Thanuja Waheeda Swann
Elizabethtown
Summary
Experienced apparel product development and sourcing professional with 15+ years in garment manufacturing for U.S., U.K., and European brands. Expertise in coordinating product development, vendor sourcing, and production planning within global supply chains. Skilled in optimizing sourcing strategies and enhancing production efficiency while ensuring quality delivery. Strong communicator, effectively connecting international buyers, suppliers, and factory teams.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Product Development & Sourcing Consultant
Crystal Martin
01.2021 - 08.2023
- Coordinated end-to-end product development, including sampling, costing, sourcing, and production planning, to align with international apparel brand timelines and requirements.
- Led procurement strategies achieving 25% reduction in raw material costs through strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations.
- Improved supplier selection processes, reducing production lead times by 15%.
- Liaised between international buyers, suppliers, and factory production teams to ensure adherence to specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
Product Development & Production Merchandising Manager
Crystal Martin International
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Managed product development cycles from sampling to bulk production, ensuring alignment with international apparel client specifications.
- Reduced material costs by 30% through cross-sourcing strategies and vendor negotiations.
- Improved supplier performance resulting in 20% reduction in production lead times.
- Coordinated communication among buyers, suppliers, and factory teams to uphold production timelines and quality standards.
Country Representative – Sales and Marketing
Albert Zips
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Built connections with existing customers and onboarded new clients to expand client base.
- Managed customer relationships to enhance satisfaction and retention.
- Monitored product specifications, quality standards, and delivery timelines to meet customer expectations.
General Manager – Apparel Merchandising & Product Development
Designexpress (Pvt) Ltd
05.2010 - 12.2015
- Led merchandising, sourcing, and product development for five major international apparel accounts, enhancing product offerings and market competitiveness.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration among production, sourcing, and merchandising teams to align strategies and optimize processes.
- Streamlined procurement and production workflows, resulting in 10% increase in on-time deliveries.
Account Manager – Apparel Product Development & Sourcing
Stirling Group Lanka Intimates
05.2008 - 12.2009
- Managed sourcing and procurement to achieve 10–15% cost savings while maintaining product quality.
- Enhanced order fulfillment processes, leading to 15% faster delivery timelines.
- Coordinated communication between overseas buyers and factory production teams to streamline operations.
Education
MBA -
University of Gloucestershire
United KingdomPostgraduate Diploma - Strategic Management
IDM Colombo Campus
Colombo, Sri LankaDiploma - Business Administration
United KingdomGeneral Sewing Data (GSD) License -
Skills
- Product Development
- Global Sourcing
- Vendor Management
- Apparel Production Expertise
- Costing
- Cost Optimization
- Production Planning
- Procurement
- Inventory Management
- Materials Management
- Supply chain operations
- Quality Assurance
- Delivery Compliance
- Sample Coordination
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
Websites
Open To
Hybrid/Remote Opportunities
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to Work in the U.S.
References
Available upon request
International Manufacturing Experience
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
- Global apparel supply chains supporting buyers across United States, United Kingdom, and Europe
Apparel Production Expertise
- Product Development, Costing & Sample Coordination
- Global Sourcing & Vendor Management
- Production Planning & Factory Coordination
- Procurement & Cost Optimization
- Inventory & Materials Management
- Apparel Supply Chain Operations
- Quality Assurance & Delivery Compliance
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
Timeline
Senior Product Development & Sourcing Consultant
Crystal Martin
01.2021 - 08.2023
Product Development & Production Merchandising Manager
Crystal Martin International
11.2016 - 11.2020
Country Representative – Sales and Marketing
Albert Zips
01.2016 - 10.2016
General Manager – Apparel Merchandising & Product Development
Designexpress (Pvt) Ltd
05.2010 - 12.2015
Account Manager – Apparel Product Development & Sourcing
Stirling Group Lanka Intimates
05.2008 - 12.2009
MBA -
University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate Diploma - Strategic Management
IDM Colombo Campus