Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Indika Gunasekera

Remuera,AUK

Summary

Indika Gunasekera Inspirational leader for business growth, improvement, and change with a proven history of success, balancing shareholder interests with long-term organizational vitality. Take great pride in creating a cohesive company culture of “We” that encourages teamwork, rewards performance, and motivates employees toward a common mission and cause of action. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Manager

PAK' N SAVE
08.2023 - Current
  • Dedicated and goal-driven Assistant Manager with a passion for exceeding targets, connecting with diverse customers, fostering a love for outdoor activities, and creating a collaborative sales environment
  • Achievements/Tasks
  • Processing orders, refunds, credit notes, processing transactions via both cash and card
  • Manage inventory, monitor re-order levels and re-stocks
  • Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets through effective team management and personalized customer service
  • Cultivated strong customer relationships, understanding their needs, and recommending suitable products to enhance their experiences
  • Manage online orders ensuring all orders are processed within the stipulated time period
  • Collaborated with fellow team members, providing support, coaching, and mentorship to enhance their performance on Implemented inventory management strategies to ensure optimal product availability and minimize stock shortages
  • Assisted in visual merchandising and store layout to maximize product visibility and improve customer shopping experiences
  • Managed inventory control, ensuring appropriate stock levels and product availability
  • Collaborated with the Store Manager in visual merchandising and store layout initiatives
  • Conducted performance evaluations, provided feedback, and recognized outstanding achievements of team members
  • Help to ensure defined business and specific department targets as well as operational delivery standards are met or exceeded through effective management of the department
  • Liaise with suppliers are appropriate and ensure that all stock is sourced through approved suppliers, all orders placed on time and all product checked on arrival for quality
  • Ensure appropriate stock control /stock taking processes and procedures are in place
  • Assist in ensuring sales and GP targets for the department are met or exceeded and that wage cost are controlled appropriately
  • Monitor sales and create opportunities to increase on lats year
  • Support the control of all department cost manage credits and out of stocks
  • Help to ensure the shop is full fresh and appealing throughout the hours of trade and that stock levels are controlled appropriately
  • Merchandise the department appropriately, as per the best practice manual
  • Build eye catching displays and ensure the department merchandising standards invite purchases through attention to detail
  • Handle customer enquiries and complaints appropriately and ensure effective interactions with customers at all time
  • Deputise for the Department manager as required
  • Achieve cost goals through monitoring department systems in an effective and timely manner
  • Meet annual, monthly and weekly targets and review the Department Manager the sales, gross profit, contribution to profit and cost targets in the line with the store targets
  • Assisting in recruitment of all team members into the department
  • Manage the appropriate department staff effectively through adherence to appropriate in store policies and procedures and by setting a personal example of expected store behaviors
  • Maintain Health and safety compliance in the department
  • Demonstrates an interest in , and understanding of people , behaving in a culturally sensitive manner .

Head of Merchandising & Supplier

Trans Screen Automated Pvt ltd
08.2016 - 07.2023
  • Leading Apparel manufacture in Sri Lanka
  • Achievements/Tasks
  • Develop and implement a strategic merchandising and sourcing plan aligned with the overall business goals and objectives of the apparel factory
  • Collaborate with senior management to set financial targets, production goals, and timelines
  • Play a key role in achieving the strategic business plan by providing strategic leadership in merchandising, sourcing, and logistics
  • Develop sound long-term business plans to align with the overall objectives
  • Lead and manage the merchandising team to create and execute effective merchandising strategies
  • Conduct market research to identify current trends, customer preferences, and competitive products
  • Collaborate with design and product development teams to ensure alignment between customer demands and product offerings
  • Develop pricing strategies that balance profitability with market competitiveness
  • Oversee the sourcing and procurement processes to ensure the availability of quality raw materials and components for apparel production
  • Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiating terms and agreements to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability
  • Manage relationships with existing suppliers, addressing issues, and optimizing performance
  • Monitor global sourcing trends and adapt sourcing strategies accordingly
  • Oversee all domestic and international supply, storage, transportation, and distribution for raw materials and finished goods from suppliers to customers
  • Collaborate with other departmental heads to improve logistical operations based on changes in demand and forecasts
  • Collaborate with production and manufacturing teams to develop efficient production plans that meet quality standards and delivery timelines
  • Ensure that production schedules are aligned with merchandising plans and customer demand
  • Optimize production processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
  • Establish and implement quality assurance processes to ensure that all apparel products meet or exceed industry standards
  • Work closely with the quality control team to address any quality issues promptly
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality
  • Ensure that quality, quantity, customer satisfaction, and financial commitments are met, Review and improve employee training methods to enhance the skills and capabilities of the logistical team
  • Handled Marks & Spencer, Next , Gap , BHS , H&M Woolworth buyers

