Chatura Weliwitigoda
Supply Chain and Procurement Professional
With a wealth of experience in aerospace and defense supply chain and procurement, skillfully handles an annual revenue forecast of $90M, spanning across two vital sectors. Renowned for transforming supply chain operations through strategic negotiations and complex supplier management, delivering exceptional results in cost reduction and performance metrics. Leads with innovation and efficiency, driving substantial improvements and bottom-line impact in challenging and dynamic environments.
​
Currently located in Bothwell, WA. Open to remote work.
Experience
Sep 2020 - Nov 2023
Senior Manager, Material Program Management
Led and managed a team of 8 in Material Program Management, ensuring robust supply chain support for Space Business Unit objectives. Oversaw $80MM in materials across two sectors, conducting monthly reviews and streamlining processes for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Feb 2018 - Aug 2020
Manager, Procurement
Strategically guided technology vision and strategy, architecture, governance, and enterprise software development and implementation for high-volume data warehousing, forecasting, and analytics applications of clinical, supply chain and operational data. Directed product development, including build vs. buy decisions, investment justifications, and delivery schedules. Cultivated strategic partnerships with AAS, Oracle, and CustomSolutions. Built 250-member enterprise architecture team, and transformed culture to more agile-based delivery approach. Administered $50M budget.
Mar 2015 - Jan 2018
Material Program Manager
Managed interdisciplinary teams to deliver on program and customer requirements. Focused on financial, cost, quality, and schedule performance, achieving 90% forecast accuracy and conducting thorough Estimate at Complete (EAC) analysis for material budget management.
Nov 2010 - Feb 2015
Subcontracts Administrator
Managed major subcontracts across various propulsion product lines. Specialized in procuring complex electronic components and led a multidisciplinary Supplier Management Team, driving supplier improvements. Successfully negotiated contracts resulting in over $2MM in savings.
Apr 2007 - Oct 2010
Subcontracts Administrator
Negotiated and managed subcontracts supporting helicopter production for Military and Commercial programs. Took the lead in negotiations, managed supplier facility transitions, and achieved substantial cost savings through long-term agreements with critical suppliers.
Results
Increased revenue forecasting accuracy to over 90%, improving financial revenue recognition for the space business unit.
Achieved $25MM savings through strategic supplier negotiation, enhancing supply chain affordability and efficiency.
Enhanced supply chain on-time delivery to over 90%, improving efficiency and impacting revenue growth for 1.5 years.
Expertise
Strategic Sourcing Contract Negotiation
Supplier Relationship Management Inventory Control
Process Improvement Compliance Management
Cost Reduction Strategies
Forecasting & Demand Planning Project Management
Risk Management Supply Chain Optimization
Continuous Improvement Techniques
Government Contracting Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
Six Sigma Methodology
Meet Chatura
Education
Master of Science
Project Management
Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science
Electrical Engineering
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
It allows me to use my technical background and strong communication skills to solve complex problems. I enjoy working closely with stakeholders both internally and externally to find robust supply chain issues..
Who are your main influences?
My parents have been a major influence in my life. They showed me that with hard work, it is possible to achieve great things.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment professionally is gettting awarded “Manager of the Year” at Aerojet Rocketdyne – Redmond.
What are your long-term goals?
Becoming a Sr. Director or higher at a mid-size company in order to start setting supply chain strategies for the organization (instead of following someone else’s strategy).
What is the one thing you need to know about your co-workers?
I always want to be able to build a relationship with my co-workers both at a professional and personal level. My co-workers being good and honest poeple is very important to me.
What life circumstance has most shaped your world view?
Moving a lot as a child has helped shape my world view immensely.
It's helped me to:
-
Understand people
-
Blend in
-
Build a sense of belonging and community
If you were an action figure, what accessories would you be sold with?
A legal note pad and a chef’s knife.
Interests & Hobbies
Testimonials
Chati is an inspiring leader with a proven track record as a Supply Chain professional. I have had the pleasure of working with him nearly a decade and can vow for his dedication and ability to consistently deliver results.
