VOLKAN AKFIRAT
Bursa
Summary
Experienced Sales and Marketing Specialist with over 10 years of experience in textile production and supply chain management, expert in fabric sourcing and client relationship management. My key achievements include managing client relationships for major brands such as UK Top Brands and Inditex. I bring my fabric sourcing and negotiation skills and expertise to support your mission of delivering high-quality, sustainable fashion products.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Merchandiser
Emirali
02.2025 - Current
- Coordination of customer orders for the Spanish market (ZARA Man, ZARA Basic)
- Fabric and accessory sourcing, supplier communication, and price negotiations
- Management of collection sample processes and customer presentations
- Monitoring of production processes, cost calculations, and verification of sustainability documentation
- Managing customer relationships and contributing to strategic purchasing decisions
Sales /Marketing Senior Specialist
Martur Fompak International
- 09.2023
- Sales and support process for STELLANTIS as a manufacturer of seat fabrics
- Fabric costing
- Identified new business opportunities
- Developed customized fabric solutions
- Conducted market analysis
- Prepared proposals
- Negotiated contracts
- Collaboration with the production team
- Design teams to ensure alignment with client specifications
- Maintained detailed records of sales activities
Merchandiser
Emirali
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Organizing the orders of customers in the UK market(ME+EM, Phase Eight,Next)
- Fabric research, development and selection
- Communication with fabric suppliers and price negotiation
- Accessories selection and research
- Coordination of new collection samples
- PO entries and tracking
- Attend proto meetings and fit sessions
- Cost calculation and profitability
- Checking sustainability (GOTS,BCI,RCY and Ecotex etc) documents
- Participating in fabric fairs
- Customer visits
Fabric Purchasing Specialist
Emirali A.Ş.
04.2021 - 04.2022
- As a Fabric Purchasing Specialist at Emirali, I track and organize all processes related to fabric needs for UK customers (Hobbs London, Whistles, ME+EM, Phase Eight, M&S,NEXT,Mint Velvet, Boden, Reiss, Hush, John Lewis), ZARA Women, TRF and COS.
- My responsibilities include managing the cutting process, overseeing orders, shipments, and quality control
- Source and negotiate fabric purchases with suppliers
- Develop and maintain relationships with vendor
- Monitor and manage fabric inventory levels
- Ensure accurate fabric specifications (quality, composition, color, etc.)
- Research and source sustainable fabrics
- Collaborate with design team and production teams on fabric requirements
- Analyze fabric costs, trends, and market conditions
- Attend fabric trade shows and industry fairs
- Create and manage fabric purchase orders (PO's)
- Oversee quality control and inspection of fabric deliveries
- Report on fabric purchasing activities, budgets, and inventory status
Fabric Production Responsible
Güldoğan Mensucat
01.2018 - 04.2021
- Reduced production costs by {15%} by optimizing team of {30} employees and engineers
- I manage dobby and air-jet looms, ensuring ISO compliance and adherence to production standards
- My responsibilities include monitoring efficiency, tracking inventory, managing subcontractor agreements, setting production targets, and conducting audits for various clients
Production and inspection Specialist
Karesi Holding
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Increased production efficiency
- Manage efficiency loss reduction projects
- Conduct internal audits
- Prepare daily and monthly profit and loss reports
- Address supplier issues
- Organize production meetings
- Oversee the Teksdata automation system
- Manage administrative processes
- Implement quality control evaluations
- Initiatives to reduce weaving waste
Education
Textile Engineering
Uludağ University
01.2015
Skills
- Merchandising Strategy
- Trend Forecasting
- Sales Analysis & Reporting
- Luxury Retail Standards
- Inventory Management
- Market Research & Competitor Analysis
LANGUAGES
ENGLISH: Proficient
TURKISH: Proficient
DEUTSCH: Beginner
Hobbies and Interests
Design, New Trends, Fashion, Fabrics
Accomplishments
- Fabric Solutions Specialist: Developed 50+ customized fabric solutions, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Sourced and negotiated fabric purchases for UK brands, enhancing supply chain efficiency.
- Fabric Sourcing Management: Managed fabric sourcing for UK top brands, enhancing supply chain operations.
- Fabric Cost Savings: Negotiated 20% cost savings on fabric purchases through strategic vendor partnerships.
Training
Photoshop, MS Office, Sustainability, APQP, DFMEA
STRENGTHS
- Client relationship management: Expert in managing and growing business accounts
- Market analysis expertise: Proficient in analyzing market trends and opportunities
- Contract Negotiation: Proven skills in negotiating beneficial contracts and deals.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Expertise in sourcing high-quality fabrics sustainably.
- Inventory Management: Efficient management of inventory to prevent overstock and shortages.
Timeline
Senior Merchandiser
Emirali
02.2025 - Current
Merchandiser
Emirali
04.2022 - 09.2023
Fabric Purchasing Specialist
Emirali A.Ş.
04.2021 - 04.2022
Fabric Production Responsible
Güldoğan Mensucat
01.2018 - 04.2021
Production and inspection Specialist
Karesi Holding
01.2015 - 01.2018
Sales /Marketing Senior Specialist
Martur Fompak International
- 09.2023
Textile Engineering
Uludağ University