Arun Raju
Dubai, UAE 340505
arun_raju@yahoo.com • +971-553458846 • LinkedIn URL
Personal Details:
UAE resident
General Manager
Outstanding track record of enhancing shareholder value by introducing actionable strategies that deliver strong profitable growth and sustained profits
Accomplished and results-oriented leader with extensive experience in business development, turnaround improvement, cost control, budgeting, and business efficiency optimisation and strong execution of plans. Proven track of success in establishing and transforming business operations, developing procedures, service standards and operational policies, and planning and executing effective control measurements. Expertise in team building/leadership, relationship administration, and customer service; ability to uncover/resolve complex issues.
Highlights of Expertise
• Business Management
• Project Governance & Control
• Profit & Revenue Optimisation
• Budget & Cost Control
• Strategic Sales & Marketing Initiatives • Staff Training & Development
• P & L Accountability
• Financial Services
• Customer Satisfaction & Retention
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Career Experience
Harbourfront Trade Consulting Group (HTCG) DMCC, Dubai, UAE
Devise and execute the company's strategic framework in order to provide an operational roadmap for daily tasks completion as well as operate in Renewables and Energy conservation using IOT platforms.
MANAGING DIRECTOR, Dubai, U.AE. (Aug 2017 to date)
Developed and implemented operational strategies for sales and profit optimisation in close coordination with suppliers. Conducted integrated advertising campaign across multiple media channels for offered services promotion. Streamlined fundraising activities to meet operational demands for business development. Analysed customer requirements and formulated technical proposals accordingly for client satisfaction and retention.
• Raised and achieved capital to establish and stabilise the company.
• Identified and secured various new clients for Energy Conservation through Level 2 Energy Audits, retrofits and by utilising new technologies.
• Design of Solar Plants
• Recruitment and Training
• Managing the business environment
Mohsin Hiader Darwish LLC, Muscat, Oman
Developed and directed HVAC, BMS, refrigeration, building materials and electromechanical engineering services lines of business.
DIRECTOR (PROJECTS and BUILDING MATERIALS) (2008 to Aug 2017)
Collaborated with various global brands for managing HVAC, BMS, and commercial Kitchen and Laundry projects and Facilities service operations. P&L responsibility, Strategic Leadership, Budget preparation, large sales and technical team leadership. Delivered exceptional customer services to strengthen relationships with potential clients for business growth and stability. Prepared and presented financial performance reports for management to implement strategic initiatives. Led training classes/special workshops and organised regular personal meetings, which optimised employee engagement.
• Increased business volumes over three-fold by recognising/meeting market trends and representing major global companies on an exclusive basis.
• Acknowledged with employee performance award for achieving the highest sales in 2009 and 2016.
• Enhanced turnover from $12M to $50M, by enhancing retail and channel operations, opening new areas of business operations in electromechanical sales and services and leading key customer accusation.
• Developed and administered over a hundred engineering and technical staff to build organisation as a strong engineering company.
H&R Johnson, Mumbai, India
Rebranded older stores of “HOUSE OJ JOHNSON” introducing new ones in potential areas, while steering New Retail Venture in Home Beautification Products viz Tiles, Baths, and Kitchens.
GENERAL MANAGER (2007 to 2008)
Devised and executed business model and key prospects in each market for business promotion. Built showrooms in close coordination with a team of designers and merchandisers. Oversaw supply chain and vendors activities to deliver premium retail solutions for process improvement.
• Constructed nine large-scale premium building material stores within one year, administering store management processes from design to launch and managing sales operations and profitability after launch.
• Initiated and completed SAP execution in retail outlets countrywide for company productivity improvement and better controls on inventory.
Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Co, Dubai, UAE (Manufacturers of King Koil and SERTA mattresses)
Directed operations of 30 showrooms and enhanced portability by monitoring sales procedures of UAE and KSA.
SALES MANAGER (2004 to 2007)
Performed category management operations, distributor management, and channel development, merchandising planning for showrooms. Managing retail space. Handled retail outlets and hospitality clients in UAE and KSA as well as launched schemes. Cultivated and built a relationship with power retailers like Landmark Group, and Carrefour for successful running and execution of sales management operation.
• Doubled annual sales turnover from 25M AED to 50M AED in three years by improving and enhancing retail space by 50% and through the massive effort of channel development.
Prior experience four years as Sales and Marketing Manager at Zubair Corporation Group Of Companies, Muscat, Oman, & 13 years as Sales and Marketing Manager at GODREJ and Boyce - Mumbai, India
Education & Credentials
MBA
Mumbai University (MU), Mumbai, MH, India
Diploma in Computer Applications
National Institute for Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, India
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India
Affiliations
• Member, ASHRAE Dubai Chapter, Certified Energy Auditor, Certified Measurement and Verification Professional.