Sarju Lad

Working for a highly acclaimed, award-winning architect and interior design practice, managing the in-house interiors department, supervising the development and efficiency of a team of talented designers. • Meeting new and existing clients and stakeholders and determining their requirements. • Delivering projects under strict deadlines and within client’s budget. • Preparing proposals and quotations for clients. • Coordinating and monitoring the work of both contractor and suppliers. • Producing tender documentation and detailed written specifications. • Producing mood and sample boards • Familiar with UK building regulations and UK standards • Extensive experience in sourcing, specification, procurement as an FF&E designer. • Capable of leading a project from initial concept through to completion. • Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously. • Building long standing business relations and key accounts with suppliers Greatest achievement - Led the design team to win ‘Best Hotel Room Design 2014 at The Sleep Event. www.thesleepevent.com/sleep-set-2014

Buying 'downstairs' cushion, throws and curtains, working with a dedicated team of designers, merchandisers and quality technicians. Generated cost savings of 42% on one bestselling volume cushion, through live E-Auction. Subsequent cost savings averaging 33% were achieved on a further 4 lines. Implemented new navigational product category system for Next Directory online customers, allowing an easier, faster shopping experience. Planned new layout of pagination shots in Next Home ware Directory, improved sales by 29% in 3 months, with an increase of 11% on dual purchases. Sourced and launched additions to the current 'soft seating' range, the leather lounger proved a best seller, with customer requests exceeding stock levels. Additional colours were added to capitalise on the success. Expedited new computer programme to archive and speed up product sample location.

Responsible for buying cushions, throws, blankets and arts, crafts and haberdashery. Managing and mentoring a team of six. Experimented, piloted and launched new computer system SAP into the business, enabling the team to work with 'live' accurate sales data. Introduced Dunelm to magazine/newspaper publications Home Beautiful and The Mirror, resulting in wider brand awareness and coverage in the South of England. Executed monthly in-store 'art and craft' demonstration events. Leading to greater customer awareness and increase in departmental sales of 32% YOY. Designed an innovative range of leather like and suedette cushions, cubes and beanbags. Best selling cushion sold over 3000 + units per week for over 30 weeks consecutively. Piloted a new pet range into 12 'A' grade stores, the positive reaction by customers led to the roll out of the range to all 70 stores. Researched, edited and issued a Quality Assurance manual to all UK and overseas suppliers. Resulting in consistency and efficiency in the quality, production and delivery process. EXPERTISE Sourcing products directly from China, calculating landed costs, negotiating contracts and scheduling shipment of containers into UK ports. Adhering to critical paths, remaining flexible and focussed and problem solving effectively to accommodate changes. Controlling stock levels, recommending clearance sale items, or back up orders. Range building and new product development with existing suppliers or sourcing alternative ones Monitoring market changes, competitor prices and products and past sales patterns to forecast future demands.

Involved in the launch of George Davies business venture with Marks and Spencer, working with the Italian design team to build strong seasonal ladies wear collections.

• Working with in house Product Design, Merchandise and Supply Teams on producing an 8 week Fast Track design to delivery fashion collection.