Production Merchandiser (Denim)

Key Responsibilities

1. Merchandising & Product Management

· Own the complete product merchandising cycle from product development and sampling to production and final dispatch.

· Plan and execute the merchandising calendar in line with business and sales requirements.

· Ensure timely development, approval, and execution of products/styles.

· Monitor product and style status and provide regular updates to senior management.

· Identify potential delays and proactively drive corrective actions.

2. Vendor Management & Negotiation

· Manage and develop strong relationships with domestic and international vendors/factories.

· Lead negotiations on price, MOQ, quality, lead time, payment terms, and delivery schedules.

· Evaluate vendor performance and identify opportunities for improving cost, quality, and delivery.

· Ensure vendors comply with agreed commercial and operational requirements.

· Resolve vendor-related issues and production escalations effectively.

3. Costing & Commercial Management

· Lead product costing and commercial discussions with vendors and the production team.

· Review costing and ensure competitive pricing before seeking management approval.

· Drive cost optimization through effective negotiation, sourcing, and vendor management.

· Monitor purchase costs and identify opportunities for improving margins and overall business efficiency.

4. Procurement & Order Execution

· Oversee the generation and accuracy of Purchase Orders, Item Masters, Buy Forms, and PTRs.

· Ensure purchase orders are released within defined timelines.

· Monitor order execution from confirmation to production and dispatch.

· Ensure product requirements, quantities, specifications, and timelines are accurately communicated to vendors.

5. Production & Shipment Coordination

· Monitor production progress through regular PTR and production tracking.

· Coordinate with vendors/factories to resolve production-related issues and ensure timely completion.

· Coordinate with Production, Sales, Quality, Shipping, and Documentation teams for smooth execution.

· Ensure approved shipments are dispatched as per committed timelines.

· Track shipment readiness and proactively escalate potential delays.

6. Team Management

· Lead, manage, and mentor the merchandising team.

· Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance and deliverables.

· Establish clear timelines, priorities, and accountability within the team.

· Review team reports and ensure accuracy of merchandising data and documentation.

· Coach team members on vendor management, costing, production follow-up, and merchandising processes.

7. Reporting & Management Coordination

· Prepare and present regular merchandising MIS and business updates to senior management.

· Track key parameters including order status, production progress, vendor performance, costing, and shipment timelines.

· Highlight critical business risks, delays, and dependencies with proposed action plans.

· Maintain accurate and updated product/style trackers and ensure timely reporting.

Key Requirements

· 7–10+ years of relevant experience in Product Merchandising / Apparel / Retail / Procurement.

· Proven experience in managing the complete merchandising and product execution cycle.

· Strong experience in vendor management, commercial negotiations, costing, sourcing, and production management.

· Prior experience in team handling and mentoring.

· Strong knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word, and merchandising MIS.

· Strong understanding of product development, sampling, procurement, production, and shipment processes.

· Excellent negotiation, communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.

· Ability to manage multiple vendors, products, and critical timelines simultaneously.

· Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.

· Ability to work independently, manage escalations, and provide effective solutions.