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kumar gaurav

@kumargaurav3

Buying & Category Manager driving double-digit growth, inventory optimization and margin improvement across GCC fashion.

United Arab Emirates

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a senior buying/category role where I can lead assortment strategy, optimize OTB and inventory, boost margins, mentor teams, and work within a data-driven, collaborative omnichannel retail environment.

I am a results-driven Buying & Category Leader with 14+ years of GCC experience across fashion, sports, lifestyle and luxury brands. I specialize in end-to-end category management, seasonal assortment planning, OTB, WSSI, vendor management and P&L ownership across omnichannel formats.

At TRSS and Nike GCC I validated and managed large OTB budgets (up to AED 60M for a season and AED 150M across GCC), implemented allocation strategies, and delivered consistent double-digit sales growth through optimized product mix and launch timing.

I have a proven record of improving sell-through (11–15%), reducing ageing inventory (10–15%), increasing gross margin (2–5%) and improving forecast accuracy (10–12%) by using data insights, vendor negotiation and strategic liquidations.

I partner effectively with finance, marketing, VM and brand principals, mentor buying teams, and use ERP/SAP/Oracle, WSSI, Power BI and advanced Excel to drive commercially focused assortment and inventory decisions.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Buying Manager

Current

TRSS

Jun 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Led category strategy and vendor onboarding for luxury fashion and accessories, validated and managed a seasonal OTB of AED 60 million, and implemented allocation and P&L measures that improved sell-through and profitability.

Assortment Planning Vendor Management P L Ownership Merchandising KPI Analysis

Senior Buyer & Category Lead

Nike GCC (GMG Group)

Oct 2020 - May 2024 (3 years 7 months)

Owned end-to-end buying and category strategy for lifestyle and performance categories across 70+ stores, delivering double-digit YOY sales growth through optimized product mix, OTB and allocation strategies.

Category Management Assortment Planning Market Analysis

Senior Merchandiser

Apparel Group

Feb 2014 - Oct 2020 (6 years 8 months)

Developed long-term merchandising strategies for footwear and accessories brands, managed OTB/WSSI and inventory planning across GCC stores, and led teams to achieve double-digit category growth.

Merchandising Assortment Planning Inventory Planning Team Leadership

Assistant Buying & Planning Manager

U.S. Polo Assn.

Apr 2013 - Jan 2014 (9 months)

Managed buying calendars, assortment plans and OTB for menswear collections, analyzed historical performance to optimize buys and coordinated with VM and marketing for launches and stock planning.

Assortment Planning Visual Merchandising Coordination stock replenishment Performance Analysis

Merchandise Planner

Splash

Jul 2010 - Mar 2013 (2 years 8 months)

Managed denim categories executing seasonal OTB and buy plans, balanced inventory across 200+ stores, designed pricing and promotion strategies, and reduced slow movers to protect margins.

Pricing Strategy Slow Mover Management