Kamal Arun

Country Operations & Manufacturing Excellence Leader with 18+ years of global experience in driving end-to-end supplier sourcing, apparel manufacturing operations, supply chain optimization, and quality excellence across global sourcing markets. Currently leading Manufacturing Excellence, Supplier Performance, and Corporate Quality initiatives at Landmark Group, partnering with Sourcing, Buying, Quality, and Operations teams to strengthen supplier capability, optimize cost, improve quality, ensure on-time delivery (OTIF), and drive continuous improvement across global vendor networks. Proven expertise in delivering measurable improvements in cost, productivity, quality, and compliance through Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineering, and GSD (General Sewing Data – License No. 11985).

Certified in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, and Kaizen, with a strong track record of building high-performing supplier ecosystems, transforming manufacturing operations, and driving sustainable business growth across multiple countries.

Senior Industry

Leader with 18+ years of global experience across India, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Bahrain the Middle East, specializing in country-level operations, strategic sourcing, manufacturing excellence, and supply chain transformation. Proven track record in leading multi-country operations, vendor ecosystems, and large-scale manufacturing, delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, speed, and compliance. Recognized for building high-performing teams, optimizing sourcing strategies, and driving operational excellence for global brands.

Regional Head–Manufacturing Excellence | Corporate Quality | Sourcing | Supply Chain at LANDMARK GROUP (2025-10 – Present)

Retail & Apparel – Global Operations

• Leading Manufacturing Excellence initiatives across supplier factories and sourcing regions to improve operational performance, quality, compliance, driving productivity and process standardization.
• Improve supplier capability through continuous improvement programs, best-practice sharing, and targeted training interventions.
• Led end-to-end supplier sourcing support, including supplier evaluation, capability assessment, and performance benchmarking across global sourcing regions.
• Strengthened supplier relationships through capability development, Lean implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve quality, cost, and OTIF targets.
• Supported strategic sourcing initiatives by improving supplier capacity, compliance, and manufacturing readiness across multiple sourcing countries.
• Drive Lean implementation, including waste reduction, layout optimization, workflow improvement, and manpower productivity enhancements.
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Quality, and Operations teams to align factory performance with brand expectations.
• Conduct factory performance audits, identify gaps, and develop corrective action plans to strengthen operational discipline.
• Support global Manufacturing Excellence projects, including capability development for Guatemala, Peru, and other regions.
• Ensure process standardization across all supplier units to achieve consistent quality and efficiency across origins.
• Monitor KPIs & scorecards, including efficiency, defect rate, on-time delivery, and productivity improvements.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives, optimizing SMV, material utilization, and production planning efficiency.
• Strengthen compliance & sustainability practices, ensuring factories meet brand requirements and audit standards.
• Build strong supplier partnerships, influencing leadership teams to align with Landmark Group’s growth strategy.
• Delivered 8–12% improvement in supplier efficiency through Lean and IE interventions
• Reduced manufacturing cost by 5–8% via SMV optimization and process improvements
• Improved on-time delivery (OTIF) to 98% to 100% + across key vendors
• Reduced defect rates by 20–30% through structured quality improvements (QMS, 8D)
• Standardized manufacturing processes across multiple factories, improving consistency
• Led supplier capability programs, upgrading underperforming vendors to brand standards
• Improved fabric utilization and reduced waste, contributing to margin improvement
• Implemented KPI dashboards, enabling data-driven decision-making
• Strengthened compliance and sustainability practices across supplier base
• Supported global Manufacturing Excellence initiatives across multiple countries

GM – Operations | Manufacturing Excellence & IE Project at Premier Mills Fine Linens Pvt. Ltd. (2020-10 – 2025-10)

• Led enterprise-wide manufacturing excellence initiatives delivering productivity and cost improvements
• Implemented Lean (Six Sigma, TPM, SMED), improving efficiency and reducing waste
• Managed end-to-end production planning, forecasting, and capacity optimization
• Drove digital transformation initiatives (Industry 4.0, automation)
• Partnered with sourcing teams to optimize supplier performance and cost structures
• Built and developed high-performing IE and operations teams

DGM -Operations Head at Arvind Lifestyle Apparel Manufacturing PLC (2017-02 – 2020-06)

Product Handled: Led manufacturing operations for a diverse range of apparel items, including T-shirts, underwear, leggings, denim pants, and shorts.

• Led end-to-end factory operations (PO to shipment) for large-scale apparel production
• Achieved 100% on-time delivery through strong planning and execution
• Reduced rejection rates by 50%+, improving product quality and Strengthened quality systems and production control mechanisms.
• Managed costing, planning, and execution to improve profitability and efficiency
• Built and trained local workforce, strengthening operational capability
• Introduced preventive maintenance systems improving machine uptime.

Factory Manager at Slam Clothing Pvt Ltd (2014-09 – 2017-01)

Product Handled: Shirt - Men’s and Women’s

• Managed daily factory operations and production workflows.
• Led factory operations, industrial engineering, and production planning to ensure smooth workflow and efficiency.
• Optimized resource allocation, cost control, and productivity enhancement initiatives.
• Spearheaded layout optimization, method improvements, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Developed and maintained production schedules, ensuring timely material availability and output targets.

Manager - Industrial Engineering & Planning at M.R.S Fashion W.L.L (Must Garments) (2012-11 – 2014-08)

Product Handled: Knits & Woven Garments (Men, Women, Children)

• Led production planning, IE, and process optimization
• Improved efficiency and reduced cost through Lean implementation Conducted time & motion studies, work balancing, and factory layout planning.
• Conducted work studies, time motion analysis, and process optimization to streamline workflows.
• Implemented lean principles (Kaizen, 5S) and cost reduction strategies to enhance productivity.
• Collaborated with other managers and departments to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries.
• Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production guidelines.

Assistant Manager - Industrial Engineering & Planning at Pearl Global Pvt Ltd (2007-08 – 2011-10)

• Results-driven Industrial Engineering professional with expertise in production planning, process improvement, lean manufacturing, productivity enhancement, and cost optimization.
• Proficient in utilizing GSD (General Sewing Data) software for SMV preparation, operation analysis, work measurement, method improvement, line balancing, and productivity enhancement.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence to achieve business goal

Industrial Engineer at Magnum Clothing Pvt Ltd (2005-06 – 2007-08)

• Started my career in Industrial Engineering, focusing on production planning, process optimization, work measurement, line balancing, productivity improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement in garment manufacturing.

B.Tech - Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology – CEG - College of Engineering, Anna University (2008)

Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing Technology (DAMT) in Apparel Manufacturing Technology – ATDC, Government of India (2005)

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Production Management – IIBM Institute of Business Management