Senior Garment Merchandiser

Job Description:

1. Product Development and Planning:

o Lead the product development process, working closely with designers, buyers, and production teams to ensure product concepts meet customer needs and brand standards.

o Source fabrics, trims, and accessories, negotiating costs with suppliers and ensuring quality materials are used.

o Provide technical input and support during the sample development phase, ensuring that samples meet the specifications provided by buyers.

2. Order Management & Execution:

o Oversee the order process from confirmation to delivery, ensuring all timelines and quality standards are met.

o Manage large-scale orders, ensuring clarity in specifications, timelines, and budgets.

o Monitor the status of production orders, identify and resolve potential delays or issues, and communicate progress to buyers and stakeholders.

3. Vendor and Supplier Management:

o Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, fabric suppliers, and accessory vendors, ensuring that production capacity, pricing, and quality align with business needs.

o Lead vendor negotiations to secure the best pricing, timelines, and quality outcomes.

o Evaluate supplier performance, managing vendor development and resolving production or quality challenges.

4. Team Leadership and Supervision:

o Lead and mentor a team of junior merchandisers, ensuring they meet their performance goals and timelines.

o Provide training and guidance to ensure the team is up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and buyer expectations.

5. Quality Assurance & Control:

o Implement quality control checks at various stages of production to ensure garments meet client standards.

o Collaborate with the quality assurance team to resolve any product issues, making adjustments as needed before shipping.

6. Cost and Budget Management:

o Monitor production costs, working with vendors to control expenses and maximize profitability.

o Prepare cost sheets and production timelines for buyers, ensuring all costs align with target margins.

o Manage budgets for product development and ensure production remains within the agreed financial parameters.

7. Client Communication and Relationship Management:

o Act as the main point of contact for key clients and buyers, providing updates on production status and resolving any concerns or issues that may arise.

o Understand client requirements and ensure that product development aligns with their brand positioning and market needs.

o Attend client meetings, presenting seasonal collections and new product developments.

8. Logistics and Delivery Management:

o Coordinate with logistics teams to manage the shipping of garments, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

o Oversee export/import documentation and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

9. Market Research and Trend Analysis:

o Stay informed on market trends, competitors, and evolving consumer preferences to suggest relevant new products or enhancements to buyers.

o Analyze sales data and provide insights to clients for better product planning in future seasons.

Skills & Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Textile Engineering, Business, or a related field.

· 10+ years of experience in garment merchandising, with at least 2 years in a senior role.

· Strong knowledge of garment production, fabrics, trims, and manufacturing processes.

· Exceptional negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Proven ability to manage large-scale orders and multiple production timelines.

· Proficiency with relevant tools like MS Office, ERP systems, and design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator).

· Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide and develop a team.

· Thorough understanding of international trade practices and regulations.

Experience:

· Extensive experience in managing relationships with international buyers, vendors, and manufacturers.

· Hands-on experience in resolving production and quality issues.

· Expertise in cost management, budgeting, and timeline adherence.