Hansi Hettiarachchi
Winnipeg,MB
Summary
Strategic Category Manager with expertise in retail, purchasing, and vendor negotiations. Skilled in analyzing market trends, developing merchandise strategies, and optimizing profitability. Strong leadership and communication abilities, driving cross functional collaboration, inventory efficiency, and sales growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager
The Northwest Company
Winnipeg, MB
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Optimized category strategy, pricing, and vendor negotiations, leading to increased profitability.
- Managed supplier relations and sourcing, securing cost-effective procurement.
- Implemented inventory planning and demand forecasting, reducing stockouts and improving cash flow.
- Led and mentored category assistants, fostering team development and operational excellence.
- Collaborated with marketing and supply chain teams, aligning product strategies with business goals.
Associate Category Manager
The Northwest Company
Winnipeg, MB
01.2020 - 06.2023
- Negotiated and sourced products, pricing, and contracts, achieving improved profit margins.
- Led assortment planning and pricing strategies, optimizing category positioning.
- Analyzed market trends and sales data, making data driven decisions to maximize performance.
- Developed marketing plans and promotional strategies, boosting customer engagement and sales.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Head Buyer for Gents & Kids Division
Cotton Collection (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka
07.2013 - 03.2017
- Led Open to Buy (OTB) planning, optimizing inventory and driving category profitability.
- Sourced, selected, and negotiated vendor contracts, improving quality and cost efficiency.
- Managed procurement and supply chain operations, reducing lead times and stockouts.
- Analyzed customer buying patterns and market trends, enhancing product selection.
- Developed and coached a team, improving performance and productivity.
- Collaborated with internal departments (marketing, finance, logistics) to align business strategies.
Founder
My Brand Lift
Winnipegosis, MB
01.2024 - Current
- Built a small business from scratch.
- Developed client acquisition systems, leveraging email, SMS, and social media marketing.
- Executed lead generation campaigns, securing high value clients through digital advertising.
Assistant Accessory Buyer
Nygard International
Winnipeg, MB
09.2018 - 01.2020
- Sourced and selected new products, identifying vendor partnerships and market trends.
- Analyzed sales data and demand trends, optimizing stock levels and reducing excess inventory.
- Recommended clearance strategies and collaborated with merchandising and marketing teams.
Retail Analyst
Nygard International
Winnipeg, Canada
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed inventory planning, ensuring optimal stock distribution across locations.
- Analyzed sales data and market trends, making data driven recommendations.
- Balanced store inventories, reducing markdowns and improving sell through rates.
Merchandising Coordinator
Winners - Outlet Collection Mall
Winnipeg, Canada
07.2017 - 09.2017
- Stocked and organized merchandise, ensuring a well-presented sales floor.
- Provided customer service, assisting shoppers with product inquiries and purchases.
- Trained and supported sales associates, improving merchandising execution.
Buyer for Ladies Division
BATA Company of Ceylon Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Managed product selection and pricing, aligning with sales goals and margin objectives.
- Built supplier relationships and sourced new vendors, improving product variety and pricing.
- Analyzed sales and buying trends, optimizing category performance.
Executive: Procurement
CL Synergy & Foreway Logistics (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka
04.2010 - 03.2012
- Dealt with shipping companies and other logistics networks in designing tailor made supply chain solutions to customers.
- Managed all procurement activities in the supply chain.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business & Management
University of Northumbria
United Kingdom2014
Management
Edexel
United Kingdom2013
Business Management
National Institute of Business Management
Sri Lanka2012
Human Resources management
Institute of Personal Management
Sri Lanka2009
Skills
- Strong Analytical Skills
- Decision making Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Effective Organization Skills
- Good Team working Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Negotiation Skills
References
Will be provided on request.
Languages
English, Sinhalese
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Founder
My Brand Lift
01.2024 - Current
Category Manager
The Northwest Company
07.2023 - 01.2024
Associate Category Manager
The Northwest Company
01.2020 - 06.2023
Assistant Accessory Buyer
Nygard International
09.2018 - 01.2020
Retail Analyst
Nygard International
09.2017 - 09.2018
Merchandising Coordinator
Winners - Outlet Collection Mall
07.2017 - 09.2017
Head Buyer for Gents & Kids Division
Cotton Collection (Pvt) Ltd
07.2013 - 03.2017
Buyer for Ladies Division
BATA Company of Ceylon Ltd
09.2012 - 06.2013
Executive: Procurement
CL Synergy & Foreway Logistics (Pvt) Ltd
04.2010 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business & Management
University of Northumbria
Management
Edexel
Business Management
National Institute of Business Management
Human Resources management
Institute of Personal Management
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