Erani Srikantha
Colombo
Summary
Dynamic software engineering leader with extensive experience at IFS, excelling in project management and process improvement. Demonstrated expertise in talent acquisition and performance management, consistently delivering high-quality software solutions, while fostering team growth and development. Adept at navigating complex challenges and driving innovation in agile environments. Strong advocate of documentation, automation, delegation, and effective communication.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Software Engineering | R&D AI Engineering
IFS
Colombo
04.2023 - Current
- Reporting to the Chief AI Officer of IFS, I oversee the execution and delivery of AI/ML services.
- Product Increment Lead for AI Engineering, holding the responsibility of planning and managing the strategic product development investments.
- Established work processes and sync meetings for collaboration with the Senior Director of AI Technology, Product Management, Program Management, and QA.
- Implemented effective Scrum practices from the ground up to ensure efficiency and transparency.
- Successfully managed deliveries across eight countries, maintaining team spirit, despite time zone challenges.
- Implemented a successful fresh graduate program, onboarding eight data scientists in SL in 2024, fostering the development of a robust, high-performing team in SL that is now reaching more than 30 members, including those with critical skills in Data Science, ML Ops, Data Engineering, AI Engineering, and AI Quality Assurance.
- Developed an onboarding program with mentoring for various job streams, ensuring faster integration.
- Proficient in HR practices in Sri Lanka, and knowledgeable in global terms, managing direct reports globally.
- Customer Advocate for TOMRA NA, representing the R&D Pioneer Program, pioneering IFS.ai feature development, and leading to feature releases.
- Conducted R&D-wide AI training for approximately 1,500 participants, and led focused workshops to build internal AI/ML expertise.
Director Software Engineering | R&D Manufacturing
IFS
Colombo
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Responsible for the delivery of product development in R&D manufacturing.
- Oversaw direct line management for over 20 members within the Software Engineering pillar.
- Led workforce and competency planning, considering future roadmap items.
- Collaborate with Program Management to effectively deliver prioritized features, with high quality.
- Collaborate with QA to define and execute a quality plan and targets for deliveries.
- Dealt with escalated complaints to resolve them swiftly, at minimal cost to the business.
- Forecast possible obstacles, dependencies, and risks using data-driven insights, and then form mitigation plans based on this analysis.
- Set individual and team-wide performance targets and KPIs.
- Assess team skills deficiencies and oversee recruitment process for new hires and onboarding.
- Facilitated professional development programs to build a high-performing team.
- Executed IFS Cloud deliveries within budget and deadline, despite high attrition that occurred due to the IFS Partner network expansion.
- R&D representative who coordinated with Global Support Organization units to plan, test, and successfully upgrade IFS Cloud customers from Oracle 12c to Oracle 19c on Linux.
- Facilitated change management of the newly implemented 7-Stage Development Process across teams, being an active member of the R&D Adoption Excellence Team.
- Worked with HR and Marketing to boost brand awareness and talent attraction through video compilations, live webinars, and university collaboration, being an active member of the Recruitment Task Force.
Senior Manager Software Development
IFS
Colombo
10.2018 - 02.2020
- Recruitment of new talent and upskilling.
- Create competency maps, and facilitate actions to ensure succession planning.
- Set individual and team goals aligned with organizational goals.
- Engage with teams to drive spikes, proof of concepts, and scoping exercises, evaluating risks and their implications
- Mitigate ambiguity and enhance efficiency in team processes and practices.
- Managed team initiatives, distributed tasks effectively, and aligned assignments with individual strengths.
- 3 Software Architects and 5 Managers developed from direct reports.
- Organized internal conference 'Fusion' repeatedly, serving as venue for members to highlight innovations via day workshops.
- Organized customer site visits functioning as User Study avenues in partnership with local IFS customers.
Manager Software Development
IFS
Colombo
11.2015 - 10.2018
- Lead teams comprising Software Architects, Software Engineers, Business Systems Analysts, System Engineers, and Technical Writers.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback and coaching for team development.
- Oversaw daily operations, eliminated obstacles for staff, and consistently pursued improvement opportunities.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
Lead Software Engineer
IFS
Colombo
07.2013 - 10.2015
- Conducted pre-studies on business requirements and developed technical architecture blueprints.
- Facilitated the teams and project work as a Scrum Master, Technical Solution Coordinator, and Product Representative.
- Supported and developed many Software Engineers through mentorship.
- Delivered and led technical training sessions for teams and newly onboarded Software Engineer training cohorts.
- Developed features for customer customization projects in collaboration with Global Consulting and Support Organizations, receiving excellent feedback. Acted as technical resource during customer go-lives to ensure smooth transitions.
Senior Software Engineer
IFS
Colombo
07.2010 - 06.2013
Software Engineer
IFS
Colombo
01.2008 - 06.2010
Trainee Software Developer
IFS
Colombo
01.2004 - 12.2007
Education
BSc (Special Hons) - Information Technology
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Sri Lanka12.2007
BSc - Information Technology
Curtin University of Technology
Australia12.2006
Skills
- Project management
- Stakeholder management
- Process improvement
- Talent acquisition
- Performance management
- Change management
Languages
Sinhala
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Accomplishments
- Finalist in the Novi Awards 2024, as an International Transformational Leader
- Presented at the IFS R&D Expo for two consecutive years on IFS.ai, engaging over 1,000 attendees each year
- Featured in Pulse.lk as one of the women in tech, building an AI chatbot in under four minutes, https://www.instagram.com/pulse.lk/reel/DBTtMgWS_7A/
- Featured in the #IWD (International Women's Day) series for IFS in 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96lPLcyX0Nw
- Featured in the Transformational Leadership vodcast done by AIESEC in 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQC3VqDk7Zk
Timeline
Director Software Engineering | R&D AI Engineering
IFS
04.2023 - Current
Director Software Engineering | R&D Manufacturing
IFS
03.2020 - 03.2023
Senior Manager Software Development
IFS
10.2018 - 02.2020
Manager Software Development
IFS
11.2015 - 10.2018
Lead Software Engineer
IFS
07.2013 - 10.2015
Senior Software Engineer
IFS
07.2010 - 06.2013
Software Engineer
IFS
01.2008 - 06.2010
Trainee Software Developer
IFS
01.2004 - 12.2007
BSc (Special Hons) - Information Technology
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
BSc - Information Technology
Curtin University of Technology
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