Manager Merchandising & Supplier Chain

Brandix Apparels Pvt ltd
04.2010 - 11.2016
  • Leading Apparel manufacture in Sri Lanka Achievements /Tasks
  • Foster strong communication and collaboration between merchandising, sourcing, production, and other relevant departments
  • Liaise with sales and marketing teams to understand market demands and incorporate customer feedback into merchandising strategies
  • Communicate regularly with cross-functional teams to ensure a cohesive and streamlined operation
  • Develop and manage budgets for merchandising, sourcing, and related activities
  • Monitor and control expenses, ensuring that the department operates within financial constraints while meeting business objectives
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations, ethical sourcing practices, and corporate social responsibility standards
  • Stay informed about industry standards and changes in regulations related to merchandising and sourcing
  • Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to team members
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment
  • Generate regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to merchandising and sourcing activities
  • Analyze data and trends to make informed decisions and improvements
  • Plan, implement, coordinate, and monitor all domestic and international logistical activities and operational duties
  • Utilize logistics IT systems to optimize procedures and enhance efficiency
  • Select carriers and third-party services, negotiate contracts and rates, and ensure cost-effectiveness
  • Develop and execute improvements to warehouse systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency
  • Perform metrics reporting and data analysis to identify issues and opportunities for continuous process improvements
  • Manage logistics health and safety protocols and policies to ensure a secure working environment
  • Conduct regular reviews to identify and address potential health and safety risks
  • Handled Marks & Spencer, Next ,Nike ,May Department buyers

Education

Diploma - Clothing Production Management

Manchester Metropolitan University

Diploma - Textile Technology

University of Moratuwa

Diploma - Merchandising

CITI

AOTS -

Cooperate Management & strategy -

Pvt) Ltd in Japan, Kawai ( Pvt) Ltd in Japan, Apollo Electricals (Pvt) -

Ltd

Skills

  • Team Leadership and Management
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Problem-Solving

Supply chain management

  • Manufacturing
  • Customer Relationship Building
  • Sales and Target Achievement
  • Recruitment
  • Organizing
  • Kanban
  • Merchandising
  • 5S
  • Kaizan
  • Digital Transformation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Development
  • Procurement
  • Business Continuity Planning
  • Project Management
  • ERP implementation
  • Capacity planning
  • Resource planning
  • Problem solving
  • Risk Management
  • Critical thinking
  • Contract Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Research and Development
  • Process reengineering
  • Communication Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Team work
  • Time Management
  • Change Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Operations Management
  • Task Delegation
  • Product and Service Knowledge
  • Cost Reduction
  • Customer Rapport
  • Retail Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Sales Reporting
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Employee Performance Evaluation
  • Sales Strategies

Sales Growth

  • Team Motivation
  • Cost Control
  • Financial Management
  • Staff Development

Promotional Planning

  • Negotiation
  • Staff Supervision
  • Change management
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Client relationship management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Goal setting


  • Emotional intelligence
  • Organizational skills
  • Succession planning
  • Workload management
  • Business acumen
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Quality control
  • Performance management
  • Employee engagement
  • Delegation skills
  • Compliance understanding
  • Time management
  • Networking abilities
  • Product knowledge
  • Task prioritization
  • Budgeting and finance

Timeline

Assistant Manager

PAK' N SAVE
08.2023 - Current

Head of Merchandising & Supplier

Trans Screen Automated Pvt ltd
08.2016 - 07.2023

Manager Merchandising & Supplier Chain

Brandix Apparels Pvt ltd
04.2010 - 11.2016

Diploma - Clothing Production Management

Manchester Metropolitan University

Diploma - Textile Technology

University of Moratuwa

Diploma - Merchandising

CITI

AOTS -

Cooperate Management & strategy -

Pvt) Ltd in Japan, Kawai ( Pvt) Ltd in Japan, Apollo Electricals (Pvt) -

Ltd

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Indika Gunasekera