Arsalan Ali Rizvi
Varazdin
Summary
Experienced Business Development Manager with a proven track record of driving sales and securing partnerships in the Retail and distribution industry. I hold valid Croatian residency which allows me to work on B2B or EU employment contracts
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Export Sales Manager
Twistshake of Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden (remote Via Croatia)
07.2024 - 09.2025
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance Twistshake's market presence in the Balkans and GCC.
- Tailored sales strategies based on market research findings for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other regions.
- Fostered enduring partnerships with key accounts, distributors, and retailers.
- Formulated and implemented sales strategies to surpass revenue goals in both regions.
- Ensured adherence to Balkan and GCC trade regulations through management of export documentation.
- Managed shipping operations for timely delivery.
- Managed trade show involvement and implemented local marketing strategies.
- Optimized pricing structures to boost market penetration and profitability.
- Provided insights on regional sales trends through detailed reporting.
Business Development Manager
Choconillas
UAE/Croatia
04.2016 - 05.2024
- Designed plans and proposals to secure distribution for major brands in the juvenile industry, featuring Babyzen, Beaba, Boon, Doona, and Nip.
- Achieved 50% market share in Balkans stroller sector via effective business strategies.
- Conducted regular retail visits to verify compliance with product placement standards.
- Collaborated with top retailers and distributors in UAE, such as First Cry, Mumzworld, and 5 Little Ducks.
- Introduced innovative product lines to enhance market offerings.
- Compiled sales and marketing data into monthly reports for distribution brands.
- Identified and acquired new customers according to company standards.
- Oversaw onboarding of new product listings across retail outlets.
- Oversaw recruitment and leadership of personnel.
- Partnered with suppliers to develop innovative visual identities for retailers.
- Coordinated brand events in retail locations to enhance visibility.
- Visited annual Kind and Jugend exhibitions to explore new products with partners.
- Provided actionable strategies to retail partners for boosting e-commerce success.
Retail Operations Manager
Choconillas
Croatia
04.2016 - 05.2024
- Managed operations for four retail stores, ensuring smooth daily functions across sales, inventory, staffing, and customer service.
- Streamlined operations across all stores.
- Provided guidance and training to enhance store performance.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to identify trends.
- Cultivated strong vendor and supplier relationships to guarantee prompt product and supply delivery.
- Partnered with marketing team to implement initiatives aimed at driving sales growth.
- Evaluated store performance during visits and offered constructive feedback to managers.
Owner and Chef
Ninas Diner
Varazdin, Croatia
06.2015 - 02.2016
- Managed the restaurant.
- Cooked and served food.
- Designed the restaurant.
- Created the whole menu.
- Maintained the inventory.
- Trained staff.
- Adhering to food safety regulations.
Real Estate Agent
Loyal Real Estate
Dubai, UAE
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Generated client leads to buy, sell and rent properties and updated clients on market conditions, prices and mortgages.
- Created listings for sale and rental properties with detailed information such as location, features, square footage.
Merchandiser
Mediacom
Dubai, UAE
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Visited retail stores and set their displays.
- Created new strategies to increase sales.
- Created commercial awareness.
- Weekly reports.
- Produced window displays, signs, interior displays, floor plans and special promotions displays.
- Relationship management for B2B client.
Education
GED -
Westminister School
DubaiSkills
- Canva
- Microsoft office
- Website cms Magento
- Website cms Wordpress
- Customer service
- Relationship Management
- Team management
- Retail operations
- Branding and marketing
Languages
English
Urdu
Croatian
Place Of Birth
Karachi, Pakistan
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/01/90
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Pakistani (Croatian Resident permit)
- Driving License: UAE/Croatian
Hobbies and Interests
- Cricket
- Boxing
- Djing
- Gaming
Visa And Residency
I have my own Dubai investor visa and I also hold residency of Croatia.
Timeline
Export Sales Manager
Twistshake of Sweden
07.2024 - 09.2025
Business Development Manager
Choconillas
04.2016 - 05.2024
Retail Operations Manager
Choconillas
04.2016 - 05.2024
Owner and Chef
Ninas Diner
06.2015 - 02.2016
Real Estate Agent
Loyal Real Estate
01.2015 - 12.2015
Merchandiser
Mediacom
01.2013 - 12.2015
GED -
Westminister School