ARNOLD BALITAAN BISDA

P.O. Box 27026, Dubai, UAE Mobile #: +971- 50 - 2445077

Email: abbarnold@yahoo.com

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dynamic, energetic and results-driven professional executive with 5 years of progressive

work experience in a multi-cultural environment with career defined by progressively
responsible and diversified experience in competitive business environment, dedicated
individual with experience within fashion retailing industry, demonstrating knowledge in
buying, product sourcing, merchandising and account management. An excellent
communicator who is able to manage client relationships. A quick and eager learner who
rises to new challenges with enthusiasm.

Seeking a challenging position as Buying and Merchandising Assistant with a

multinational company, which will make best use of my skills and experience and enable
further personal and professional development.

Core Competencies

• Office Administration • Travel Management

Management
• Fashion Retailing / Buying
/ Merchandising
• Data Management
• Planning & Organizing
• Sales & Marketing
Coordination
• Cost Reductions and
Profitability Improvement
• Office Procedures &
Practice
• Staff Supervision,
Motivation, Training
• Accounting
• Import/Export
Documentation

Academic Achievements

Bachelor of Science major in Radiological Technology

Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila Philippines

* Graduated as Batch Vice President and the only recipient of Leadership and Proficiency
Award of the graduates of batch 1992.
 Career Progression

BOUTIQUE 1 (FORMERLY VILLA MODA) Dubai, UAE

MERCHANDISING ASSISTANT / BUYING ASSISTANT July 2005 – date

MERCHANDISING ASSISTANT
• Actively involves in preparation of Retail Pro reports, Sell Thru and other merchandising
reports such as consolidation sheet, budget sheet and size breakdown reports.
• Assisting in Liaising with the logistics department on all deliveries.
• Assist and follow up in negotiating discounts and payment terms with suppliers.
• Assist in creating and acquiring the final critical path.
• Reviews and analyzes all invoices and incoming shipments for any discrepancies and
short shipments and accordingly request for Credit Notes from suppliers if necessary.
• Skillfully manages processing of various retail pro reports and invoices.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of all necessary reports and records.
• Ensures strict confidentiality in maintaining all the documents entrusted.
• Analyzing every aspect of the best and worst sellers (for example, the best selling price
points, colors or styles).
• Gathering information relating to the customer reaction to products.
• Analyzing previous season's sales and reporting on the current season's lines.
• Assisting the head merchandiser and the buying team with responsibility for range
planning, sales analysis and deliveries.
• Preparation of merchandise plans and other information required for product range
presentations and reviews for the buyers.
• Working closely with the buying team on the product range, planning to maximize
commercial opportunities for products, as well as getting the right product mix in the
business at sub category/price point level.

BUYING ASSISTANT

• Provides executive support to the Fashion & Buying Director in managing and
coordinating the buying activities for every season with all the suppliers in Europe and
USA.
• Liaises with the suppliers globally for the Buying Appointments and fashion shows and
accordingly plan the business trips of the Fashion & Buying Director and Senior Buyers.
• Ensures to maximize the attendance of the Buying Director on every fashion shows for
each and every trip by efficiently coordinating the schedule with the promoters,
suppliers, fashion coordinators and hotel & travel companies.
• Coordinates the completion of Sample Collections for the Buying Director and
Merchandiser.
• Provides full administrative assistance to the Buying Department which consists of the
Fashion & Buying Director, Senior Buyers and Merchandiser.
• Develops and maintains a filing system per brand for the convenience of everyone in the
Buying & Merchandising Department.
• Processing of contracts - raising and checking orders in preparation for signature by
buyer and controller.
• Liaise with suppliers on a national and international basis.
• Following up on orders placed and samples requested by buyers.
• Liaising with stores, brand managers and depots on distribution and shortages.
• Monitoring and tracking shipments from contract date to store delivery.
• Maintenance and generation of company reports and systems.
• Monitoring sales reactions and weekly sales figures.

Sea World Tourism & Cargo Dubai UAE

Office Administrator 1996 – 2000

• Responsible for the entire administrative functions of the company and reported to
the General Manager on day-to-day basis.
• Coordinated the collection of sales data and preparation of sales analysis reports
including monitoring of the outbound shipments.

Store / Outlet Manager Manila,

Philippines
Oliver’s Super Sandwiches 1994-1996

• Appointed on the basis of performance as Branch Manager for Oliver’s Super

Sandwiches Makati, Philippines and supervised daily sales operation of the best-
selling retail outlet of Oliver’s Super Sandwiches located in a first class mall in Makati
City, Manila Philippines.

• Trained, mentored, appraised and supervised a workforce of 12.

• Interacted with clients and utilized excellent organizational skills to arrange and
coordinate special events that include weddings, receptions, and holiday parties, as
well as everyday lunch and dinner planning.

Proctor / Asst. Teacher Dubai, UAE

Emirates International School 1993-1994
• Served as Assistant Teacher to the Kindergarten Department and provided full
support to the Head Teacher in each class.
• Monitored student’s progress on a daily basis through seat works, quizzes and
homework’s.

Personal Details

Nationality: Filipino
 Date of Birth: June 10, 1971
Visa Status: Residence
Languages: English / Filipino (Tagalog)
Driving License: UAE