Open to opportunities

Shaira Khan

@shairakhan

Message

Data-driven merchandise planner specializing in OTB planning, assortment strategy, and retail analytics to grow profit.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a merchandising/planning role where I can own OTB and assortment decisions, use Power BI and analytics to optimize inventory and margin, and partner cross-functionally with brands, vendors, and retail teams to drive measurable growth.

I’m a Merchandise Planner with 10+ years of experience driving $50M+ in product revenue and 18% profit growth across global footwear and apparel brands. I specialize in Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning, assortment strategy, inventory optimization, and retail analytics—especially in multi-brand environments.

At Apex Footwear Limited, I led OTB planning and inventory strategy across 1,900+ SKUs and 15 brands, improving sell-through to 82% while driving 18% profit growth. I also coordinated promotions across 280+ retail stores, 350+ B2B accounts, and 400+ franchise channels, delivering 22% revenue growth and exceeding profitability targets by 15%.

I’m known for connecting planning to commercial outcomes: I directed assortment and lifecycle planning across 9 in-house and 6 global brands (including Nike, Steve Madden, Crocs, and ASICS) to generate $50M in product revenue. I reduced operational costs by 12% by optimizing inventory planning and forecasting using Power BI analytics, and I identified high-margin categories that reduced sourcing costs by 15%.

Beyond merchandising, I strengthen decisions with data and program leadership—applying Python and GitHub to analyze 5 years of survey data for 30+ stakeholders as a Project Facilitator in Computer Science. I’ve also led operations and program coordination across 16 graduate programs, and supported product innovation by developing data-driven merchandising strategies across 26 new product lines.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Project Facilitator

Virginia Commonwealth University

Dec 2024 - Oct 2025 (10 months)

Applied data analysis methodologies to evaluate 5 years of survey data using Python and GitHub, supporting research-driven decision-making for 30+ stakeholders. Coordinated analytical outputs to help guide project direction within the Department of Computer Science.

Python GitHub Data Analysis Data Reporting Research Support Stakeholder Management

Brand Engagement Consultant

Our Lotus Society

Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 (2 months)

Conducted category and competitive analysis to inform assortment strategy and product positioning for a consumer wellness brand. Translated market findings into recommendations for product selection and go-to-market fit.

Competitive Analysis Product Positioning Market Research Pricing Merchandising Insights Trend Analysis

Operations & Program Manager

Da Vinci Center

Sep 2023 - Aug 2024 (11 months)

Managed operational planning and resource allocation across 16 graduate programs, improving coordination and delivery. Supported smoother program execution through ongoing operational oversight and planning.

Program Management Operations Planning Resource Allocation Process Coordination Cross functional Coordination Scheduling coordination Stakeholder Management Operational Reporting

Merchandising Manager - Shelfie

Shift Retail Lab

Feb 2024 - May 2024 (3 months)

Developed data-driven merchandising strategies across 26 new product lines, aligning assortment with seasonal demand and market trends. Reduced lead times by 30% through coordination with 3 supplier vendors across India and China.

Merchandising Strategy Product Innovation Assortment Planning Market Trends Supplier Coordination Vendor Management Retail Analytics

Merchandising Manager - OTB

Apex Footwear Limited

Jul 2018 - Aug 2023 (5 years 1 month)

Led Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning and inventory strategy across 1,900+ SKUs and 15 brands, improving sell-through to 82% and driving 18% profit growth. Generated $50M in product revenue through assortment and lifecycle planning across multiple global brands, while coordinating promos across 280+ stores and 350+ B2B/franchise channels.

Open To Buy (OTB) Planning Assortment Planning Inventory Optimization Retail Analytics Financial Forecasting Power BI Lifecycle Planning Vendor Management Pricing Strategy Microsoft Excel

Merchandising Coordinator

Picard Bangladesh Ltd

Nov 2014 - Jul 2018 (3 years 8 months)

Managed product development and global sourcing to grow revenue from $8M to $15M in 3 years and drive 60% order growth by expanding premium brand partnerships. Improved delivery timelines by 20% and reduced logistics costs by 15% through supplier contract renegotiation and end-to-end development oversight.

Product Development Global Sourcing Contract Negotiation Sourcing Logistics Planning Vendor Management Quality Assurance Delivery Coordination

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Apex Footwear Limited

Management Skills Development program, Management

2021 -

Completed a Management Skills Development program through Apex Footwear Limited in 2021. Built management skills to support professional growth in merchandising and related roles.

University of Dhaka

Bachelor of Science, Leather Products Engineering

Completed a B.Sc. in Leather Products Engineering from the University of Dhaka. Developed engineering knowledge related to leather product development and production.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Master of Product Innovation, Product Innovation

Earned a Master of Product Innovation from Virginia Commonwealth University. Focused on building product innovation capabilities and applying innovation concepts to real-world development.

East West University

Graduate Certificate, Leather and Footwear Management

2019 -

Earned a Graduate Certificate on Leather and Footwear Management from East West University (June 2019). Strengthened knowledge in management topics specific to the leather and footwear industry.