Rasika Gayani Gunawardena

Senior Merchandiser / Lead Merchandiser
Handled multiple international buyer accounts – WHBM, Guess & Revolve

Key Achievements – WHBM (White House Black Market):

• Led WHBM account worth USD 6M+ annually, managing 150+ SKUs per season (embroidery, beading, printing, handwork) with 98% on-time delivery rate.
• Updated and monitored Time & Action (T&A) plans and managed the critical path to ensure flawless order execution and on-time shipments.
• Reduced lead times by 20% through proactive supplier communication and workflow optimization.
• Maintained 95%+ first-time sample approval rate via detailed pre-checks and alignment with buyer tech packs.
• Partnered with QA teams and labs to ensure 100% compliance with WHBM testing protocols (shrinkage, colour fastness, durability).
• Improved margins by 8–10% through cost negotiations and efficient fabric sourcing.
• Drove 30% repeat order growth YoY by delivering high service quality and reliability.
• Supervised and trained team of 3 junior merchandisers, coordinating with 5+ production units.
• Minimized quality rejections by 25% by introducing dual-stage QC process.
• Increased customer satisfaction by improving merchandise presentation.

Other Global Accounts Managed

• Guess – Coordinated seasonal collections, updating T&A calendars and tracking orders across multiple factories.
• REVOLVE– High fashion Dress - with various type of fabric ( lace / sequins attached / beads / stone work and trims such as ostrich feather attaching.

Achieved substantial cost savings through strategic supplier negotiations, enhancing profitability.

• Collaborated with buyers and global sourcing teams to align with brand expectations.
• Monitored adherence to quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Done bulk costing , fabric and trims sourcing getting approvals from customer .
• Handled various embroidery / printing / washing types and hand work .
• Trained junior merchandisers, contributing to their professional growth.
• Managed buying team, resulting in improved product selection.
• Analysis sales data for effective forecast planning.
• Achieved smooth operations by swiftly resolving supply chain issues.
• Ensured timely delivery of products by overseeing logistics processes.
• Liaised with Buyers and sample room to plan effective merchandising techniques 100 % for new products.
• Streamlined purchasing procedures, leading to increased efficiency 95 % .
• Improved brand relationship through regular communication and meetings.
• Increased customer satisfaction by improving merchandise presentation.

Handled over 120 styles per season, ensuring timely completion.

Sourced trims and managed washing, embroidery, and printing approvals.

Managed daily buyer CPT and production report updates for clear communication.

Oversaw fabric consumption, bulk costing, and sampling until shipment release.

Assisted production scheduling and order follow-ups with suppliers.

Supported sample development, adhering to quality and timeline standards.

Coordinated with QA teams to ensure customer specification compliance.

• Boosted product visibility by creating appealing displays.