Pooja Thanki
Summary
Category, supplier, and product professional with 8 years’ experience across supplier onboarding, category strategy, e-commerce operations, and compliance. Strong background in building trusted supplier relationships, supporting key business objectives, and driving growth across multiple product categories. Comfortable working cross-functionally to improve digital capability, streamline processes, and scale operations. Known for being adaptable, commercially minded, and analytical, with solid experience in project delivery, and informed decision-making.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work history
Assistant Category Manager (Core Categories)
Zoro UK
04.2025 - 12.2025
- Drove product expansion by identifying strategic assortment opportunities across new and existing suppliers, onboarding 1.8 million SKUs (41% of a 4.3 million SKU range) to scale the endless assortment
- Onboarded and developed suppliers across Tools & Machining, Safety, and Cleaning & Hygiene; supported a supplier generating £300k+ YTD revenue and achieving top-10 dropship supplier status at Zoro UK
- Improved core operational processes by streamlining cost price management, implementing real-time supplier stock feeds, and increasing automation to improve data accuracy
- Built strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve digital capability and category performance
- Delivered process improvements within Category Tools, including enhancements to pre-check tools to reduce manual errors
- Supported Category Executives through training and day-to-day operational support
- Led the Category team through internal and external NQA audits, ensuring compliance with ISO and company standards
- Managed audit activity end to end, including planning, auditor coordination, and audit responses
- Maintained process documentation and monitored compliance with internal controls and policies
Category Executive
Zoro UK
02.2021 - 04.2025
- Onboarded new suppliers to expand the assortment, ensuring efficient system integration and a smooth go-live
- Improved SKU data quality by increasing EAN coverage from 22% to 30%, strengthening data accuracy and reporting
- Analysed category and supplier performance, providing regular insights to support commercial decision-making
- Trained and supported Category Executives, improving team capability and consistency
- Managed supplier enquiries and resolved issues efficiently to protect availability and customer experience
- Supported the Category Manager with strategic initiatives and issue resolution
- Coordinated internal and external audits, maintaining ISO and company compliance
- Maintained process documentation and controls to support audit readiness and continuous improvement
Digital Customer Service Advisor
Cromwell Tools
10.2020 - 12.2020
- Handled new trade account requests and supported customers throughout the onboarding process
- Provided clear product information and purchasing guidance, recommending alternatives where needed to ensure accurate delivery
- Supported internal and external customers with digital queries and issue resolution
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, ensuring timely and effective outcomes
Supplier Commercials Associate
Cromwell Tools
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Delivered business updates to key supply partners and facilitated onboarding via Cromwell’s Supplier Agreement process
- Negotiated and finalised annual rebates, contributions, and payment terms with 90+ key suppliers
- Reviewed supplier performance using scorecards to support KPI delivery and improved commercial terms
- Managed invoice and purchase order queries to support a seamless customer experience
- Led a Triage Team, improving response times and reducing internal miscommunication
Product Associate
Cromwell Tools
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Supported the launch of a brand-new Electrical & Lighting category, contributing to the delivery of a new strategy and product range across Electrical, Lighting, Controls, and Automation
- Worked with supply partners to gather product information and delivered insights to Sales teams via roadshows, improving product knowledge and customer experience
- Managed the Electrical & Lighting intranet page, tracking engagement and providing product knowledge to internal teams
- Represented the Electrical & Lighting category at the Cromwell Event 2018, engaging with customers and prospective suppliers
- Working closely with PLE team to populate product templates with accurate attribute data, improving online product content on cromwell.co.uk
Education
BA with Honours - Business & Management
Birmingham City University
Birmingham 09.2013 - 7 2016
A Levels - Business Management, English & Psychology
The Sixth Form College
SolihullSkills
- Supplier Onboarding
- Category Strategy
- E-commerce Operations
- Compliance Oversight
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Digital Capability Enhancement
- Process Optimisation
- Efficiency Improvement
- Results-oriented Mindset
Websites
Timeline
Assistant Category Manager (Core Categories)
Zoro UK
04.2025 - 12.2025
Category Executive
Zoro UK
02.2021 - 04.2025
Digital Customer Service Advisor
Cromwell Tools
10.2020 - 12.2020
Supplier Commercials Associate
Cromwell Tools
01.2019 - 12.2020
Product Associate
Cromwell Tools
09.2017 - 12.2019
BA with Honours - Business & Management
Birmingham City University
09.2013 - 7 2016
A Levels - Business Management, English & Psychology
The Sixth Form College