Marija Buzic
Zagreb
Summary
Dynamic Category Manager with a proven track record at Violeta d.o.o., specializing in brand strategy development and cross-functional collaboration. Demonstrated expertise in enhancing category profitability and driving market growth through innovative solutions and effective communication. Recognized for resilience in high-pressure environments, consistently delivering impactful results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager for Baby World
Violeta d.o.o.
Zagreb
02.2023 - Current
- Preservation and improvement of the category image by consumers
- Elaboration of the most appropriate strategy and operational plans for the category
- Responsibility for category budget at group level (by markets)
- Responsibility for category profit at group level (by markets)
- Creation of proposals for brand strategies and annual plans of activities/tactics and monitoring of their implementation and achievements
- Continuous monitoring and analysis of the market results of the brand, market and competition and proposing action measures and goals based on the analysis
- Proposing the development of the assortment in accordance with brand strategies and positioning goals in the markets of the Adria region
- Giving initiatives for the development of new launches in accordance with the brand strategy and market trends, making assessments of project profitability and performance analysis
- Proposing the launch of new segments, product categories and profitability assessment
- Responsibility for the selection and development of ATL and BTL communication concepts, analysis of competitor activities
- Planning brand investment costs
- Participation in annual sales planning and sales plan implementation planning
- Directed and controlled marketing and sales activities to meet sales volume and profitability targets.
Sales Manager for brand Lasta for Croatia
Violeta d.o.o.
Zagreb
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed compelling selling story for Lasta brand within Croatia's largest Key Account.
- Conducted negotiations to enhance brand visibility within major key accounts.
- Trained sales team on new product category in food industry.
- Collaborated with Lasta Category Manager to develop brand growth strategies in the country.
- Evaluated sales data to develop strategic recommendations.
- Assisted senior management in developing long-term strategic goals for the company's growth.
- Created and presented monthly reports to management on sales performance.
Planning and Procurement Manager
Violeta d.o.o.
Zagreb
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Evaluated current supply chain and planning situation.
- Proposed various solutions to enhance Sales and Production planning.
- Facilitated S&OP meetings to enhance collaboration.
- Monitored implemented solutions in Supply Chain and proposed corrective measures.
Xborder planner Adria
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb
05.2019 - 04.2022
- Tracked inventory levels daily to ensure optimal stock availability.
- Oversaw timely imports of SKUs to maintain consistent stock levels.
- Established necessary Master Data for designated SKUs.
- Utilized SAP-APO Optimizer to enhance planning processes.
- Planned purchases for tactical and operational timeframes based on RE/ABP.
- Guaranteed timely execution of plans and services in alignment with team's KBIs.
- Developed comprehensive import plans aligned with weekly demand, considering safety stock.
- Prevented potential write-offs.
- Ensured timely communication with inside planning team, BO, and cooperating departments.
Key Customer Supervisor
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb
05.2016 - 04.2019
- Cultivated strong business relationships with key customers across various levels and functions.
- Maintained consistent communication with customers.
- Coordinated collaborative marketing initiatives.
- Conducted regular customer meetings.
- Planned, executed, and tracked customer achievement metrics.
- Recognized customer opportunities and devised strategic solutions.
- Monitored development to enhance customer volume and profitability.
- Analyzed and compared budget to secure work within financial framework.
Promotion & Shopper Data Supervisor; Key User for TPM
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb
04.2012 - 04.2016
- Monitored and audited field sales force performance in alignment with CCH standards.
- Collaborated with customers on multiple projects to ensure mutual benefits.
- Conducted internal training sessions on Key Account Management and Category Management.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration among Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial Field Sales teams.
- Led promotional projects within Trade Promotion Management.
- Conducted evaluations and provided recommendations for pre-promo and post-promo activities.
- Created analytical framework to optimize KAM profitability using P&L and RPA metrics.
- Analyzed EBIT margins to identify areas for financial improvement.
- K-link training and Usage
- Implemented OBPPC marketing mix strategy to enhance brand positioning.
Country SAP WAVE2 Key User for Key Account Management
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb/Sofia
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Oversaw specific area operations and collaborated with BPL for testing.
- Facilitated comprehensive discussions with end users as key subject matter expert.
- Create essential master data.
- Conducted tests and validations for unit and integrated processes using standard scenarios.
- Created comprehensive training materials for end users.
- Coordinate implementation efforts with Regional Key Users.
- Provided initial assistance to end-users.
- Collaborates with Business System Leaders to resolve system issues.
- Engaged in group functional coaching days to enhance team skills.
- Created comprehensive support documentation tailored for local language users.
- Directed essential regression testing for new software releases.
Key Account Analyst
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb
04.2008 - 10.2010
- Compiled weekly and monthly sales reports for key customers using internal data sources.
- Dispatched updates on sales and marketing developments in product execution.
- Distributed business letters and notifications to key customers regarding price changes.
- Oversaw administrative operations with key customers, ensuring timely implementation and approval of monthly, quarterly, and annual plans.
- Calculated promotional volume for TM and national promotions.
Junior Buyer
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
Zagreb
12.2006 - 03.2008
- Negotiated with suppliers to establish contracts and foster long-term relationships.
- Oversaw legislation compliance for acquisition business, foreign trade, and customs regulations.
- Contributed to the development of yearly plans and tracked monthly progress.
Education
Courses - Supply Chain Academy
University of Bulgaria
03.2022
Bachelor of Economics -
University of Zagreb
Zagreb09.2014
Skills
- Effective multitasking
- Resilient in high-stress situations
- Collaborative team player
- Effective communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Brand strategy development
- Cross-functional collaboration
Hobbies and Interests
- Regular weekly group trainings
- Reading
- Hiking
- Long walks
- Good movies and series
Languages
English
Personal Information
Title: Brand Manager
Languages
Croatian
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Timeline
Category Manager for Baby World
Violeta d.o.o.
02.2023 - Current
Sales Manager for brand Lasta for Croatia
Violeta d.o.o.
07.2022 - 02.2023
Planning and Procurement Manager
Violeta d.o.o.
05.2022 - 07.2022
Xborder planner Adria
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
05.2019 - 04.2022
Key Customer Supervisor
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
05.2016 - 04.2019
Promotion & Shopper Data Supervisor; Key User for TPM
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
04.2012 - 04.2016
Country SAP WAVE2 Key User for Key Account Management
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
10.2010 - 03.2012
Key Account Analyst
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
04.2008 - 10.2010
Junior Buyer
Coca-Cola HBC Adria
12.2006 - 03.2008
Courses - Supply Chain Academy
University of Bulgaria
Bachelor of Economics -
University of Zagreb
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