Merchandiser

Core Merchandising Competencies

• Complete knowledge of Knitted Apparel / Intimate Wear merchandising, product development and production process, from concept to shipment
• Strong understanding of European & American merchandising and product development standards
• In-depth knowledge of yarns, knitted fabrics, garment construction, trims and accessories
• Ability to read and interpret Tech Packs / Line Sheets and translate buyer requirements into actionable production plans
• Sound knowledge of costing principles, consumption calculation and price negotiation
• Knowledge of print / embroidery / embellishment processes and their cost and lead-time implications

Order & Production Management

• Manage the complete order cycle from buyer confirmation to shipment, ensuring on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery
• Prepare and monitor detailed Time & Action (T&A) calendars for each order, and drive factories to meet critical-path milestones
• Coordinate fabric and trim sourcing, approvals and bulk production planning with factories and vendors
• Track order status regularly, and proactively flag and resolve bottlenecks that could impact delivery
• Liaise with QA / QC teams to ensure product quality is aligned with buyer specifications before shipment

Costing, Sourcing & Vendor Development

• Prepare and negotiate costing for new styles, ensuring competitiveness while protecting margins
• Identify, evaluate and develop new factories and raw material vendors to strengthen the supply base
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and delivery schedules with suppliers and manufacturing units
• Monitor raw material price trends and advise management on costing strategy

Client / Buyer Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned buyers / accounts, managing day-to-day communication and expectations
• Present new collections, fabric and trim options, and product development ideas to buyers
• Handle escalations and negotiate on critical issues such as delays, quality claims and price disputes, ensuring client satisfaction
• Travel to buyer offices and overseas markets as required for meetings, fairs and factory visits

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead and guide a team of merchandisers, assigning responsibilities and reviewing their work
• Able to explain to merchandisers on tech pack interpretation, costing and factory coordination
• Review the team's order trackers and T&A plans, and step in to resolve escalated issues
• Report order status, risks and key updates to management on a regular basis

Role Requirements

• Degree / Diploma in Fashion, Textiles or a related field
• 10+ years of experience as a Merchandiser in a buying office / knitwear export environment, including experience in a senior or team-lead capacity
• Strong knowledge of knitted apparel / intimate wear manufacturing, costing and production processes
• Proven experience working with European & American buyers and markets
• Willingness to travel within India and to overseas locations based on requirement
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office and ERP / merchandising systems
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Must be fluent in written and spoken English / spoken Tamil & Hindi