Riona Naiker

Head of Strategy at Silkhouse
  • Claim this Profile
Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, ZA
Skills

Topline Score

Topline score feature will be out soon.

Bio

Generated by
Topline AI

You need to have a working account to view this content.
Join now
You need to have a working account to view this content.
Join now

Credentials

  • Microsoft exel
    Sage
    Feb, 2020
    - Oct, 2024

Experience

  • Silkhouse
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Head of Strategy
      • Jan 2022 - Present

      Developed and executed merchandise operations strategies.Created and implemented marketing strategies to drive business growth.Conducted market trend analysis and forecasting to identify opportunities and risks.Led risk assessments to mitigate potential challenges and optimize performance.Oversaw merchandise planning activities to ensure efficient inventory management.Managed financial planning and budgets to achieve financial objectives.Directed product development initiatives to meet customer demands and enhance offerings.Implemented effective sales management strategies to drive revenue growth.Streamlined operations and processes to improve efficiency and productivity.Successfully managed projects from initiation to completion.Led marketing management activities to enhance brand positioning and market presence.Served as a team leader for social media initiatives.Sourced, implemented and Managed ERP systems to streamline operations and improve data accuracy.Led recruitment and onboarding processes to build high-performing teams.Effectively managed personnel, including disciplinary processes.Developed and implemented policies and procedures to optimize business operations.Oversaw warehouse management and inventory replenishment activities.Demonstrated strong commercial acumen to identify and capitalize on business opportunities. Show less

    • Head of Operations
      • Nov 2017 - Jan 2022

      I effectively managed a research team responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and metrics to evaluate overall company performance. I had a significant impact on the product strategy, developing a financial plan that maintained or increased gross profit margins. I successfully controlled inventory through the stock management system, minimizing end-of-range discounts. Identifying potential business risks and proposing contingency plans ensured a return on investment and maintained profit margins. I provided direction and oversight to suppliers, optimizing supply chain management and warehousing functions. I successfully led and managed a team of 14 Senior Account Managers, implementing the sales plan. I recruited, onboarded, and provided comprehensive training and coaching to new team members. Motivating and mentoring executive sales personnel, I set clear goals and expectations aligned with company culture. I consistently delivered exceptional customer service and built strong relationships with stakeholders. I strategized innovative approaches to enhance B2B relationships and improve satisfaction. I effectively managed print material procurement, ensuring adherence to budget and specifications. I liaised with suppliers, monitored artwork production, and maintained comprehensive documentation. Monitoring costs and recommending cost-saving measures contributed to financial health. In ERP & CRM Software Sourcing & Maintenance, I played a crucial role in implementing and maintaining ERP systems, sourcing suitable software and training the team. Collaborating with developers, I implemented advanced modules and optimized distribution and inventory management. I developed departmental reports and facilitated data-driven decision-making. Show less

    • Head of Marketing, Sales and Purchasing (Imports)
      • Jul 2012 - Jul 2017

      • Involved in Seasonal Forecasting • Analyzed and categorized fabric information so it was easily utilized by the business for season launches. Compiled collections applicable to the theme and trend. • Identify key fabric direction (warp & weft) and source hangers from vendors & agents. Negotiated prices relative to MOQ’s. • Worked with agents and sourcing division to find fabrics for each season to provide Buyers with appropriate hangers to narrow their selections. • Lead a team who curated Fabric Samples in the format of cuttings for consumers to take away from the showrooms, fabric catalogues & hangars were designed & manufactured • Developed stain resistant technology to be embedded in fabric specific to the upholstery market. Developed an in-house Martindale Testing Process. • Kept fabric archives up to date with clear categories. • Highlighted and raised concerns about possible fabric issues to the vendors. • Accountable for assessing & reporting variances detected with shipment samples (to vendors), assessed the viability of accepting products that deviated within 3-5% variances based on dye lot complications. • Ran training sessions to educate Sales Teams. Liaised with Sales Managers to co-ordinate timelines for launches. • Assessed which trade shows were important for buyers, arranged to present at exhibitions, for instance Dubai Big 5 and feedback trends to directors. • Responsible for re-branding campaign with Brand Agencies. • Implementation of Sales & Marketing Plan via promotional material. • Identified how the brand was positioned in the market • Designed a research-based brand strategy • Develop and execute marketing campaigns aimed at communicating the brand message • Communicated the brand personality internally and aligned company around foundational ideas • Lead marketing team members through campaigns • Measured and reported on success of marketing campaigns • Anticipated consumer trends and kept brand up to date & refreshed Show less

  • Makro South Africa
    • South Africa
    • Retail
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Customer Relations Officer
      • Mar 2012 - Jul 2012

      • Brand development • Developed brand strategy and statistics systems. • Strategic Consulting, including business plan & sales strategy development. • Advised new businesses and business structures for the development of the products we sold as a brand • Market analysis. • Gathered new database and management thereof. • Brand development • Developed brand strategy and statistics systems. • Strategic Consulting, including business plan & sales strategy development. • Advised new businesses and business structures for the development of the products we sold as a brand • Market analysis. • Gathered new database and management thereof.

  • Papini Pty Ltd.
    • Internal Sales Agent / Sales Co-ordinator
      • Jul 2009 - Feb 2012

      • Creating, optimizing and developing customer service offering, to maintain client satisfaction. • Managed operational-sales process for orders across National Geo-location coverage. • Identifying areas of customer improvement. • Creating, optimizing and developing customer service offering, to maintain client satisfaction. • Managed operational-sales process for orders across National Geo-location coverage. • Identifying areas of customer improvement.

Education

  • GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
    International Leadership & Development Programme, International Business
    2016 - 2017
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
    Post Graduate Diploma, Finance, Banking and Investment Management
    2012 - 2013
  • University of Kwa-zulu Natal
    Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Marketing and Management
    2005 - 2008

Community

You need to have a working account to view this content. Click here to join now