CEO Insights India

Unperturbedly focused on the business growth meanwhile preserving the cost reduction and streamlining business strategy, the Purchasing officer of a company is responsible for identifying the potential business opportunities and striking favorable business deals for the firm. Demonstrating strong leadership abilities along with extraordinary communication skills, these professionals possess a strong analytical mind and negotiation power, which gives them an upper hand to navigate the firm through crucial situations. One such person who has been able to emerge as a distinguished professional across this challenging industry dimension is Biplab Bharati. Positioned as the Sr. General Manager Purchase of Ambuja Neotia Group, Biplab is handling all aspects of purchasing and supply chain management processes for one of the most prominent and respected corporate houses headquartered in Kolkata. Leveraging his experience and expertise to yield impeccable outcomes while being stationed at this top-notch executive post, Biplab is predominantly engaged in balancing many sensitive leadership functions as well.

Engaging in an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Biplab highlights the nuances of his journey as one of the premium purchase officers of the country.

With more than 35 years of experience in Purchase, how are you leveraging the best of these elements across Ambuja Neotia Group?
After completing B.Com honors from Kolkata University, I started my professional journey and have worked with many high-profile brands including the Group of Taj, Fairmont Capital Group of Hotels, HP, Dell, The Park Hotel, Swissotel Kolkata and so on. Currently, working with Ambuja Neotia as a general manager I am implementing my professional expertise to bring

forth contemporary outcomes for the company. Ambuja Neotia Group is basically a realty company and they have numerous divisions across hospitality, healthcare, education i.e., Ambuja Neotia University and so on. I am looking after the hospitality sector targeting for the operations of five hotels. Out of five, two hotels are already functioning and the are going to be operational within this year. In terms of premium hotel facilities along with fashionable restaurants, we have the biggest operational setup in the nation. So, leveraging my expertise and opting for the right product at the right time helps me achieving my goals across this arena.

What are the key strategies you follow to ensure the growth and success of the company? How do you adapt and execute new strategies and new methodologies for the company's growth?
I always welcome new strategies into my decision-making process and management style. After finishing one project, I generally go for a thorough analysis of the problems encountered and how they can be addressed before starting the next project. Now that we have advanced technology and have new agile software, accounting software or the software for vendor management, things have become much easier and we are effectively addressing the customer demands by ensuring optimum solutions.

Since the customer is our boss, they can ask anything at any time and we cannot say no to a customer. In the hospitality sector, we are always prepared to fulfill whatever they demand. Starting from the purchase managers to the operations team, we formulate our vendors in such a way that we can work on their demands and get them fulfilled at the earliest with the help of our strong network throughout the country.

During your professional journey, what were the major challenges encountered by you? How did you overcome them?
I have had a successful journey till now and I enjoy my work. I have never been in any back pulling or leg-pulling situation which could have been impacted my professional career adversely. I have

always received strong support from my team at all phases of my life. I have always received strong support from my team at all phases of my life. I have always tried to fulfill almost every requirement of my customers by walking the extra mile. Operating in this challenging domain, I have encountered numerous hurdles but managed to overcome these kinds of situations with the help of my expertise and the proficiency of my team members. Having worked prolifically across this domain for so many years, I have become accustomed to the technological advancements and started adopting them around the company's operations. I always keep a close watch over the market and how I can align the existing industry trends with the organizational expectations to craft better outcomes for my company.

In your journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction both as an individual and a Purchase head?
The purchase department is considered to be the backbone of the hospitality industry because most of the pilot work is done from this department only. It is also believed to be an exclusively profit-oriented sector dealing with salaries, savings, cost reduction and more. As the profit-making outlet of the company, the purchase department demands the most attention than any other vertical. As an efficient industry leader, I have the responsibility, to give this sector what it needs, irrespective of its market availability or the sufferings I have to endure to procure some data which is not easily available in the market. As the head of the purchase department, I handle the tension and pressure that comes along with this kind of job responsibility and at the end of the day, I am satisfied when I see the satisfaction on everyone else's face.

Biplab Bharati, Sr. General Manager - Purchase, Ambuja Neotia Group
After securing a degree in cost accounting from ICWA, Biplab started his professional journey in 1991 as the Director Purchase of The Park Hotel. He completed his Bachelor's degree in logistics, Materials, and Supply chain management from Indian Institute of Materials Management in 2011, and started working with Swissotel Kolkata as the purchase manager. Biplab joined Ambuja Neotia Group in 2012 as the Sr General Manager Purchase and is currently engaged in defining the procurement strategy and policy.