Manager - Business Process Improvement at Agurate Online Limited

Role Summary

• The Business Process Manager will be responsible for analyzing, designing, implementing, and monitoring core business processes across the organization from product development and supply chain to in-store operations and omnichannel customer service. The job holder will act as a catalyst for change, leveraging data and best practices to eliminate waste, improve speed-to-market, and ensure our internal operations support our creative and commercial goals.

Core responsibilities

Inventory Management & Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth analysis of existing business processes (e.g., range planning, line development, inventory allocation, markdown process, store opening/closing procedures, returns management).
• Maintain accurate inventory records across all channels: warehouses, stores, and in-transit.
• Execute and oversee regular stock counts (cycle counts) and full physical inventory audits across the warehouse and store network.
• Investigate and reconcile all inventory discrepancies promptly, identifying root causes (e.g., receiving errors, theft, system issues).
• Drive the process of stock adjustments, write-offs, damages and returns to ensure they are accurately recorded and authorized.
• Implement and enforce robust processes for goods receiving, returns, damages, and transfers to maintain data integrity.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all inventory-related tasks.

Merchandizing Management:

• Work with the MD to develop a balanced product range plan and strategy for each season.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and gaps in the assortment.
• Plan initial allocation quantities for new products across sales channels (stores and e-commerce).
• Manage in-season stock levels to maximize sales and minimize markdowns, making recommendations for promotions or markdowns when necessary.
• Produce regular and ad-hoc reports for key stakeholders, providing actionable insights on bestsellers, poor performers, stock cover, sell-through rates, and gross margin return on investment (GMROI).
• Work closely with the allocation team to ensure new deliveries and replenishment stock are sent to the locations with the highest demand.

Process Design and Improvement:

• Develop project charters, timelines, and resource plans. Secure buy-in from key stakeholders in design, merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and retail stores.
• Conduct time-motion studies, value stream mapping, and data analysis to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and non-value-added activities.
• Lead and manage cross-functional process improvement projects from conception to sustainment.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by training and coaching team members on Lean and problem-solving principles.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of implemented improvements and ensure they are sustained over time.

Supply Chain and Distribution:

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize the entire supply chain, from Warehouse to stores and reverse logistics.
• Minimize stock outs and overstock situations, with a specific focus on reducing markdowns and improving sell-through.
• Manage inventory flow through the distribution network to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time.
• Minimize stock outs and overstock situations, with a specific focus on reducing markdowns and improving sell-through.

Requirements

• Interested candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in any relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in a business process management, operational excellence, or senior operations role within the retail industry with a strong preference for fashion, apparel, or lifestyle brands.
• Experience within the fashion, luxury or life-style brand is mandatory.
• Demonstrable experience in leading cross-functional process improvement projects from conception to implementation.
• Hands-on experience with process mapping tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart, Miro) and project management software.
• Experience with retail-specific systems (ERP like SAP Fashion, Oracle Retail; WMS; OMS; PIM) is highly desirable.