AWANTHI MUNASINGHE

A results-driven Assistant Merchandising Manager with over 17 years of experience in apparel merchandising and product development. Currently overseeing end-to-end merchandising operations for a British-owned apparel manufacturer, managing high-volume orders, vendor relations, and product lifecycle from concept to delivery. Adept at streamlining processes, ensuring on-time production, and maintaining quality standards. Skilled in cross-functional team leadership, cost negotiations, and aligning business strategies with customer requirements to drive profitability and operational efficiency. Demonstrates a strong track record in improving product turnaround times and enhancing client satisfaction in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Brands ; Marks and Spencer / YD. / Connor

Served as a Senior Executive in Merchandising, leading product development and bulk production processes for a Sri Lankan-based clothing manufacturer. Managed key client accounts, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between buyers, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver products on time and within budget. Drove efficiency in handling order placements, cost negotiations, and production tracking, while ensuring adherence to quality and compliance standards. Played a pivotal role in optimizing production schedules and improving supply chain performance to meet tight deadlines, contributing to the company’s growth and client satisfaction.

Brand ; Target - Australia / Decathlon

Led the product development process for a global fashion retailer, overseeing the sourcing and evaluation of factories to ensure optimal production capabilities and compliance with company standards. Played a key role in identifying and onboarding new manufacturing partners, conducting factory evaluations based on capacity, quality, and ethical practices. Managed end-to-end order execution, from initial sample development through bulk production, while closely collaborating with buyers, suppliers, and internal teams to meet delivery targets. Successfully negotiated costs, improved lead times, and ensured high-quality output, contributing to the expansion of the sourcing base and maintaining client satisfaction.

Brand ; Next - Ladies formal and casual wear

Headed the product development team, spearheading the sourcing and onboarding of factories for a leading apparel manufacturer. Played a crucial role in identifying, evaluating, and partnering with high-quality production units to meet the company’s diverse product demands. Led the development process from concept to final production, ensuring alignment with buyer expectations and strict adherence to timelines, quality standards, and cost targets. Managed cross-functional teams and facilitated effective communication between clients, suppliers, and internal departments. Significantly contributed to expanding the factory network and enhancing the company’s capacity to handle high-volume orders, ensuring timely delivery and superior product quality.

Brands ; Next - Menswear / Matalan - Ladieswear / Sainsbury - Ladieswear / Tesco - Menswear

Focused on procurement and vendor management, playing a key role in coordinating the purchasing of raw materials and ensuring timely availability to support production needs. Managed relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and ensure compliance with quality and delivery standards. Collaborated closely with production teams to align purchasing schedules with manufacturing timelines, minimizing delays and optimizing inventory management. Oversaw product development and bulk order placements, ensuring that customer specifications were met throughout the production process. Successfully balanced cost control with quality assurance, contributing to smooth operations and the timely fulfillment of client orders.

Brands ; Gap - Menswear / Banana republic - menswear / PRL - Ladieswear