Vrajesh Gandhi

• Lawson Products is a $500MM distribution company focusing primarily on MRO business. Managed two big categories for Lawson (Fasteners and Abrasives) accounting for $125MM in total annual sales which included over 100K+ SKU’s.
• Provided a detailed QBR and sales forecasts to category directors based on historical data and daily sales data allowing for proactive inventory management decisions on category and sub categories.
• Analyzed sales performance and adjusted marketing strategies to optimize revenue generation using Power BI.
• Led cross-functional project teams in the launch of new product lines, resulting in successful category expansion efforts.
• Spearheaded new product introduction processes from ideation through commercialization, delivering innovative solutions that drove category growth.
• Reduced inventory costs through effective vendor negotiations and optimizing product assortments.
• Studied technical aspects of managed category to identify KPI’s and cost containment levels.
• Benchmarked category performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted initiatives.
• Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for customers.
• Established strong rapport with suppliers, leading to favorable contract terms and better access to exclusive products or promotions.
• Visited supplier offices and plants to investigate facilities and capacity to meet quality requirements, specifications and delivery dates.
• Coordinated with marketing to develop campaigns that effectively targeted key demographics, boosting sales.
• Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI.
• Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
• Managed the web catalog for both categories on web description and product attributes using OKTA platform.
• Mentored junior team members in category management best practices, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Was presented with Excellence Award at Lawson within the first 9 months for new items launch and revenue growth.

Integral part of the core business team leading new product development from idea to launch.

Coordinated multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with detailed project planning and resource allocation.

Developed 1K and 2K chemistries supporting the hospitalization industry (hotels, airports, malls, school and colleges, hospitals etc.)

Worked closely with key OEM customers like Kohler, American standard, Toto, BCI acrylics etc. to develop customized formulations for bath products.

Prioritized all projects in Stage Gate thru bi-weekly meeting

Provided timely updates to business and stake holders on status of each project.

Managed budgets for each project, provided quarter and subsequent fiscal year.

Identified new market trends, unmet market needs thru market analysis and customer pain points.

Facilitated internal and external ideation sessions / mind mapping sessions for building new product pipeline.

Data Analysis- Compiling, Sorting, Quantifying, Qualifying for process improvements.

Support Sales and Marketing with product launches, provide competitive edge with categorizing product portfolio.

Worked closely with procurement on material sourcing, vendor price negotiation, vendor qualification and alternate sourcing.

Intuitive member of driven global sales team addressing adhesive and sealant market.

Promoted Business growth via B2B sales, down channel sales, social media marketing and advertising.

Researched potential clients and markets to prepare for appointments.

Provided value proposition to new prospects and existing accounts.

Leveraged proven sales methods to increase revenue and surpass sales objectives.

Created sales and marketing strategy for new business development.

Compiled closing strategies to articulate complex negotiation.

Created tailored pitches based on audience, financial parameters and customer needs.

Proactively managed client correspondence and recorded tracking and communications in CRM.

Categorized products in product portfolio based on industry needs, regulation changes, logistics and market demand.

Directed research and development team towards path to develop innovative product based on market focus study.

Developed and synthesized new resins as per customer need supporting construction, general paint and coatings, cleaning formulations, automotive, adhesives, fabric coatings, gravure printing etc.

Managed 3 research location and its research employees which specialized in Graphic packaging industry.

Collaborated with sales, marketing, and operation teams to launch products on time and within budget.

Developed Go To Market Strategy for new product launches.

Implemented Stage Gate process within the organization followed by training and mentoring cross functional teams.

Maintained the required discipline of Stage Gate process in each project via meetings and grooming sessions.

Developed Strategy and methods to build business case and presented to stakeholders before doing to development.

Communicated effectively with cross functional team members to deliver updates on project milestones and deadlines.

Reduced project downtime with quality product inspections.

Maintained positive vendor relations to build strong partnerships.

Assessed costs and estimated production capabilities to evaluate economic viability.

Monitored market trends and competitor performance to provide better value proposition on products.

Consulted with buyers to determine projected demand for products and services.

Boosted customer base penetration using creative CBI ( customer back innovation) techniques.

Set goals and timelines for each project to maximize team performance and keep project on-task.

Spearheaded collaborative launch efforts to bring products to market.

Reviewed new opportunities to drive business strategy at planning sessions.

Designed array of product for big boxes like The Home Depot, Menards, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Advanced Auto , O'Reilys and Auto Zone.

Prioritized project tasks after discussions with product manager and team members on weekly basis.

Simultaneously managed several complex projects, meeting all pertinent milestones.

Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.

Trained new employees and summer interns on areas of technical expertise and compliance issues relevant to lab setting.

Worked as member of integrated project team in highly collaborative work environment.

Learned new laboratory techniques and applied expertise in carrying out enhanced experiments under supervision of senior lab members.

Reviewed technical and professional publications and journals to stay current on recent literature and make more strategic research decisions.

Maintained strict safety protocols to protect staff and assets while carrying out technical procedures and research protocols.