Brand Manager

• Aug 2023 - Present

Founder

• Oct 2020 - Aug 2023

As the founder of Seus Kitchen, the job involves a range of key responsibilities aimed at ensuring the success and sustainability of the business. These responsibilities include: Developing and implementing the overall strategic plan for the company, including setting its vision, mission, and values, and ensuring that all activities align with these core principles. Overseeing all aspects of the business, including managing finances, product development, marketing, sales, and operations, as well as building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders. Leading a team of employees, ensuring that they are motivated, engaged, and aligned with the company's mission and values. This involves setting clear goals and expectations, providing feedback and support, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Networking and building relationships with potential customers, investors, and other stakeholders in order to promote the Seus Kitchen brand and drive growth and profitability. Ensuring that all products and services are of the highest quality and aligned with the company's commitment to creating healthy, delicious, and sustainable food products. Show less

Brand Manager

• Jan 2016 - Aug 2020

Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability across the company's portfolio. Manage the planning, buying, stock allocation, replenishments, selling/sales management and research process for assigned brands/categories, including supplier selection, negotiation, and product selection. Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating terms and conditions to optimize profitability and performance. Manage inventory levels, ensuring appropriate stock levels are maintained to meet demand while minimizing excess inventory and maximizing profitability. Work closely with the marketing, merchandising and sales teams to develop and execute brand strategies that drive customer engagement, loyalty, and retention. Monitor market trends, competitor activity, Tavola Ecommerce platform and customer behavior to identify new opportunities and risks, adjusting strategies as necessary. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including B2C, B2B clients, sales, operations, and finance, to ensure alignment and optimize performance. Show less

Head Of Buying

• Jun 2013 - Jan 2016

Develop and implement buying strategies that are aligned with the company's goals and objectives. Analyze consumer buying patterns and trends to make informed purchasing decisions. Manage the selection, negotiation, and purchase of merchandise, ensuring that products are of high quality, meet customer demand, and are priced competitively. Develop strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate favorable terms and conditions for purchasing. Manage inventory levels, ensuring that products are available in sufficient quantities to meet customer demand while minimizing overstock and stock-outs. Work closely with the merchandising team to ensure that products are displayed effectively in-store and online, and that the product mix is optimized. Develop and manage budgets for purchasing and inventory, and ensure that financial targets are met. Keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments, and incorporate them into buying strategies where appropriate. Manage and mentor the buying team, ensuring that they are motivated and engaged in their work. Show less

Merchandiser (sourcing)

• 2011 - 2013

Source and procure fabrics, trims, and accessories for the design and production of fashion garments and accessories. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, negotiate terms, and ensure timely delivery of materials. Coordinate with the design and production teams to ensure that materials are appropriate for the desired designs and quality standards. Oversee the sample merchandising process, ensuring that samples are produced according to specifications and delivered on time. Manage the sample room, ensuring that it is organized and samples are stored and cataloged appropriately. Handle fashion shows and events, including coordinating with the events team, selecting garments for the runway, and ensuring that all garments are available and presented in a professional manner. Keep up-to-date with industry trends, new materials, and techniques, and incorporate them into the design and production process where appropriate. Work with the sales and marketing teams to ensure that garments and accessories are merchandised effectively in-store and online. Show less

Senior Executive (Marketing Planning, Customer communications)

• 2009 - 2011

Lead customer services/communications, marketing planning, stock management, and administration for major retail clients such as Sato, Marks & Spencer, Victoria Secret, H&M, and Tesco. Oversee regional areas such as Colombo, Chilaw, Gampaha, and Negombo. Build and maintain relationships with high-value prospects and existing priority customers. Coordinate promotional activities and train staff on upcoming events. Benchmark competitor products and services, and present the results. Manage new promotions/projects and develop strategies to meet sales targets. Maintain stock and prospect customer reports on a daily basis. Handle customer complaints in order to increase retention and ensure the following activities are carried out efficiently– Customer Interaction, Activations, Collections, Walk-in Sales Management, and Process Compliance. Show less

Junior Merchandiser (Bulk and procurement)

• Nov 2007 - Jan 2009

Procurement of raw materials and trims for production. Monitor and maintain standards in orders, pre-production plans, and production. Ensure quality assurance is carried out at all stages of production. Manage budgets, costs, and cash flow to ensure profitability. Manage relationships with suppliers and sub-factories, ensuring they meet the company's standards. Coordinate with the Crystal Martin team and the M&S Designers for product development and delivery. Procurement of raw materials and trims for production. Monitor and maintain standards in orders, pre-production plans, and production. Ensure quality assurance is carried out at all stages of production. Manage budgets, costs, and cash flow to ensure profitability. Manage relationships with suppliers and sub-factories, ensuring they meet the company's standards. Coordinate with the Crystal Martin team and the M&S Designers for product development and delivery.