated costs to optimise margins and strengthen overall business performance.
- Raised purchase orders through AS400 systems and managed seasonal repeat orders.
Assistant Merchandiser
Gaurav International, Gurgaon India
2011.06 - 2012.02
- Developed products according to buyer specifications and market trends.
- Sourced fabrics and embellishments to enhance product offerings based on customer requirements.
- Facilitated product development, sampling, and trims sourcing to align with buyer needs.
- Collaborated with buying houses to innovate new fabric finishes and products.
- Managed accounts for buyers including Polo and Armani Exchange.
Education
Certificate - Fashion Buying and Merchandising (Luxury Brands)
London College of Fashion
Diploma - Fashion Designing and Apparel Merchandising
South Delhi Polytechnic for Women
New Delhi 2010.01 - 2011.01
Skills
- Merchandising & Product Development
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Product development
- Sample Coordination & Range Building
- PLM & SAP Systems
- Cost Negotiation & Margin Management
- Range Planning & Sales Analysis
- Critical Path Management
- Advanced Excel & Reporting
- Commercial Awareness
- Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Employee Relations
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
HR Executive
Marks & Spencer, India Sourcing Office
2021.02 - 2022.09
MAA/BAA – Lingerie/Menswear
Marks & Spencer, Head Office, London
2016.10 - 2017.08
Merchandiser – Womenswear Lingerie (Sleepwear, Knickers & Vests)
Marks & Spencer, India Sourcing Office
2014.12 - 2016.04
Merchandiser – Womenswear
French Connection, Corporate India Office
2012.03 - 2014.12
Assistant Merchandiser
Gaurav International, Gurgaon India
2011.06 - 2012.02
Diploma - Fashion Designing and Apparel Merchandising
South Delhi Polytechnic for Women
2010.01 - 2011.01
Certificate - Fashion Buying and Merchandising (Luxury Brands)
London College of Fashion