Lakmal Hettiarachchi
Apparel Industry
Kotikawatte
Work Preference
Summary
Results-driven Enterprise Solutions Manager (SAP S/4HANA Fashion PP and Fast React Techinical support) with 20+ years' experience in apparel manufacturing, merchandising, and planning. Proven in leading end-to-end operations, improving on-time performance, capacity utilization, and cost efficiency. Strong in vendor negotiations, supply chain coordination, cross-functional leadership, and production planning. Demonstrated track record in digital transformation, including a successful SAP go-live in Ethiopia. Expert in Production Planning, FastReact, and leading cross-functional teams.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Manager - Enterprise Solution (SAP/FastReact)
Hela Apparel Holdings
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
04.2024 - Current
- Provide ongoing support to SAP S4 Hana PP module end-users and troubleshoot system issues.
- Provide ongoing support to Fast React planning tool Central planning and plant/operational planning end-users and troubleshoot system issues.
- Conduct training sessions to improve user adoption functionalities of SAP and Fast React
- Coordinate with global teams on system enhancements & SAP system improvements to enhance efficiency.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and actionable solutions for operational issues.
Digital Solution Support Lead
Hela Apparel Holdings
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Led SAP S/4HANA go-live in Ethiopia manufacturing facility as on-site support leader and end-user trainer.
- Trained 200+ end users, achieving seamless transition with zero production disruption.
- Drove digital transformation, reducing delays and improving resource utilization.
- Developed training programs to enhance staff skills and improve service delivery efficiency.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration to align support strategies with organizational goals.
- Monitored and analyzed support metrics to detect trends, identify gaps, and recommend solutions for improvement.
Assistant Manager/Senior Executive Planning
Hela Apparel Holdings
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
05.2016 - 07.2023
- Managed central planning capacity loading across 3 overseas and 7 local plants.
- Worked with planners on delivery schedules and capacity allocation for balanced workflow.
- Reviewed order status with merchandising team to meet targets.
- Managed factory loading to execute maximum efficiency with 95%+ ontime delivery.
- Conducted performance evaluations, identifying areas for development and rewarding strong performance.
Senior Merchandiser
Hela Apparel Holdings, Norlanka Manufacturing
01.2013 - 05.2016
- Managed order processing and execution for major international buyers.
- Negotiated pricing with fabric and accessories suppliers, achieving cost savings.
- Coordinated order status reviews with manufacturing plants and maintained customer relationships.
- Ensured delivery timelines and quality standards for high-volume orders.
Account Manager & Senior Merchandiser
Multiple Organizations
07.2003 - 01.2013
- Global and local stakeholder negotiations for delivery and pricing.
- Critical path management with global and local stakeholders.
- Progressive career growth through merchandising roles at Osprey Clothing (Account Manager), Koggala Garments, Ranliya Garments, and Vision Apparels.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Asia E University
Malaysia 05.2021 - 09.2023
Diploma in Merchandising Management - Merchandising Management
Sri Lankan Institute of Textile & Apparel
Rathmalana 03.2017 - 08.2018
Certificate in Textile Technology - Textile Technology
University of Moratuwa
Moratuwa 06.2008 - 12.2008
Certificate in Merchandising - Merchandising
Clothing Industry Training Institute
Rathmalana 01.2002 - 12.2002
GCE Advance Level - GCE Advance Level
Veluwana College
Colombo 07.1994 - 08.1997
Skills
- Team Leadership
- SAP S/4HANA Fashion (PP)
- Enterprise Solution Design
- FastReact Integration
- Training & Change Management
- Merchandising Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Negotiations
- Capacity Planning & Optimization
Personal Information
- Date of birth : 13th July 1977
- Gender : Male
- Civil Status : Married
- Nationality : Sri Lankan
References
Wathsala Suraweera
Principal Architect | Nagarro Pvt Limited
TP : +94773 095118
Thushara Dissanayake
General Manager Group Planning | Lankem Ceylon PLC
TP : +94773 563276
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Sinhala
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Software
MS Office (Outlook / Excel / Word / Power Point
SAP S4 Hana Fashion
Fast React
Interests
Travelling / Long distance driving
Timeline
Manager - Enterprise Solution (SAP/FastReact)
Hela Apparel Holdings
04.2024 - Current
Digital Solution Support Lead
Hela Apparel Holdings
07.2023 - 04.2024
MBA - Business Administration
Asia E University
05.2021 - 09.2023
Diploma in Merchandising Management - Merchandising Management
Sri Lankan Institute of Textile & Apparel
03.2017 - 08.2018
Assistant Manager/Senior Executive Planning
Hela Apparel Holdings
05.2016 - 07.2023
Senior Merchandiser
Hela Apparel Holdings, Norlanka Manufacturing
01.2013 - 05.2016
Certificate in Textile Technology - Textile Technology
University of Moratuwa
06.2008 - 12.2008
Account Manager & Senior Merchandiser
Multiple Organizations
07.2003 - 01.2013
Certificate in Merchandising - Merchandising
Clothing Industry Training Institute
01.2002 - 12.2002
GCE Advance Level - GCE Advance Level
Veluwana College
07.1994 - 08.1997