Oracle
Anna Tsakanika
Category Buyer
Kifissia,I
Summary
Dynamic Senior Category Buyer with proven expertise at METRO AEBE in strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. Achieved significant cost savings through effective negotiations and enhanced inventory turnover. Skilled in spend analysis and fostering collaborative partnerships, driving category growth while ensuring product availability and quality.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Category Buyer-Junior Category Buyer
Metro AEBE
11.2018 - Current
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to optimize costs and improve product availability.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for product assortment enhancements.
- Developed and maintained strong supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and delivery.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement sourcing strategies that aligned with organizational goals.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments to minimize excess stock and reduce waste.
- Evaluated supplier performance metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Improved inventory turnover by implementing strategic demand planning and forecasting techniques.
- Coordinated sourcing process to finalize vendor contractual agreements.
- Implemented tactical approach to sourcing to obtain best value for money.
- Continuously monitored industry trends and advancements, implementing new strategies to stay ahead of the competition and maintain a strong category buying position.
- Conducted market research and analysis to identify potential new suppliers and stay informed on industry trends.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and securing best prices with suppliers.
- Provided strategic guidance by delivering data-driven, actionable category-level insights.
- Built partnerships with assigned retailers and buyers through presentation of market trends and shopper data.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Developed and managed budgets for purchasing and projected purchasing needs.
- Trained and mentored junior buyers, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
Assistant Buyer
METRO AEBE
09.2009 - 11.2018
- Analyzed market trends to optimize purchasing decisions and ensure competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and maintain strong vendor relationships.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts and reduce excess inventory costs.
- Assisted in the development of purchasing strategies to support overall business objectives.
- Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
- Developed strong rapport with suppliers through effective communication, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that supported business growth.
- Assisted in developing seasonal buying plans, ensuring optimal merchandise assortment to meet customer demands.
- Negotiated cost-effective contracts with suppliers, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies, boosting product visibility and sales.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop effective merchandising strategies, boosting overall store performance.
- Assisted in setting pricing strategies that balanced competitiveness with profitability.
- Contributed to the development of promotional campaigns by identifying top-performing products and negotiating special pricing with vendors.
- Contributed to team meetings with insightful market analysis and product recommendations, driving informed decision-making.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
Project Coordinator
HUMANTEC LTD
01.2007 - 08.2008
- Coordinated project timelines, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations and resource availability.
- Managed communication between teams, facilitating collaboration and information sharing across departments.
- Developed project documentation, maintaining accuracy and compliance with organizational standards.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing project turnaround times.
- Led project meetings, driving agenda discussions and ensuring actionable outcomes for team members.
- Oversaw project budgets, ensuring financial resources were allocated effectively to meet project goals.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Created job files for each project and maintained current data in each file.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for cost-effective procurement of resources needed for each project''s success.
- Improved client satisfaction with timely updates and transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Kept corporate and client information confidential, adhering to data safety measures.
- Assisted with onboarding newly hired staff members and coached on task prioritization.
- Assisted in developing training materials and organized workshops aimed at enhancing skill sets among staff members working under various capacities on different projects within the organization.
Education
BBA - Logistics And Supply Chain Management
London Metropolitan University
Athens, Greece 04.2001 -
Skills
Supplier relationship management
Software
Sap
MS Office
Tableau
NielsenQ Discover
Certification
Body Language
Interests
Rotaract Member, Rotary Organization
Volunteer,Pulmonary Hypertension Organization
Timeline
Senior Category Buyer-Junior Category Buyer
Metro AEBE
11.2018 - Current
Assistant Buyer
METRO AEBE
09.2009 - 11.2018
Project Coordinator
HUMANTEC LTD
01.2007 - 08.2008
BBA - Logistics And Supply Chain Management
London Metropolitan University
04.2001 -