SAMEERA GURUGE
Pokunuvita
Summary
Enthusiastic leader with over 10 years of experience in merchandising and supply chain. expert in navigating complex negotiations, developing operational business strategies and fostering high-value relationships with globe stakeholders. proven ability to lead creative teams and make effective, data-driven decisions for organisational sucess.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager Merchandising
Hirdaramani Apparel - Sri Lanka
Kahathuduwa
2024 - Current
- Led team to ensure high-quality production standards in apparel manufacturing enhancing the profitability.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes to enhance operational productivity.
- Coordinated training sessions to develop staff skills and knowledge in garment production.
- Managed inventory levels and supply chain logistics for timely deliveries.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and quality assurance protocols.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and project execution.
- Monitored daily operations to identify areas for process improvement and optimization.
Merchandising Manager
Vogue Velocity International Agencies
Egypt
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Developed seasonal merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and appeal.
- Developed strategies for product positioning and pricing based on market analysis.
- Prepared reports on sales figures, inventory levels, customer feedback, for senior management review.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting processes for merchandising operations.
Senior Merchandiser
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Customer relationship management & managing the production execution process based on the seasonal demands, rapid & speed to market models of the business.
- Communicate & handling the buyers & buying office teams regarding all bulk related issues, CPs, Sampling & Pilots concerns.
- Managing the costing related aspects to ensure efficient earnings for the organization & Negotiate RM prices with the suppliers.
- Dealing all suppliers (Fabric, Trims) & negotiate the price delivery to meet planned RM-in date with maximizing the profit of style.
- Handling the production plants to achieve the on-time shipments with buyer's standards.
Merchandiser (Bulk)
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Supplier relationship management, Sourcing, Purchasing & delivery negotiations & development of new suppliers and sustainable supply chain partnerships.
- Participate in the supplier evaluation process & manage supplier related liabilities to ensure accurate accounting and profitability management.
- Sourcing & Procure the required range of RM for the garment productions of the local & foreign suppliers & managing the sufficient stocks for the current production.
- Develop & maintain strong relationship with customers.
- Ensure team members provide excellent customer service at all time.
- Manage every aspect of my team member's work & progression, including adherence to procedures, discipline & training.
- Manage my department's expenditure within the budget.
- Work with other departments to manage supplier evaluations and support in improving all aspects of supplier performance.
- Keep SOP's updated at all time.
Junior Merchandiser (Bulk)
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Forecasting & sourcing functions for the future estimated consignments & timely supplements, achieve the given KPI's.
- Supplier relationship management, Sourcing, Purchasing & delivery negotiations & development of new suppliers and sustainable supply chain partnerships.
- Managing customer visits & attending for the overseas customer's meetings & trainings.
Trainee Merchandiser
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
05.2013 - 12.2013
- Factory visits to understand the best practices in lean manufacturing and apply the area of product development.
- Coordinating with cross functional teams.
- Customer and Supplier relationship management.
Intern
Quantum Clothing Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
10.2012 - 04.2013
- Trained in all departments (Product development center, Cutting, production, Quality, Planning, Merchandising & Human Resources).
- Successfully met the PCD dates for each style & KPI's for each responsible parameter.
- Handling customer accounts such as LEE & WRANGLER, ARAMARK, EDWARD, Zara Baby, Daily Blue, George/ASDA/ John Lewis, BHS, TESCO, Rachel Roy, HUGO BOSS, Amazon, Pierre Cardin, KappAhl, Pioneer, Petit Bateau & Anthropology.
- Successfully fulfilled all customer requirements by providing the full package customer service.
- Handling a team & help them to improve their self as well as the by giving fullest cooperation in terms business growth in company.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
01.2021
Diploma in Textile & Apparel Technology -
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel
01.2012
Skills
- Management Skills
- Creativity
- Negotiation
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
References
- Qutaiba Ebraheem, Group HR & Admin Manager, Vogue Velocity International Agencies FZE, D3-01/B, SAIF Zone, Sharjah, UAE, +971 6 5574430
- Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, Joint Apparel Association Forum, 107, Hunupitiya Lake Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00200, +94 11 4528497, +94 77 777 7979
Languages
- Sinhala
- English
- Sinhala
Timeline
Merchandising Manager
Vogue Velocity International Agencies
01.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Merchandiser
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2017 - 01.2023
Merchandiser (Bulk)
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2014 - 01.2017
Trainee Merchandiser
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
05.2013 - 12.2013
Junior Merchandiser (Bulk)
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
01.2013 - 01.2014
Intern
Quantum Clothing Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
10.2012 - 04.2013
Manager Merchandising
Hirdaramani Apparel - Sri Lanka
2024 - Current
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Diploma in Textile & Apparel Technology -
Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel