Job Title: Senior Merchandiser (Textile/Product)
Job Overview
The Senior Merchandiser will oversee the end-to-end merchandising process for assigned buyer accounts. This role requires technical knowledge of textiles, Product construction, and production, combined with strong negotiation skills to manage order profitability, sampling, and production timelines (Time & Action Calendar).
Key Responsibilities
- Order Management & Coordination:
- Receive inquiries, develop products according to buyer requirements, and secure order confirmations (PI/PO).
- Create and maintain the Time & Action (T&A) calendar to track production from sampling to shipment.
- Act as the primary point of contact between the foreign/local buyer and internal factory teams.
- Costing & Negotiation:
- Prepare detailed Product costing, including fabric consumption, CMT (Cut, Make, Trim), overheads, and profit margins.
- Negotiate prices with suppliers for raw materials and with buyers for final product pricing.
- Product Development & Sampling:
- Coordinate sampling stages (SMS, Fit, Size Set, PP samples) and ensure timely approval.
- Submit lab dips, strike-offs, and trim cards to buyers for approval.
- Sourcing & Production Follow-up:
- Source and book fabric and accessories (trims) in compliance with buyer specifications.
- Coordinate with knitting, dyeing, printing, and sewing departments to resolve production bottlenecks.
- Monitor in-house raw material status and production, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Documentation & Compliance:
- Manage documentation including PI, packing lists, and shipping documents.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and buyer quality standards (e.g., GSM, colorfastness, Azo-free).
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Technology, or Product Merchandising.
- Experience: 5-8+ years of experience in textile or Product manufacturing/exports, with a proven track record of handling independent accounts.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of fabric types, Product construction, manufacturing techniques, and costing processes.
- Tools: Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel (for costing/spreadsheets) and ERP systems.
Key Competencies
- Excellent communication skills (written/spoken English) for direct buyer correspondence.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple buyers and complex, large-volume orders concurrently.
Core Skills & Qualities
- Commercial Awareness: Understanding current fabric/trim prices.
- Mentorship: Assisting junior merchandisers.
- Action-Oriented: Ability to proactively solve problems in production and logistics.
Expected KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
- On-time Shipment Performance (%)
- Order Profitability Margin
- Sampling Success Rate
- Buyer Complaint/Defect Rate
