Irfan Aral
Beşiktaş
Summary
With over 20 years of leadership experience in strategic procurement, operations management, and product development, I have honed my expertise in purchasing, supply chain management, and international business development. Throughout my career, I successfully managed efficiency, cost optimization, and growth-oriented strategies in various companies, ensuring seamless operational processes. As the leader of a network of 20 stores and 80 employees, I consistently drove sales performance through strategic initiatives and team development. My detail-oriented and results-driven approach contributed to employers' competitive strength and sustainable growth in the market. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities foster high-performance teams and ensure operational excellence. Deep expertise in supply chain management, product development, and market analysis consistently improves business processes and creates added value for companies.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Procurement and Development Director
HAMDARD Pharmaceutical Co.
İstanbul, Türkiye
06.2020 - 06.2024
- Led strategic procurement and supply chain processes, ensuring the sourcing of high-quality herbal, Ayurvedic, and pharmaceutical raw materials while maintaining cost advantages
- Optimized supply chain operations, reducing delivery lead times, enhancing operational efficiency, and minimizing costs
- Expanded the international supplier network, developing procurement strategies that aligned with strict quality standards and cost-effectiveness
- Conducted market research and managed product development initiatives, facilitating the company’s expansion into new markets and the creation of alternative revenue streams
- Led product innovation strategies, contributing to the development of competitive new products that strengthened the company's market position
Director of Purchasing, Product Development & Operations
ARİFOĞLU Natural & Organic Products Ltd.
İstanbul, Türkiye
04.2015 - 06.2020
- Managed nationwide operations across 20 stores and 80 employees, optimizing purchasing strategies and operational workflows to enhance efficiency and support sales growth
- Expanded the product portfolio, establishing international supplier partnerships to achieve cost savings and introduce high-demand products to drive revenue
- Led cross-functional teams in new product development, delivering innovative products aligned with global market trends and customer needs
- Developed and implemented effective hiring and training programs, strengthening the organizational structure and improving productivity
Founder & General Manager
Arallar Food Industry Ltd.
İstanbul, Türkiye
03.2005 - 02.2015
- Founded and expanded a retail business specializing in natural and herbal products, growing operations to 20 store locations and leading a workforce of 80 employees
- Increased sales and profitability by conducting market research to identify high-potential product categories, boosting revenue and profit margins
- Established strategic partnerships with key suppliers, enhancing product variety and improving inventory turnover and store performance
- Oversaw all operational aspects—from sales and marketing to supply chain management and customer service—achieving consistent year-over-year growth
Sales & Operations Specialist
Fritze Refrigeration Inc.
Whippany, New Jersey
05.1997 - 08.2001
- Managed sales, installation, and maintenance projects for industrial refrigeration systems at food production facilities and restaurant chains
- Enhanced client satisfaction by developing strong customer relationships and providing dedicated post-sales support
- Coordinated technical teams, ensuring successful system integrations and efficient maintenance processes on client sites
Education
B.Sc. - Food Science & Technology
Trakya University
09.1987 - 06.1991
Diploma - Refrigeration and Frozen Food Technology
Lincoln Technical Institute
08.1994 - 05.1996
Skills
Certification
Aromatherapy Certification – Zeytinburnu Medicinal Plants Center
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/04/69
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Procurement and Development Director
HAMDARD Pharmaceutical Co.
06.2020 - 06.2024
Director of Purchasing, Product Development & Operations
ARİFOĞLU Natural & Organic Products Ltd.
04.2015 - 06.2020
Founder & General Manager
Arallar Food Industry Ltd.
03.2005 - 02.2015
Sales & Operations Specialist
Fritze Refrigeration Inc.
05.1997 - 08.2001
Diploma - Refrigeration and Frozen Food Technology
Lincoln Technical Institute
08.1994 - 05.1996
B.Sc. - Food Science & Technology
Trakya University
09.1987 - 06.1991