Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gihan Kohoban

Global Supply Chain Manager
Palmerston North

Summary

A globally experienced and commercially astute Supply Chain & Procurement Executive with over 20 years of leadership in end-to-end logistics, strategic sourcing, and global operations. Proven track record in driving enterprise-level procurement transformations, building high-performing teams, and delivering sustainable cost savings across Oceania, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Possess a unique blend of strategic vision and operational discipline, with deep expertise in 3PL management, freight and warehousing procurement, and risk-based sourcing frameworks. Recognized for aligning procurement strategy with business goals, strengthening supplier relationships, and leading enterprise systems integrations (SAP, NAV). Adept at stakeholder engagement across matrixed organizations, with a strong focus on innovation, governance, and value creation.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications

Work History

Supply Chain Operations Manager

Betacraft NZ Limited
02.2020 - Current

As the Supply Chain Operations Manager, I lead the strategic direction of the company’s global supply chain. I oversee the supply chain team while integrating business planning, managing budgets, and ensuring accurate forecasting, all while maintaining optimal inventory levels. My responsibilities encompass procurement, international freight management and consolidations, warehousing, inbound and outbound logistics, and distribution, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and cost control. Additionally, I manage third-party logistics (3PL) and distributor partnerships across key regions including Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. I am committed to driving excellence, encouraging innovation, and embedding sustainable practices throughout the supply chain to support long-term business success.

  • Directed local and international logistics consolidation strategies to enhance freight efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and deliver cost savings across major markets.
  • Led annual supplier and logistics contract negotiations, driving strategic sourcing optimization to reduce logistics spend while ensuring scalable and sustainable transport solutions.
  • Implemented environmentally friendly packaging solutions, including water-soluble and 100% biodegradable materials, contributing to emissions reduction and advancing sustainability goals.
  • Drove integration of procurement and planning systems to enable real-time supply chain visibility and improved decision-making.

Supply Chain Process Controller

Goodman Fielder NZ Limited
06.2018 - 02.2020
  • Managed procurement operations, demand planning, and supply assurance for key manufacturing divisions, working collaboratively across operations, warehousing, and finance teams. Held full responsibility for warehouse and logistics functions to ensure Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery of materials aligned with production planning requirements. Supported procurement planning, supplier scheduling, and materials management to maintain seamless supply continuity. Partnered closely with stakeholders to enhance service levels while maintaining cost efficiency. Additionally, contributed to SAP system enhancements that improved supply chain visibility and operational performance.

Supplies & Logistics Manager

Zeagold Foods NZ Limited
05.2016 - 06.2018
  • Led national logistics, procurement, and warehousing operations across multiple sites, taking full ownership of inbound and outbound logistics as well as supplier management. Ensured strict compliance with MPI requirements by managing documentation and audit processes. Directed staffing strategies, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and training programs to build a capable and compliant team. Fostered and maintained strong partnerships with logistics providers and internal stakeholders to drive operational excellence and service reliability.

Procurement & Inventory Manager

Vision Investment Fiji
03.2012 - 02.2016
  • Directed procurement and inventory control for a large retail and hospitality portfolio, including over 40 showrooms and renowned hotel brands like Hilton and DoubleTree. Led a team of 8 direct and 40+ indirect reports, managing supplier and contract negotiations. Developed strategic sourcing aligned with supply chain goals to secure capacity and services. Oversaw international logistics and island-wide distribution networks, audits, and ongoing staff training. Delivered operational efficiency, cost control, and risk management while ensuring procurement compliance and strong stakeholder collaboration.

Procurement & Materials Manager

Holcim Sri Lanka Limited
10.2006 - 03.2012
  • Managed national procurement, materials handling, and logistics for a leading cement manufacturing operation. Developed and implemented strategic sourcing plans and vendor governance frameworks to ensure supply reliability and compliance. Oversaw import logistics, contract negotiations, and end-to-end contract management. Collaborated with APAC procurement teams to align with global standards while maintaining a strong focus on supply chain risk mitigation. Demonstrated a serious commitment to ongoing safety practices and staff wellbeing across all operational areas.

Education

Master of Science - Supply Chain Management

Massey University
Auckland, New Zealand
04.2001 -

MBA - Business Administration

University of Rajarata
Colombo, Sri Lanka
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Engineering - Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Colombo, Sri Lanka
11-2008

Graduate Diploma - Purchasing And Materials Management

Institute of Supply & Materials Management
Colombo, Sri Lanka
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Global Procurement Strategy
  • Supply Chain Transformation
  • Ocean Freight & 3PL Sourcing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • ERP Implementation (SAP, Dynamics 365)
  • Warehousing & Distribution Networks
  • Category Management & Strategic Sourcing
  • Cost Optimization & Risk Mitigation
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
  • Leadership & Team Development

Certification

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Franklin Covey, USA

Timeline

Supply Chain Operations Manager

Betacraft NZ Limited
02.2020 - Current

Supply Chain Process Controller

Goodman Fielder NZ Limited
06.2018 - 02.2020

Supplies & Logistics Manager

Zeagold Foods NZ Limited
05.2016 - 06.2018

Procurement & Inventory Manager

Vision Investment Fiji
03.2012 - 02.2016

Procurement & Materials Manager

Holcim Sri Lanka Limited
10.2006 - 03.2012

Master of Science - Supply Chain Management

Massey University
04.2001 -

MBA - Business Administration

University of Rajarata
04.2001 -

Graduate Diploma - Purchasing And Materials Management

Institute of Supply & Materials Management
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Engineering - Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Gihan KohobanGlobal Supply Chain Manager