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Published on March 4, 2024
Explore Sara's journey through the evolving landscape of hospitality procurement, where her strategic mindset and leadership have fostered growth and sustainability.
We are honoured to feature Sara in this edition of our magazine, a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to the field of procurement and supply chain management within the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the Purchase Manager for Suba Group of Hotels, Sara has been instrumental in overseeing all operational and project-related procurement activities since 2015, in collaboration with her esteemed colleagues, Mr. Pradeep Dubey and Mr. Majaz. Boasting an impressive tenure of over 15 years in supply chain management, Sara's journey began in Chiplun, where she completed her education with a diploma in electronics. Her transition to Suba Group marked a pivotal moment in her career, providing her with the opportunity to further her education in the management stream. Presently, Sara is pursuing an MBA in Supply Chain Management, underscoring her commitment to professional growth and excellence in her field. Her insights and experiences are sure to enrich our understanding of the intricacies of procurement and supply chain management in the hospitality sector.
Can you provide an overview of your experience in procurement and supply chain management, particularly within the hospitality industry?
My journey in procurement and supply chain management has been thoroughly enriching and educational. The dynamic nature of procurement offers a continuous learning opportunity, as predicting vendor behaviour during negotiations remains a complex challenge. Transitioning from the manufacturing sector to the hospitality industry in 2015, I embarked on this path as a novice. Since then, I have dedicated myself to acquiring new knowledge daily. Participating in sessions such as this Q&A is also part of my learning process. In the hospitality industry, the roles of procurement and supply chain management are vital for the seamless functioning of hotels, restaurants, and similar establishments. Key areas of focus for me have been vendor management, inventory control, and cost optimization.
As the Purchase Manager at Suba Group of Hotels, what initiatives do you employ to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services while maintaining quality standards?
My approach involves a multitude of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing our procurement operations, always in collaboration with my team. These strategies encompass Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), centralising purchases for branding purposes, implementing new technologies or software, and engaging in forecast planning complemented by systematic logistics. Whether it pertains to operational or project-based purchases, our priority remains on sustainability and quality assurance. For instance, ensuring the consistent quality of amenities across all properties, regardless of variations in local vendors, exemplifies our commitment to maintaining high standards.
How do you approach vendor selection and management to ensure strong partnerships and reliable supply chains for the hotels under the Suba Group?
Vendor selection and management are critical to fostering strong, reliable partnerships and ensuring a dependable supply chain for the Suba Group. Our criteria for vendor selection are based on their historical performance, capability, and product or service knowledge. Principles such as regular communication, transparency, and a mutual commitment to continuous improvement guide our vendor relationships. For example, when upgrading our CCTV systems from SD to HD in our Mumbai properties, we opted to continue with our existing trusted vendor, emphasising the importance of trust, security, and accountability over exploring new vendor relationships.
Suba Group likely operates multiple hotels with diverse needs. How do you prioritise and coordinate purchasing activities to meet the unique requirements of each property?
Prioritisation and coordination of purchasing activities begin with a comprehensive analysis of each property's specific needs, considering factors such as location, environment, and logistics. I maintain regular communication with local store personnel, leveraging a mix of centralised and decentralised purchasing strategies to address the diverse needs effectively. For example, to minimise transport costs and breakage risks, we source fragile items like tea and coffee mugs locally, demonstrating our adaptability and strategic planning in procurement practices.
As a woman in a leadership role within the hospitality industry, what achievements are you most proud of, and how have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Transitioning from the manufacturing sector to a service-oriented industry presented a significant learning curve. The faith my supervisor, Mr. Mansur Mehta, placed in me to navigate this transition has been instrumental in my growth. Over nearly a decade in supply chain management, I've observed the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within this field. Successfully leading new building projects and managing teams of contractors and vendors has not only been a source of professional pride but has also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
Collaboration with other departments, such as operations and finance, is crucial in procurement. How do you ensure alignment and communication to meet the overall goals and objectives of Suba Group?
Effective collaboration hinges on maintaining clear and consistent communication across all departments. By ensuring smooth operations in invoicing, payment follow-ups, and purchase order management, we foster a cohesive environment. My role as a coordinator is vital as the Suba Group expands, necessitating seamless interaction with accounts, stores, and operational teams across properties. Mastery in communication, whether through emails, WhatsApp, or Zoom meetings, is essential for aligning our procurement objectives with the broader organizational goals.
