Open to opportunities

Esmeralda Ailene Subbiah

@esmeraldaailenesubbi

Message

I’m a results-driven NSI Supply Chain Lead focused on procurement, inventory, and analytics.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead procurement and NSI inventory with strong ownership, analytics-driven decision-making, and continuous process improvement across multi-store operations.

I’m a Results driven NSI Lead with 6+ years of progressive experience across inventory management, strategic sourcing, and operations. I currently manage an annual 084 296 7974 procurement portfolio of approximately R40 million across 400+ retail stores spanning South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

Promoted within the first year at Retailability and retained through a major Pepkor acquisition, I continued expanding an NSI Lead capacity across the combined group. With an analytical edge grounded in a Forensic Science background, I translate investigative rigor and data-driven thinking into assortment planning, competitive supplier negotiations, forecasting models, and reporting that drives supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

NSI Lead (Non-Sellable Items)

Current

Pepkor

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Manage a non-sellable items procurement portfolio across 400+ retail stores spanning multiple Southern African countries, following transition after Pepkor’s acquisition of Retailability. Oversee assortment planning, sourcing and procurement, inventory management, store support, reporting/analytics, new store openings, and cross-border invoicing to ensure efficient supply and accurate documentatio

Non Sellable Items (NSI) Procurement Inventory Management Strategic Sourcing Assortment Planning Buying Demand Forecasting Store Request Fulfilment Reporting & Analytics Qlikview Microsoft Excel Freshdesk Project Coordination Visual Merchandising Inventory Reconciliation

NSI (Non-Sellable Items)

Retailability

Jan 2025 - Jan 2025 (0 months)

Took full ownership of non-sellable items procurement and inventory across the Retailability store network, establishing supplier relationships and negotiating initial contracts. Built demand forecasting models and improved auto-replenishment accuracy for sellable packaging to support store operations.

Non Sellable Items (NSI) Procurement Inventory Management Supplier Relationship Management Demand Forecasting

Supply Chain Management - Stock Queries

Retailability

Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 (1 year)

Resolved approximately 50 stock discrepancy queries per week by coordinating with warehouse staff to verify stock movements and ensure accurate inventory reporting. Prepared and maintained documentation, produced regular management reports, and identified process improvements to streamline query resolution.

Stock Discrepancy Resolution Warehouse Management Documentation Management Process Improvement Data Analysis Reporting

Stock Controller & Analyst

Retailability

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Monitored and maintained inventory levels through regular stock counts, reconciling discrepancies and applying FIFO principles. Analysed sales trends and demand, generated reports on stock movements and valuations, and developed procedural manuals for inventory management across departments.

Inventory Control Stock Count Inventory Reconciliation demand planning Valuation

Office and Sales Administrator

Micasa Distributors

Managed end-to-end office administration including invoicing via Shopify, financial reconciliations, and supplier/contractor liaison. Coordinated logistics planning for shipments and deliveries, maintained accurate digital and paper records, and provided customer support via phone and email.

Office Administration Invoicing Financial Reconciliations Logistics Planning Delivery Customer Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Africa

Bachelor of Arts Honours, Forensic Science and Technology

2024 - 2025

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Forensic Science and Technology at the University of South Africa (2024–2025), focused on forensic investigation, crime intelligence, and research methodology at senior level.

University of South Africa

Bachelor of Arts, Forensic Science and Technology

2019 - 2022

Grade: Cum Laude; GPA 3.55

Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology from the University of South Africa (2019–2022), with coursework including digital forensics, cybersecurity, fraud investigation, litigation processes, and data-driven investigative techniques.