LAXMI PRASANNA VUDDI
CATEGORY MANAGER
SELSEY, WEST SUSSEX,CHICHESTER
Summary
Accomplished professional specializing in category and inventory management, with a strong focus on sales forecasting, planning, and pricing analysis. Proven expertise in supply chain coordination and retail operations, complemented by advanced skills in MS Excel, including pivot tables and dashboards. Demonstrated ability in fostering team collaboration, with a customer-centric approach. Track record of driving brand development and operational efficiency through effective use of MS Office applications
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Assistant Category Manager
Reliance Retail
BANGALORE, INDIA
2023.04 - 2026.01
- Utilized Excel tools including Pivot Tables for sales and loss analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Monitored competitor activities, stayed ahead in competitive landscape.
- Reviewed performance metrics regularly, identified areas of improvement within category management process.
- Designed and maintained forecasting dashboards for accurate sales predictions.
- Planned and executed category promotions and offers to boost sales and overall contribution.
- Conducted competitor benchmarking to refine pricing and promotions.
- Contributed to inventory planning and supply chain efficiency improvements.
- Implemented category-specific growth initiatives for Fruits & Vegetables, aligned with annual targets.
- Executed promotional strategies and pricing guidelines based on market benchmarking and Mystery Shopper feedback.
- Ensured end-to-end seasonal assortment planning — from indent, supply, to sale — ensuring fill rates and minimal stockouts.
- Engaged closely with sourcing teams (CC/Mandi) and quality teams for consistent procurement and quality compliance.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for effective category management.
- Collaborated with marketing team to devise engaging advertising campaigns for products under management.
- Analysed sales data for informed decision-making on stock replenishment plans.
- Streamlined procurement processes to reduce lead time.
- Assessed consumer behaviour trends, tailored marketing strategies accordingly.
- Participated in trade fairs to keep abreast of latest industry developments and competitor offerings.
- Achieved monthly and YTD sales targets by aligning operational plans with demand forecasts.
- Performed day-to-day pricing decisions based on demand, supply, quality, and origin to maintain margins.
- Analysed P&L statements to track revenue, costs, and profitability on weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
- Executed precise sales forecasting by analysing trends, seasonal demands, and inventory movement.
- Prepared and passed indents to sourcing locations ensuring optimal fill rate, freshness, and cost-efficiency.
- Monitored CC fill rates and mitigated shortfall risks by initiating sourcing from alternate locations or vendors.
- Ensured on-time arrival of shipments to DCs by tracking vehicle cut-off times and improving delivery efficiency.
- Maintained FIFO practices and inventory hygiene to minimize write-offs and preserve quality.
- Reduced Out-of-Stock (OOS) and Undelivered (UD) articles through proactive forecasting and vendor coordination.
Customer Onboarding (Milk & Milk Products)
Sid's Farm
HYDERABAD, INDIA
2022.04 - 2022.06
- Streamlined onboarding processes, reducing turnaround time by 20%.
- Created and delivered compelling sales pitches, resulting in a 15% sales increase.
- Maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rate through proactive issue resolution.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
- Applied positive customer service approach to increase satisfaction levels.
Education
MBA/PGDM - Agri-Business Plantation Management
Indian Institute of Plantation Management
BangaloreB.Sc. - Agriculture
HNB Garhwal University
UttarakhandSkills
Category & Inventory Management
Sales Forecasting & Planning
Pricing & Margin Analysis
Supply Chain Coordination
MS Excel (Advanced: Pivot Tables, Dashboards)
Retail Operations
Sourcing & Vendor Management
Communication & Team Collaboration
Customer-Oriented thinking
Certification
- Excel Basics for Data Analysis
- Excel Skills for Business: Essentials
Languages
Telugu (Native)
English (Fluent)
Hindi (Intermediate)
Projects
Rural Agriculture and Work Experience (RAWEP) – 30 Days, Conducted field visits in Dehradun, gaining first hand agricultural knowledge.