In a rapidly changing industry, how do you stay informed about market trends, supplier capabilities, and technological advancements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes within Suba Group of Hotels?
Staying abreast of industry developments is a priority for me, achieved through attending relevant exhibitions, conducting market research, and fostering new vendor relationships. Analysing past purchase data, engaging with vendors, and participating in vendor meetings are key components of our strategy. Soliciting feedback from end-users post-implementation and monitoring vendor performance are critical for enhancing our procurement processes' efficiency and effectiveness.
Women's Day is a celebration of women's achievements and contributions to society. Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in leadership roles within the hospitality industry, and how do you envision continuing to make an impact in your role at Suba Group of Hotels?
As a female Purchase Manager, I anticipate and currently experience equal opportunities for leadership within my organisation, which upholds a culture of respect and equality regardless of gender. Nonetheless, I recognize the challenges women often face, particularly in balancing professional opportunities with family and childcare responsibilities. Overcoming these barriers requires a commitment to skill enhancement, higher education, and effective family management. It's imperative that organisations support gender equality, empowering women to pursue leadership roles unencumbered. As we celebrate Women's Day, my aspiration is for continued progress towards gender parity in leadership within the hospitality industry and beyond.
This Interview is Published Exclusively in HospitalityNews.in.
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Published on October 2, 2024
In Gurgaon’s dynamic dining landscape, a fresh and bold culinary destination is set to steal the spotlight—The Boulevard by Galaxy Magnum Group. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a visionary project led by Mr. Pranav Poddar, the Executive Director, who is determined to elevate the city’s dining scene with an innovative, multi-faceted approach.
Mr. Poddar, who brings extensive expertise from the hospitality industry, is on a mission to make The Boulevard a hub for more than just food. “Our goal with The Boulevard is to create a premium culinary destination that blends global cuisines with local flavors,” he shares. His vision revolves around turning dining into a memorable journey, where every meal is an event, every dish a celebration of creativity and culture.
The Boulevard promises to stand out, not just with its extraordinary food but with its immersive, elegant design. Floor-to-ceiling windows, vertical gardens, and curated art pieces will set the scene for a dining experience that combines sophistication with comfort. This thoughtfully designed space will elevate every meal into a special occasion.
However, what truly sets The Boulevard apart is its focus on interactive and immersive dining. “We’re introducing live cooking stations where guests can watch their meals being prepared,” Mr. Poddar reveals. The Boulevard’s open kitchen concept and chef’s table experiences will offer diners a front-row seat to culinary artistry. It’s not just about eating; it’s about witnessing the magic of food preparation and engaging with it.
To keep the experience fresh and dynamic, The Boulevard plans to host pop-up events and collaborate with renowned chefs from around the world. These exclusive events will introduce new dishes and exciting perspectives, constantly redefining what’s on the plate and offering food lovers new reasons to visit.
Beyond the food, The Boulevard champions sustainability. “We’re dedicated to integrating environmentally conscious practices into every aspect of our operations,” Mr. Poddar emphasizes. The venue will use energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and renewable energy sources like solar power, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Sustainability workshops and support for local causes further reflect The Boulevard’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community. Looking to the future, Mr. Poddar’s ambitions for The Boulevard are bold and far-reaching. In the short term, the goal is to create a strong market presence in Gurgaon through targeted marketing campaigns and exclusive events. “We want to build a loyal customer base and set a new standard for premium dining in the city,” he explains. Long-term plans include expanding The Boulevard’s innovative dining concept to other metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with the vision of creating a recognized brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.
Beyond the food, The Boulevard champions sustainability. “We’re dedicated to integrating environmentally conscious practices into every aspect of our operations,” Mr. Poddar emphasizes. The venue will use energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and renewable energy sources like solar power, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Sustainability workshops and support for local causes further reflect The Boulevard’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
Looking to the future, Mr. Poddar’s ambitions for The Boulevard are bold and far-reaching. In the short term, the goal is to create a strong market presence in Gurgaon through targeted marketing campaigns and exclusive events. “We want to build a loyal customer base and set a new standard for premium dining in the city,” he explains. Long-term plans include expanding The Boulevard’s innovative dining concept to other metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with the vision of creating a recognized brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.
As The Boulevard gears up for its grand opening, it’s clear that this isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a landmark in the making. With its immersive design, innovative cuisine, and commitment to sustainability, The Boulevard by Galaxy Magnum Group is poised to transform Gurgaon’s dining scene and create an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for the grand opening of The Boulevard, where a new era of dining excellence is about to begin!
