Mandip Oberoi

A dynamic and results-driven Brand Manager with a strong track record in managing international toy and consumer brands and successfully launching them across the GCC region. At Playtrend Trading, I lead the end-to-end brand lifecycle — from onboarding global licensors and aligning marketing strategies to executing impactful product launches and driving sales across key retail channels. My role bridges international brand partnerships with regional execution, ensuring each launch is locally relevant while maintaining global brand standards. I work closely with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, logistics, and retail partners to build strong brand equity and accelerate market penetration.

I manage merchandise profit and loss, ensuring targets for forecasts, sales, markdowns, and other financial metrics are met. By developing category strategies aligned with our financial goals and merchant framework, I analyze item-level assortments to optimize sub-categories, vendors, and SKUs. I proactively communicate these strategies to leadership and cross-functional teams for effective planning and execution. Additionally, I handle vendor agreements, focusing on costs, quality, and delivery terms, while cultivating relationships with both domestic and international suppliers. Overseeing all category marketing efforts, including online, I collaborate with vendors and internal partners for item-level planning and execution. I influence item assortment, pricing strategies, and align new item creation with corporate strategy. Furthermore, I attend trade shows and buying trips to discover new vendors, foster innovation, and expand product categories

I source products from international and domestic suppliers to achieve the lowest cost, highest quality, and on-time delivery, leading negotiations to drive business growth. I ensure the department meets and exceeds sales targets, aiming for year-over-year growth. My role includes short-term and long-term planning, communicating results to cross-functional partners, and visiting competitor stores to inform category strategy. I manage new item and promotional forecasts, identify item deletions, and communicate price adjustments, ensuring accuracy in media proofs and developing exit strategies for inventory residue

I drive global product profitability by making informed decisions and identifying new and core products that meet consumer demands. I develop comprehensive strategies for launching new brands, providing clear roadmaps to cross-functional departments. My role includes coordinating promotional planning activities and conducting modular walk-throughs with senior management for sign-off.

I develop and execute merchandising plans that cover assortment, pricing, promotion, and allocation. By analyzing consumer preferences across various countries and markets, I inform decision-making and set sourcing triggers based on actual sales data, forecasts, and inventory checks. Providing insights on category needs, I lead negotiations and resolve issues with suppliers. Additionally, I implement forward and import planning strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels.