Semiha Polat
Senior Product & Buying Manager
Dublin 4
Summary
Accomplished Senior Textile Retail Buying and Product Manager with 14 years of industry expertise. Holds both master's and bachelor's degrees in Textile Engineering. Proven track record of improving procurement processes, building key supplier relationships, and leading product development initiatives. Experienced in team leadership, managing budgets over $30M, and expanding international supplier networks for enhanced supply chain efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Product & Buying Manager
DeFacto
06.2019 - 07.2025
- Company Overview: https://corporate.defacto.com.tr/
- Started as Women's Outerwear Product Manager, achieved 30% budget and quantity growth. Promoted to senior role, transitioned to Home wear and Underwear team, managing larger team and broader products
- Implemented the annual $30M budget and reached 25% profit and 20% LFL growth profit by implementing new products and positioning the right retail price policy
- Streamlined open to buy (OTB) budgeting strategies to manage 30% of the total budget; strategically allocated resources, resulting in a 10% reduction in unnecessary spending and improved financial performance
- Directed and mentored a team of 9 people, ensuring cross-functional collaboration with design and planning teams
- Evaluated competitors and market demand, driving a 20% improvement in product and supplier portfolios
- Sustained a 95% alignment with industry trends for strategic decision-making
- Women's Homewear & Underwear 06/2023– Present
- Women's Outerwear 06/2019-06/2023
Product Manager
LC Waikiki
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Company Overview: https://corporate.lcwaikiki.com/
- Product management and strategic planning for annual $10M budget
- Executed regional and country specific trend and competitor analyses, resulting in a 15% optimization of the collection to meet customer demands
- Developed customer focused collections with a 20% improvement, leveraging insightful analysis from customer observations, communication, and focus meetings
- Women's Outer wear
Buyer
LC Waikiki
10.2016 - 08.2018
- Company Overview: https://corporate.lcwaikiki.com/
- Defined and created a buying strategy aligning with customer profiles, market demands, and business direction, resulting in a 20% increase in overall sales
- Managed buying calendar, OTB, Weekly sales stock and Intake (WSSI) for the company, overseeing a budget of $5 million
- Coordinated all product management aspects across casual women's outerwear, overseeing 250+ options per season
- Planned and controlled 15% of total budget with 8 weeks delivery schedule as OTB
- Organised all buying and supply chain management functions, strategically planning for seasonal budget of 1.5 M pieces
- Women's Outerwear
Merchandiser
LC Waikiki
06.2011 - 10.2016
- Company Overview: https://corporate.lcwaikiki.com/
- Achieved career growth within the organization by advancing from Assistant Knitwear Merchandiser to Merchandiser in two years and transitioning to the Outerwear team after another two years, contributing to a 30% improvement in team efficiency
- Developed comprehensive capacity plans, aligning with supplier capabilities and fabric stock, contributing to a 15% improvement in production efficiency each season
- Optimised shipment modes, resulting in a 20% reduction in overseas transportation costs
- Strategically evaluated Landed Price from origin countries, collaborating with local production to achieve a 10% cost advantage
- Collaborated with Overseas Store Merchandising Teams, customizing options based on diverse sales and special terms, resulting in a 15% boost in international sales
- Spearheaded innovative projects, exploring fabric and trim options aligned with seasonal trends, resulting in a 20% acceleration of the collection development process with producers
- Ensured the production of products and fast tracks adheres to stringent standards, achieving a 98% quality compliance, maintaining a 15% cost efficiency and meeting tight deadlines
- Women's Outer wear
- Women's Knitwear 06/2011-12/2015
Education
Master of Science - Textile Technology
Istanbul Technical University
01.2010 - 01.2013
Bachelor's degree - Textile Engineering
Usak University
01.2005 - 01.2010
Erasmus Student - Textile Engineering
Universita degli studi di Bergamo
01.2008 - 01.2008
Skills
Budgeting
Power BI
Product Management
Strategic Planning
Budget Management
Assortment sign off by store and region
Market Trend Analysis
Category lead
Textile
Woven, Jersey, Knitwear, Outerwear, Lingerie
Power BI
Microsoft Office
Flexible to travel
Supply Management
Supplier relationship management
Strategic negotiation
Vendor evaluation
Demand forecasting
Training
- Design Thinking LC Waikiki Academy
- Multidimensional leadership LC Waikiki Academy
- Leadership with coaching LC Waikiki Academy
Timeline
Senior Product & Buying Manager
DeFacto
06.2019 - 07.2025
Product Manager
LC Waikiki
08.2018 - 06.2019
Buyer
LC Waikiki
10.2016 - 08.2018
Merchandiser
LC Waikiki
06.2011 - 10.2016
Master of Science - Textile Technology
Istanbul Technical University
01.2010 - 01.2013
Erasmus Student - Textile Engineering
Universita degli studi di Bergamo
01.2008 - 01.2008
Bachelor's degree - Textile Engineering
Usak University
01.2005 - 01.2010