In the ever-evolving food industry, few names have made as significant an impact as IFFCO Group. With the launch of Pristine India, IFFCO is taking its commitment to quality and innovation to unprecedented heights. This new brand isn't just about creating flawless ingredients—it's about redefining what consumers can expect from their food products.
Pristine India represents a bold move in the FMCG sector, with a mission to set new benchmarks in purity, taste, and sustainability. Unlike traditional approaches, IFFCO focuses on mastering market demands by developing ingredients that cater to health-conscious consumers seeking premium quality. The brand has successfully launched products like trans-fat-free, RSPO-certified oil and a revolutionary chilled UHT whip topping, which is a first for India, utilizing advanced Tetra Pak technology.
At the core of Pristine India is a relentless dedication to excellence. Every product undergoes stringent quality control measures, employing cutting-edge technology to ensure it exceeds industry standards. However, IFFCO's commitment goes beyond mere product quality; it’s about social responsibility and empowering local communities throughout the production process.
Sumit Nair, General Manager of Pristine India, articulates the brand’s philosophy: “Perfection is merely the beginning.” This ethos drives the team to innovate continuously, pushing beyond existing standards to deliver exceptional products that resonate with discerning consumers. The brand’s innovative spirit has garnered a loyal following and industry recognition, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable future.
As the food landscape continues to shift, Pristine India remains committed to leading the charge, adapting to trends while setting new ones. With its focus on creating experiences that align with contemporary consumer needs, IFFCO's Pristine India is well-positioned to influence the future of food ingredients.
For those intrigued by this journey of innovation and sustainability, head over to our Hospitality News E-magazine to catch the full article. You can also enjoy the tactile experience of our physical magazine—feel the quality in your hands. Grab a single issue for just ₹200 or subscribe for a year at an amazing ₹2000, saving you 16.67%! Fresh insights delivered right to your doorstep—perfect to enjoy with your morning coffee, whether you’re in for one issue or twelve! Visit our website, click "Buy Print Magazine," fill in your details, and get it delivered straight to your door. It's that simple!
In an exclusive interview, Manoj Jangid, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, opens up about his transformative approach to hospitality that seamlessly blends sustainability with exceptional service. With over 20 years of experience at prestigious brands like Taj, Hyatt, Accor, and Marriott, Manoj’s journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence.
People-First LeadershipManoj emphasizes a people-first leadership style, fostering a positive culture within his team. He aligns his management approach with Marriott’s core values—putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving the community. His commitment to empathy and transparency empowers team members to take ownership of guest interactions, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
Innovative Guest Experiences
At Fairfield Kolkata, Manoj prioritizes personalized guest experiences using advanced data analytics. Tools like Guest Voice help the hotel anticipate and meet guest needs, while sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly amenities and locally sourced dining options, enhance the overall experience. His focus on empowering staff to exceed guest expectations plays a vital role in creating unforgettable stays.
Strategic Management and Crisis Preparedness
Managing the hotel involves balancing multiple priorities. Manoj holds regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure alignment and foster teamwork, crucial for delivering top-tier service. His proactive approach to crisis management was highlighted during a severe weather event, where thorough preparation allowed the team to secure the property and ensure guest safety with minimal disruption.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Manoj’s vision for Fairfield Kolkata. The hotel embraces Marriott’s SERVE 360 initiative, implementing energy-efficient practices and promoting responsible travel. These efforts not only contribute to environmental goals but also enhance the guest experience.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Manoj aims to position Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata as a leader in sustainable hospitality. By leveraging technology and adopting the latest green practices, he plans to continue personalizing guest experiences and exceeding expectations.
Found these insights interesting? Then you’ll love our HospitalityNews E-Magazine, where you can catch the full interview with Manoj Jangid and dive deeper into his thoughts on sustainability and leadership. Prefer something tangible? We offer physical copies of our magazine that you can hold and enjoy! For just ₹200, grab a single issue, or subscribe for a year at an amazing price of ₹2000—saving you 16.67%! Experience the quality of our physical magazine as it delivers the latest trends and stories in hospitality right to your doorstep. Simply visit our website, click "Buy Print Magazine," fill in your details, and get ready to explore the world of hospitality like never before. Whether you choose a single issue or twelve, we’re sure you’ll enjoy reading with a cup of coffee!
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