Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Certification
Timeline
Generic

KORAY ZEYNEP AKKUN

Senior Overseas Sourcing And Buying Manager
ISTANBUL

Summary

Passionate,visionary,analytical,hardworking,high motivated ,initiative person with over 15 years of experience within the fashion,sourcing and retail industry across multiple markets product and process development , production , retail, sourcing ,team development , strategic planning and risk management.

I can describe myself as a person who loves innovations , changes and challenges.

Excellent analytical skills knowledge ,combining the passion for numbers with fashion and trends.

Results-oriented management professional with history of leading teams to achieve high standards and impactful results. Known for expertise in strategic planning and process improvement, consistently driving operational efficiency. Highly collaborative with focus on adaptability and effective team leadership.

A natural solution finder able to engage with all tiers of the business operation to deliver a consistent and unique product.

Experienced with leading teams to achieve organizational goals through effective management and coordination. Utilizes strategic planning and communication to drive team success. Knowledge of conflict resolution and team-building techniques ensures cohesive and productive work environment.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Overseas Sourcing and Buying Group Manager

LC Waikiki
Istanbul, Turkiye
04.2022 - Current
  • Identified areas of improvement through regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching for team members.
  • Collaborated with other group managers to develop best practices for operational efficiency across departments.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and prioritizing tasks.
  • Drove organizational change initiatives that resulted in streamlined operations, improved employee morale, and increased efficiencies throughout the group.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and timely delivery of goods.
  • Led contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions, reducing overall expenses.
  • Conducted supplier audits to evaluate capabilities, assess risks, and identify areas for improvement.
  • Developed and executed global sourcing strategies for optimal cost savings and value creation.
  • Evaluated supplier proposals to identify best-fit partners based on quality, service, and pricing factors.
  • Conducted market research to stay informed about industry trends, ensuring competitive advantage in sourcing decisions.
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency with improved supplier management and performance tracking.
  • Established long-term supplier relationships, fostering trust and collaboration for continuous improvement.
  • Monitored labor markets and conducted market intelligence to optimize savings and run rate.
  • Researched and evaluated potential suppliers to determine best fits for company needs and to identify cost savings opportunities.
  • Reduced supply chain risks by developing contingency plans for critical materials or disruptions in the supply chain process.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to identify new product opportunities based on market trends and customer needs.
  • Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.

Buying Manager

LC Waikiki
01.2018 - 04.2022
  • Evaluated vendor bids for best value, considering factors such as price, quality, delivery schedule, and terms of payment.
  • Maintained detailed records of all purchasing activities, ensuring full compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring order status and proactively addressing potential issues.
  • Assisted Planing department in budget planning by providing accurate forecasts of future purchasing requirements.
  • Achieved cost savings by negotiating with suppliers and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives.
  • Analyzed spending patterns for cost reduction opportunities, leading to increased profitability for the organization.
  • Determined the lowest possible cost, factoring in quality and reliability, and negotiated favorable contracts.
  • Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
  • Hired and trained staff to improve the effectiveness of the department.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Senior Buyer

LC Waikiki
Istanbul, Turkiye
08.2013 - 01.2018
  • Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
  • Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
  • Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
  • Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
  • Enhanced supplier performance through regular evaluations and performance improvement plans.
  • Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
  • Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
  • Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.
  • Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
  • Developed and managed budgets for purchasing and projected purchasing needs.
  • Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
  • Developed creative presentations, trend reports, kitted assets, and product data sheets.
  • Sharing the sketches from the design with the suppliers to initiate the sampling process, and conduct pricing studies.
    • Making supplier price comparisons and deciding which order to place the style from which supplier
    • Researching affordable fabric qualities
    • Following all collection and production stages of the style after the delivery of the design and making CPS
    • Guiding the design by offering affordable fabrics
    • Budget management, providing design guidance for budget-friendly styles
    • Managing micro and macro capacity
    • Styles from Far East, Egypt etc. Pricing and production tracking in countries: •
  • Pricing with all the countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, and Egypt.
  • Production with local fabric in countries that provide tax advantages.

• WSSI, OTB, and FT control with the weekly planning team. • Taking an active role in routine store visits and supplier visits.

Senior Product Merchandiser

TURKMEN GROUP-ATK TEXTILE
07.2009 - 05.2012


  • Responsible for UK and Spain Market such as Zara-Mango-M&S-Reiss
  • Assisted customers in locating desired products while maintaining an organized shopping environment through diligent upkeep of merchandise displays.
  • Negotiated with factories for timely and cost-efficient product deliveries, maintaining inventory flow.
  • Working closely with desing team to build collection to the customer .
  • Established and maintained positive relationships with customers.
  • Making regular shopping activities along with desing team to understand customer expectation and latest trends .

Production Merchandiser

Next Sourcing Limited
03.2006 - 06.2009
  • Responsible for the overseas production management in Romania-China-Morocco
  • Managing day-to-day operations with suppliers.
  • Weekly checks are required to ensure orders are shipped on time.
  • Conducting risk analysis meetings for each order with vendors.
  • Monthly visits to suppliers in countries to ensure CPS and GANT plan accuracy.
  • Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
  • Collaborate with the Buying team in the UK, and fulfill customer needs.

Asistant Store Manager

MUDO
Istanbul, Turkiye
03.2003 - 03.2004
  • Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer experience.
  • Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Karadeniz Technical Universty
Trabzon
04.2001 -

No Degree - Listening Comprehension For Foreign Students

Farnborough College of Technology
Farnborough - Hants /UK
04.2001 -

Skills

Business development

Adaptability and flexibility

Project management

Crisis management

Strategic planning

Operations management

Innovation management

Cost control

Negotiation and conflict resolution

Project planning

Multitasking Abilities

Analytical thinking

Team management

Additional Information

  • Married with 1 kid
  • Love Jogging and Travelling
  • Sports and healthy eating addict

Certification

Double wing Lidership

Timeline

Overseas Sourcing and Buying Group Manager

LC Waikiki
04.2022 - Current

Buying Manager

LC Waikiki
01.2018 - 04.2022

Senior Buyer

LC Waikiki
08.2013 - 01.2018

Senior Product Merchandiser

TURKMEN GROUP-ATK TEXTILE
07.2009 - 05.2012

Production Merchandiser

Next Sourcing Limited
03.2006 - 06.2009

Asistant Store Manager

MUDO
03.2003 - 03.2004

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Karadeniz Technical Universty
04.2001 -

No Degree - Listening Comprehension For Foreign Students

Farnborough College of Technology
04.2001 -
KORAY ZEYNEP AKKUNSenior Overseas Sourcing And Buying Manager