What began as a picking and packing role transformed to driving success with precision, Pritam’s journey became a true testament to perseverance and determination.
When Pritam Chakraborty first joined Swiggy in 2021, little did he know about the growth path that lay ahead. Within three years, he went from the role of an Instamart POD picker to that of a store manager. This is the story about how his unwavering focus laid the groundwork for his continuous growth and paved the way for what was to come.
Picking More Than Just Orders
Every day, Pritam stepped into the fast-packed world of POD pickers at Swiggy Instamart. Armed with his trusty Hand-Held Device (HHD), each day was about maintaining momentum and doing his bit to deliver unparalleled convenience with efficiency. With every new order, he made sure everything was spot-on and ready for delivery within 15 minutes. Completing up to 150 orders a day, Pritam embraced every opportunity with a steady pace and a keen eye for detail.
“The picking process takes about 2 to 2.5 minutes per order. We bring the items to the packaging table, pack them according to the suggestions on the screen, and make sure everything is ready to go,” he explains.
Pritam’s mindset always went beyond merely checking off tasks. He saw each task as an opportunity to learn and improve. In his relentless pursuit of betterment, he was consistently looking for ways to refine processes, share knowledge, and contribute to the team’s growth. With his dedication to progress and leading by example, he became the driving force behind the team’s achievements.
“I never just did my job and went home. I looked for ways to improve things, not just for me but the whole team.”
His passion for doing more than what was asked of him didn’t go unnoticed.
Fixing What Others Feared
In 2022, Pritam’s commitment and initiative earned him a promotion to Assistant Store Manager. After gaining valuable experience across multiple stores, his big opportunity came in November 2023, when he was tasked with fixing a POD that had been struggling for a while. The challenges were numerous — inventory mismatches, order disruptions, you name it.
“It was a difficult pod. Lots of issues. But I was given the responsibility to turn it around,” Pritam recalls. “I didn’t wait for someone to tell me what to do. I just jumped in and started solving problems.”
True to his nature, Pritam rolled up his sleeves with clear intent, took charge, and resolved each issue one by one with steadfast determination. Within just 15 days, the POD was back on track, and in a move that spoke volumes of his exceptional capability and dedication, Pritam was promoted to Store Manager in just a month.
“When I got the promotion, I was surprised. But I also knew it was the result of the hard work I put in. Swiggy rewards dedication, and that’s what helped me grow.”
Now, Pritam oversees all integral aspects of the operation, from inventory and order processes to shift planning, people management, and more. What sets him apart is his enterprising drive to step up wherever needed and natural leadership instincts that he applies at every level.
“Thanks to my past experience, when someone in the team is struggling, I can immediately tell what’s wrong and offer the right support. That’s an advantage I bring to the role.”
A Leader in the Making
For Sohrab Ahmad, Cluster Operations Manager and Pritam’s manager, the rise wasn’t just the result of Pritam’s performance. It was the mindset he brought to every challenge. His unique blend of initiative and composure, coupled with his ability to lead with purpose have been a constant.
“He’s very good with his work and extremely grounded.” says Sohrab, “From the beginning, he showed a hunger to learn. Every time there was an issue, whether in operations or with our software systems, he was the one to resolve it.”
Pritam’s ability to maintain a structured approach in high-pressure situations is a key reason he excelled. His attention to detail, especially in inventory management, helped streamline operations.
He is known for using data to guide decisions – especially with the First Response Time (FTR) management – ensuring that his team stayed on track and met their goals. By carefully tracking stock movement, he proactively traced the root causes and acted quickly to solve them. His sharp focus on the little details played a crucial role in delivering answers that were both swift and enduring.
“He’s already at a level where he could manage multiple stores,” his manager states. “The leadership potential he has is clear.”
From POD to Store to City and More
Stepping into his new role, Pritam didn’t just lead his team members, he invested in them. Drawing from his own climb, he nurtures pickers, loaders, and aspiring Assistant Store Managers, offering not just direction, but also belief in what’s possible. His journey is their blueprint.
“I want to teach them that growth doesn’t just come from putting in hours — it comes from taking initiative, learning, and owning your work,” he says.
Pritam also participated in Swiggy’s Pragati Skills Programme, an initiative that helped him sharpen his leadership skills while empowering others. During the same, he successfully trained two Assistant Store Managers to the level of Store Manager and mentored four Store Executives to become Assistant Store Managers across various pods. With such structured training, these individuals are now thriving in newly launched stores across cities like Patna and Ranchi.
“You can’t just clock in and out and expect growth. You need to be willing to go above and beyond.” he adds.
Pritam’s growth at Swiggy has been rapid with two promotions in just three years.
“In the next year, I see myself as a City Operations Manager. I want to keep pushing myself, taking on more responsibilities, and growing with Swiggy.”
Where others see limits, Pritam sees opportunities. From scanning Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), understanding everything from the ground up, he’s now scanning the Swiggy store space with clarity in his vision. His career is just starting to heat up.
We believe this is a good time to say ‘Watch this space’.
Author Bio
Swiggy Editorial is a team of writers who work with the company's Employer Branding team.
