Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Timeline
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Lakshmi Gunasekera

Lakshmi Gunasekera

Dubai

Summary

A results-focused professional with a track record of success in sales and customer success in financial markets, backed by experience in business development, pre-sales, procurement and client success management from diverse industries such as banking, retail, tourism, general trading and medical devices. Demonstrates the ability to establish rapid rapport, exceptional communication skills, adept objection handling, and strong team collaboration. Holds an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, and brings valuable expertise gained from working Sri Lanka and Dubai, UAE.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales and Customer Success Specialist

Kaspos Ninja Marketing
09.2022 - Current

Exceeding Monthly Sales Targets:

  • Consistently surpassed monthly sales targets, achieving $50,000 or above in sales.
  • Leveraged a combination of self-sourced and company-provided leads to drive results.

Strategic Market Research and Tailored Pitches:

  • Conducted comprehensive market research in key regions (Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria).
  • Customized sales pitches based on individual client trading preferences for optimal results.

Effective Prospect Pipeline Management:

  • Established and managed a robust prospect pipeline through proactive cold calls and strategic networking. Utilized social media platforms to expand outreach and engagement.

Simplifying Complex Concepts:

  • Expertly simplified intricate online trading concepts for clients. Guided clients through the onboarding journey, ensuring a smooth transition.

Collaborative Marketing Initiatives:

  • Collaborated with the marketing team to create and execute targeted campaigns. Supporting in elevated brand visibility and attracted premium leads from diverse regions.

Training and Development Contribution:

  • Supported in junior sales team development by sharing insights and knowledge. Created valuable case study workshops to enhance team skills and performance.

Customer-Centric Strategies:

  • Ensured high levels of customer satisfaction by providing tailored solutions.

Cultivating Loyalty and Repeat Business:

  • Created retention and strong customer loyalty through personalized interactions and exceptional service. Promoted repeat business and played a role in driving improved sales figures

Sales & Product Development Manager

Medidiag (PVT) LTD
01.2019 - 05.2022

B2B Vendor Sourcing and Relationship Management:

  • Successfully sourced vendors from European, Asia-Pacific, and SEA regions, ensuring diverse and high-quality supplies.
  • Skillfully negotiated terms and maintained strong vendor relationships, ensuring seamless procurement from order to delivery.

Introducing New Products and Distributorship:

  • Introduced new product brands like Sino-k (China), Apexbio (Taiwan), SSI Diagnostica (Denmark), Aptaca (Italy), and Neogen Culture Media (USA) to Sri Lanka's medical and healthcare industry.
  • Secured exclusive distributorship contracts, expanding the company's offerings and partnerships.

Innovative Marketing Approaches:

  • Devised and executed innovative Below-The-Line (BTL) marketing strategies, encompassing sales promotions, direct marketing through emails, calls, and in-person meetings.
  • Pioneered an ATL sponsorship strategy targeting untapped suburban segments, leading to a notable 3% increase in Return on Investment (ROI) during 2020-2021.

Expanding Market Reach of Microbiology Culture Media:

  • Played a pivotal role in expanding the market for microbiology culture media in Sri Lanka's industries. Secured sales contracts with key entities like Coconut Development Authority and Cargills Foods.

Navigating Government Tenders:

  • Participated in high-value government tenders, from bidding to successful completion. Achieved a 12% revenue increase in 2021 from 14 successfully completed tenders.

Training and Developing Junior Sales Staff:

  • Mentor and guide junior sales team members, providing insights, industry knowledge in a collaborative learning environment to elevate their performance and professionalism.


Business Development Manager - Pre-sales

Aquacleen International
01.2016 - 12.2018

High-Value Tender Execution:

  • Demonstrated a commendable track record in executing substantial tenders . Notable accomplishments are;$365,000 tree spade project with renowned vendors Dakota tree spade (USA) and Tata (India). $45,000 waste incinerator project with Airport Aviation Services, Sri Lanka.

Tender Milestone Oversight:

  • Overseeing and track tender milestones, ensuring meticulous compliance with contractual parameters.
  • Provide the timely supply, delivery, and installation, as required, of tender resources, fostering seamless execution and client satisfaction.

Client Relationship Building:

  • Creating long-term relationships with public and private sector clients, delivering impeccable service and addressing their needs throughout the tender process.
  • Exceptional communication acumen, fostering trust and repeat business through client-centric interactions.

Global Supplier Engagement:

  • Establish and maintain effective communication channels with international suppliers spanning the USA, European region, and Asia-Pacific & SEA regions.
  • Foster collaborations that yield optimal terms, pricing, and service delivery, strengthening the agency's global sourcing capabilities.



Senior Travel Consultant

Janco Travels PVT LTD
03.2013 - 10.2015


  • Provided expert travel advice and recommendations to clients, understanding their preferences and needs.
  • Planed and arranged travel itineraries, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities.
  • Handled client inquiries, resolve issues, and provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after travel providing excellent service.
  • Assist in training and mentoring junior travel consultants, sharing industry knowledge and best practices.

Junior Travel Consultant

Janco Travels PVT LTD
02.2012 - 02.2013
  • Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
  • Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
  • Helped customers with passport and visa applications.

Retail Sales Supervisor

New Darshana Stores
11.2010 - 01.2012
  • Increased store's profitability by re-merchandising inventory with attractive, eye-catching window and floor displays.
  • Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
  • Facilitated high volumes of cash, credit, and gift card transactions, verifying cash drawer balance at end of each shift.
  • Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.

Retail Sales Associate

New Darshana Stores
10.2008 - 10.2010
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
  • Answered questions about merchendise and addressed customer concerns.
  • Maintained clean sales floor and straightened and faced merchandise.
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card activations.

Junior Officer - Credit Recovery

Seylan Bank
02.2008 - 08.2008
  • Contacted customers through phone calls, emails, and e-mails to discuss overdue payments and negotiate repayment plans.
  • Provided information to customers regarding their outstanding balances, interest rates, and payment options.
  • Maintain accurate records of all communication and actions taken regarding debt recovery efforts.
  • Used skip-tracing techniques to locate and communicate with customers who have changed their contact information.

Education

MBA - Business Administration And Management

Cardiff Metropolitan University
UK
05.2020

LLB - Law

The Open University of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
12.2018

Advanced Diploma in Business Management - Business Management

National Institute of Business Management
Sri Lanka
12.2015

Skills

    Business development

    Communication

    Negotiation

    Leadership and management

    Sales prospecting and conversion

    Client relationship management

    Time management and organization

    Market research

    Persistence and resilience

    Technological proficiency

    ERP & CRM

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Sinhala
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Intermediate (B1)

Timeline

Sales and Customer Success Specialist

Kaspos Ninja Marketing
09.2022 - Current

Sales & Product Development Manager

Medidiag (PVT) LTD
01.2019 - 05.2022

Business Development Manager - Pre-sales

Aquacleen International
01.2016 - 12.2018

Senior Travel Consultant

Janco Travels PVT LTD
03.2013 - 10.2015

Junior Travel Consultant

Janco Travels PVT LTD
02.2012 - 02.2013

Retail Sales Supervisor

New Darshana Stores
11.2010 - 01.2012

Retail Sales Associate

New Darshana Stores
10.2008 - 10.2010

Junior Officer - Credit Recovery

Seylan Bank
02.2008 - 08.2008

MBA - Business Administration And Management

Cardiff Metropolitan University

LLB - Law

The Open University of Sri Lanka

Advanced Diploma in Business Management - Business Management

National Institute of Business Management
Lakshmi Gunasekera