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Sulakshi Dissanayake

@sulakshidissanayake

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Experienced procurement professional with a focus on strategic sourcing.

New Zealand

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that values strategic procurement and offers opportunities for professional growth.

I am a procurement professional with over 14 years of experience leading and supporting procurement and commercial activities for government and international programs, including the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Renewable Energy Agency. My expertise lies in managing the full procurement lifecycle, providing strategic advice, and building strong supplier relationships to drive value and efficiency.

Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented complex procurement strategies and managed high-stakes projects, such as the establishment of long-term supplier agreements for emergency goods and services. My role as Principal Commercial Specialist at the Ministry of Social Development involves developing sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs, ensuring that procurement processes deliver tangible benefits.

I am committed to continuous improvement and professional development, as evidenced by my membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and ongoing training in project management. I thrive in collaborative environments and am passionate about making a positive impact through effective procurement practices.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal Commercial Specialist

Current

Ministry of Social Development NZ

Feb 2022 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Leading complex commercial work and overseeing procurement activities to align with strategic goals. Developed sourcing strategies and managed supplier relationships to enhance business outcomes.

Strategic Sourcing Contract Negotiation Stakeholder Engagement Change Management Project Management Risk Mitigation Procurement

Principal Procurement Specialist

Ministry of Education NZ

Mar 2021 - Feb 2022 (11 months)

Provided procurement insight and support for various teams, managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle and ensuring value delivery for educational resources and services.

Needs Analysis Contract Management Project Management Education Sector Procurement

Commercial Specialist

Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment NZ

Jan 2019 - Mar 2021 (2 years 2 months)

Led various procurement projects across sectors, providing expert advice and support for complex procurement challenges, ensuring compliance with government priorities.

Procurement Project Management Contract Negotiation Stakeholder Engagement Risk Management Communication Skills

Procurement Associate

International Renewable Energy Agency

Dec 2014 - Jan 2017 (2 years 1 month)

Managed procurement planning and execution for R&D projects, ensuring compliance with internal policies and UN regulations while establishing long-term supplier agreements.

Procurement Contract Negotiation Tender Management Compliance Project Management Stakeholder Engagement

Customer Services Executive

Nestle Middle East FZE

Jan 2013 - Apr 2014 (1 year 3 months)

Provided customer service support and managed client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty in a fast-paced environment.

Customer Service Client Relationship Management Communication Skills Problem Solving Team Collaboration Time Management Sales Support CRM Software

Senior Procurement Associate

United Nations World Food Programme

Jan 2007 - Apr 2013 (6 years 3 months)

Oversaw the full procurement cycle for humanitarian operations, establishing long-term agreements and ensuring compliance with WFP regulations for effective purchasing.

Contract Management ETAS Implementation Project Management Compliance

Manager International Marketing

Global Expeditions Travel

Apr 2006 - Jan 2007 (9 months)

Led international marketing strategies and campaigns to promote travel services, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.

Marketing Strategy Brand Management Market Research Digital Marketing Customer Engagement Campaign Management Team Leadership Communication Skills

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

NZIE

Postgraduate Diploma, Applied Business

2017 - 2018

Earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Business (Level 8), enhancing skills in business management and strategic decision-making.

University of Salford

Master of Science, Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain

2015 - 2017

Completed a Master of Science in Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain, focusing on strategic procurement practices, logistics management, and supply chain optimization.