Sinan Erman Tarim
Global Sourcing Enthusiast
Hong Kong
Summary
Experienced and dynamic Global Sourcing Specialist with 17 years of expertise in apparel, shoes, bags, and home categories. Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, team leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs and transforming customer service standards.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
10
10
Sourcing countries
3
3
Languages
Work History
Co-Founder & CEO
Oculas Virtual Manufacturing Ltd.
Hong Kong
9 2017 - 11.2022
- Led the entire organization with full P&L responsibility, driving strategic growth and operational excellence.
- Established and oversaw operations in 10 offices globally across key locations including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vietnam (later became Troc), Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Beijing, Turkey, Portugal, and New York.
- Managed four verticals: Apparel-Accs., Hardgoods-DIY, Hometextile-Homedecor, and Shoes-Bags-Travel, overseeing all functions and operations.
- Successfully implemented strategic initiatives including pivoting to PPE business during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing a network collaboration model, offering design value-add services, integrating technology, and optimizing operational efficiency by closing non-performing offices and implementing an Ultra fast fashion model and new QA-QC approach.
- Employed and managed a collaborative network of over 100 professionals globally.
- Established strategic sourcing partnerships with 30+ online/offline retailers and brands across Europe and the USA, catering to diverse segments ranging from entry-level to premium, and managing production volumes ranging from 25 pcs to 10,000+ pcs per style.
- Achieved remarkable financial growth, scaling from FOB $0 to FOB $40.0 million and EBITDA $1.5 million within five years.
General Manager
Li&Fung Trading Ltd.
Hong Kong
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Served as the global account manager for 7 customers in the EU and 3 in the USA, overseeing annual sales FOB $80.0 million and leading a team of 50 colleagues across 9 countries.
- Achieved significant milestones including a 58% turnover growth for major customers, 50% vendor consolidation, 60% customer consolidation, and a P&L improvement of +$2.5 million in contribution within 2 years.
- Developed sourcing strategies in collaboration with customers, identifying white space in the consumer market, developing products with the right price-value mix, providing solutions to pain points, driving efficiencies, and managing the P&L.
Senior Manager Business Development
Li&Fung Trading Ltd.
Hong Kong
08.2011 - 04.2015
- Successfully increased annual sales to $30 million, achieving a turnover growth of 20%, profit growth of 30%, and a 70% reduction in vendor tail cut. Expanded sourcing operations into duty-free countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey.
- Collaborated closely with management on new customer development, providing necessary analysis, presentations, preparations, and strategies.
- Led restructuring projects of MR & QA-QC to maximize team potential. Initiated and implemented projects globally such as cross-selling different products to customers within LF.
- Played a key role in strategic corporate projects including Fabric leveraging, eCatalogue, Order Tracking System, 3D sampling, APQC Benchmarking, Lean management, and Process Mapping.
Management Associate in PMD
Li&Fung (1937) Management Limited
Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, NYC, Shanghai
09.2010 - 09.2011
- Participated in PMD, a 5-year fast-track career development program from middle to senior management. Selected as one of 43 Management Associates out of 2000+ applicants worldwide in the 2010 batch.
- Completed a month-long initial training to familiarize with the company, followed by 10-week business rotations in 3 Business Units:
- Sourcing: Netherlands & Germany department stores, Hong Kong
- Logistics: Adidas DC, Malaysia
- Retail: Trinity – Kent & Curwen, Hong Kong
- Engaged in 2-week training sessions in Hong Kong (supply chain management), New York (customer service), and Shanghai (China focus) in between business rotations.
Technical Specialist for Esprit
Li&Fung Trading Ltd.
Istanbul
07.2009 - 09.2010
Merchandiser for Russian, Baltic & Turkish Customers
Li&Fung Trading Ltd.
Istanbul
07.2007 - 07.2009
Education
Leadership
Stanford University
Hong Kong 06.2015 - 06.2015
MBA -
Istanbul University
Istanbul 01.2009 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Science - Textile Engineering
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul 09.2003 - 06.2007
High School Diploma -
The Koc School
Istanbul 09.1996 - 06.2003
Skills
Adaptable and Flexible
Strategic Planning
Solution Innovation
Process Development
Supply Chain Optimization
Risk Mitigation
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Integrity
Calm Under Pressure
Affiliations
- TIHCAD, Turkish Textiles Exports & Employees Association
- TMMOB, Turkish Chamber of Textile Engineers
- ITUTEK, Istanbul Technical University Textile Engineering Club (2006 president)
Birth Year
01/01/85
Marital Status
Married
Marital Date
12/01/15
Birth Place
Istanbul-Turkey
Linkedin Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinan-erman-tar%C4%B1m-31285213
Personal Information
Nationality: Hong Kong Chinese
References
References are available upon request & some can be found in my Linkedin profile.