Tharanga Kosgallana
4/32, Gangabada Road, Wewala,Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
Summary
Target driven Merchandising professional with over 10 years of experience in:
- Creating Open-to-Buy plans monthly
- Strategic inventory planning
- Working to improve and maintain costs
- Working to improve processes to build better efficiency
- Researching new product and category opportunities for employer’s brands
- Working with marketing on brand/product partnerships
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager - Merchandising
Jay Jay Textiles
, Ethiopia
09.2019 - Current
- Customer accounts handled - Gerber Children Wear (GCI) , Carters, H&M and The Children Place (TCP)
- Product range specialised - Knitted New Born & Kids Wear
- Extended existing customer relationships through extensive communication and tried-and-true marketing strategies.
- Addressed customer issues to ensure swift and successful resolution.
- New supplier scours development in Africa region
- Responsible for effective inventory management of raw materials and finished products
- Reviewed inventory management issues and implemented corrective action plan, leading to achieving KPIs related to material planning and pre-production activities
Assistant Manager - Merchandising
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
, Sri Lanka
10.2014 - 09.2019
- Customer accounts handled - Addidas
- Product range specialised - Knitted Kids wear Jacket / T shirts / Track suits
- Responsible for product development and bulk production execution of key knitwear customer orders
- Trained in lean management principles and have played a key role in implementing 5S in Business Front End
- Strengthened operational efficiencies in inventory control and merchandising.
- Networked with customers and asked open-ended questions to determine immediate needs.
- Identified, selected and maintained logistic suppliers and achieved optimum costs and service qualities.
Senior Merchandiser
MAS- Intimates (MDS)
, Sri Lanka
03.2013 - 12.2014
- Customer accounts handled - H&M
- Specialised product range - Basic & fashionable Ladies Brief & Bras / Men’s boxers / Kids Boxers & brief
- Ran weekly and monthly strategy reports to analyse business trends and make recommendations.
- Performed initial client assessment and analysis to begin research process.
- Engaged in development and product costing meetings
- Responsible for development of trims and fabrics for seasonal trend meeting and counter sourcing the same for better price benefits
Merchandiser
Hirdaramani Industries (Pvt) Ltd
, Sri Lanka
09.2009 - 02.2013
- Customer accounts handled - Calvin Klein Mens, Orvis USA
- Specialised product range - Woven Men’s wear – Chino Pants / Shorts, 5 Pocket Pants
- Responsible for working directly with buyers from planning bulk production, product costing, sampling & order confirmation to final shipment
- Identified, selected and maintained logistic suppliers and achieved optimum costs and service qualities.
- Devised and implemented short-term and long-term plans, optimising supply chain management and improving value relating to annual expenditures.
- Addressed daily issues with sample room, quality department, production plants & suppliers on sampling, costing, production and fabric or trim issues
Merchandiser
Penguin Sportswear (Pvt) Ltd
, Sri Lanka
06.2006 - 09.2009
- Customer accounts handled - Helly Hansen, Merrell, M&s, Old Navy
- Product range specialised - Men’s / Ladies Knitted Jacket / T shirts / Yoga bottoms
- Responsible for coordinating buyers with all internal suppliers and customers
- Engaged in product development and sampling as per buyer’s requirement (Development / Initial / Revised and Final Approval from Sample Room) and product costing
Education
MBA -
Anglia Ruskin University
UK2018
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Marketing
Strategy College Of Business (Pvt) Ltd
Sri Lanka2018
Extension Course in Merchandizing At Department
University Of Moratuwa
Sri LankaNational Certificate in Accountancy
Technical Collage
Kandy, Sri LankaStage 1 & 2 Completed
Associate Of Accountancy Technician
Sri LankaDiploma in Computing Studies
ACT Software
Sri LankaSkills
- Merchandising proficiency
- Merchandising plan development
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Effective managerial techniques
- Merchandising strategies
- Coordinating multiple teams
- Disciplined work ethic
Accomplishments
· Held Position of Deputy Head Prefect - 1996-1999
· Held Rank of Copal in School Cadet Platoon - 1998-1999
Timeline
Manager - Merchandising
Jay Jay Textiles
09.2019 - Current
Assistant Manager - Merchandising
Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd
10.2014 - 09.2019
Senior Merchandiser
MAS- Intimates (MDS)
03.2013 - 12.2014
Merchandiser
Hirdaramani Industries (Pvt) Ltd
09.2009 - 02.2013
Merchandiser
Penguin Sportswear (Pvt) Ltd
06.2006 - 09.2009
MBA -
Anglia Ruskin University
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Marketing
Strategy College Of Business (Pvt) Ltd
Extension Course in Merchandizing At Department
University Of Moratuwa
National Certificate in Accountancy
Technical Collage
Stage 1 & 2 Completed
Associate Of Accountancy Technician
Diploma in Computing Studies
ACT Software
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