Location: Gurgaon

The Senior Merchandiser will be responsible for end-to-end execution of apparel programs across EU and USA value/discount retail customers. The role is highly execution-driven, requiring strong ownership of sampling, costing, production follow-ups, and buyer coordination across knitted and woven categories.

The candidate will report into the AMM/MM and will play a critical role in ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and quality compliance across all assigned styles.

Key Responsibilities
1. Buyer Management & Order Execution

Manage day-to-day coordination with EU/US value retail buyers across development and production stages
Ensure clear communication on approvals, comments, timelines, and order confirmations
Drive alignment between buyer expectations and factory execution
Provide structured updates on sampling, production, and shipment status

2. Sampling & Product Development

Own the complete sampling lifecycle: proto, fit, size set, PP samples
Ensure accurate interpretation of tech packs and buyer requirements
Track submissions, approvals, and comments with strong follow-ups
Drive smooth transition from development to bulk production

3. Costing & Commercials

Prepare and validate detailed garment costing (fabric, trims, CM, washes, logistics)
Strong understanding of cost engineering for value/discount retail
Work closely with factories to meet target price points of value customers
Track and control cost movements during development and bulk stages

4. Factory Coordination & Production Execution

Liaise with factories for order placement and execution tracking
Monitor fabric in-house, trims readiness, PP approvals, and production progress
Ensure adherence to shipment timelines and delivery commitments
Escalate risks proactively to AMM/MM

5. Critical Path & Timeline Management

Maintain and track T&A (Time & Action) calendars for all styles
Ensure strict adherence to milestones across sampling, production, and shipment
Drive proactive follow-ups to avoid delays

6. Technical & Design Coordination

Coordinate with design, technical, and pattern teams for development alignment
Support fit approvals, measurement charts, and grading validation
Facilitate resolution of technical queries between buyer and factory

7. Quality & Compliance

Work closely with QA teams for inline and final inspections
Ensure compliance with buyer standards and quality benchmarks
Support resolution of production and quality-related issues

8. Documentation & Shipment Coordination

Ensure accuracy in order documentation and shipment processes
Coordinate with logistics/forwarders for smooth dispatch
Prevent delays due to documentation or compliance gaps

Candidate Profile

12+ years of experience in apparel merchandising
Strong exposure to structured discount/value retail business (EU/USA markets mandatory)
Experience working with both Indian retail and international value customers
Strong understanding of knitted and woven categories
Deep knowledge of costing, sampling workflows, and production cycles
Proven ability to manage high-volume, price-sensitive business environments
Strong stakeholder management and follow-up discipline
Proficient in MS Excel and merchandising tools

Reporting Structure

Reports to: AMM / MM

Preferred Background

Experience with brands/retailers such as: Primark, Pepco, Kik, Takko, etc. (or similar value players)
Prior experience in buying houses/export houses handling value retail programs

Senior Merchandiser (Apparel | Buying House)