Looking for a remote opportunity in apparel sourcing where I can add value through vendor management, cost optimization, and efficient product execution within global teams.
Open to opportunities
Sharifa Akhter
@sharifaakhter
Apparel sourcing specialist in fabric, vendors, and product development. Driving quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
BangladeshWhat I'm looking for
Experienced in global apparel sourcing, vendor management, and product execution.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
MS
Business Area Manager
Marks & Spencer
Dec 2011 - May 2024 (12 years 5 months)
Led sourcing strategy for womenswear/active/swim-beachwear, managing $95M business buy value and directing a cross-functional team to deliver right cost and quality. Owned supplier KPI performance, product/raw-material risk analysis, capacity planning, central costing, lead-time management, and sustainability (carbon net-zero) initiatives.
MS
Managed sourcing and production for a $95M business portfolio across jersey, woven, activewear, swimwear, and dresses. Drove end-to-end product lifecycle, optimizing cost, quality, and lead time through KPI-driven sourcing, supplier capacity planning, and compliance-focused raw material management.
MS
Led the men’s jersey team managing a $65M business portfolio by defining sourcing strategies and supplier selection, and owning product development with a focus on cost, quality, and compliance. Built stakeholder and vendor communication channels and used trend and competitor analysis to support business growth.
MS
Business Unit Team Leader
Marks & Spencer
Jul 2018 - Sep 2022 (4 years 2 months)
Planned annual business strategy and sourced textile suppliers from Bangladesh for a $65M men’s jersey buy. Developed products with commercially and socially aligned suppliers while maintaining stakeholder communication and following trend and competitor activity to identify opportunities.
MS
Managed a $38M category business for ladies nightwear, executing end-to-end merchandising and production processes. Coordinated with supply chain and logistics teams and delivered reporting on margin, shipment, and seasonal development.
MS
Coordinated with buyers and suppliers for ladies nightwear product development, managing costing, negotiation, and sampling to ensure first-time-right quality and on-time delivery. Supported execution through tight coordination across development and production milestones.
MS
Supported order execution and production follow-up for product lines, helping ensure delivery readiness and smooth communication between involved parties. Assisted with tracking progress through key development and production steps.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Bangladesh University of Textile Engineering & Technology
Bachelor of Science, Textile Engineering & Technology (Wet Processing)
Grade: First class (6th in position)
Completed a BSc in Textile Engineering & Technology with a focus on wet processing technology, achieving a first-class GPA (6th in position).
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Open to opportunities
Location
BangladeshAuthorized to work in
Social media
Job categories
Skills
B2B SalesCommunicationData AnalysisCustomer SatisfactionLeadershipEffective CommunicatorStrategic SourcingVendor ManagementProject ManagementQuality ManagementOn Time DeliveryProduct KnowledgeTeam BuildingForecastingCrisis ManagementSupplier Managementcapacity managementRisk AnalysisMaterial PlanningCosting & Margin ActivitiesLead Time ManagementTrend AnalysisCommodity Trend IdentificationCompetitive BenchmarkingSustainability.NETFactoryGmailMakeMatrixObjective Remote
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