Assistant Manager - Fabric Sourcing

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited is seeking a Fabric Sourcing professional to lead end-to-end sourcing for woven fabrics across brands. You will plan, source, and negotiate to ensure timely delivery at target quality and cost, while collaborating with Design, Product and Manufacturing teams.

The role requires 5–8 years of experience in fabric sourcing within Apparel/Retail, with strong vendor management and international exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in textile-related field is required.
• 5–8 years of experience in Fabric Sourcing, Textile Procurement or Supply Chain in Apparel/Retail.
• Experience with woven fabrics, mills, vendor management, and global/domestic sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Fabric sourcing planning, cost management and supply assurance to meet GM targets.
• Develop seasonal and annual sourcing plans aligned with business needs.
• Source fabrics from domestic and international markets meeting quality and cost targets.
• Negotiate with suppliers to optimize pricing and terms.
• Coordinate with Design, Product, and Merchandising to align sourcing with calendars.
• Monitor budgets, timelines, and quality controls; manage delays and rejections.
• Develop SOPs, supplier development, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Foster long-term supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.

Skills

Fabric sourcing

Vendor management

Cost optimization

Sourcing operations

Project management

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Textile Technology / Textile Engineering / Fashion Technology / Apparel Production / Supply Chain

Job description

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), a part of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading branded apparel company with a comprehensive portfolio of marquee lifestyle brands.

As of March 31, 2025, the Company operates a retail footprint of over 4.6 million sq. ft., comprising 3,253 exclusive brand outlets, presence across 38,000+ multi-brand outlets, and over 7,000 shop-in-shops in department stores across the country.

The Company’s brand portfolio includes India’s most established and trusted names – Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England – each with a legacy of over 25 years.

These brands have consistently delivered sustained growth, driven by a sharp focus on design-led innovation, category expansion, and operational excellence across product lines spanning formal, casual, and occasion wear.

ABLBL has built a strong presence in the innerwear and athleisure market through Van Heusen Innerwear, which has rapidly scaled its distribution network across India. The Company’s portfolio is further enhanced through strategic partnerships with leading international brands including Simon Carter, American Eagle and Reebok. American Eagle has emerged as one of India’s most preferred premium denim brands, while Reebok – transitioned under the Company’s management in 2022 – has expanded its footprint across multiple channels. Simon Carter continues to strengthen its position in the premium menswear segment through its distinctive design language and curated collections.

About the Role

To drive strategic and operational fabric sourcing for woven categories across brands by ensuring timely availability of fabrics at the desired quality, cost, and delivery standards. The role is responsible for vendor development, sourcing innovation, cost optimization, quality assurance, and cross-functional collaboration with Design, Product, and Manufacturing teams to support business objectives and seasonal launches.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Fabric Sourcing Planning, Cost Management & Supply Assurance
• Develop seasonal and annual sourcing plans aligned with business requirements and sourcing strategies.
• Ensure availability of fabrics with predefined quality standards at target costs to support business gross margin objectives.
• Collaborate with Design, Product, and Merchandising teams to understand fabric requirements and align sourcing activities with the business calendar.
• Source fabrics from domestic and international markets to meet product development and production needs.
• Negotiate effectively with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, commercial terms, and value realization.
• Monitor sourcing budgets and drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality standards.
• Ensure timely procurement and delivery of fabrics across categories while proactively managing delays, shortages, and quality rejections.
• Develop and implement sourcing SOPs, systems, and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Establish fabric quality assurance mechanisms and supplier quality control standards to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with fabric suppliers, mills, and manufacturing partners.
• Communicate business requirements, quality expectations, and future sourcing plans to vendors regularly.
• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to improve product quality, efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
• Evaluate supplier performance and develop improvement plans where required.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to organizational quality, compliance, and sustainability standards.
• Foster long-term strategic partnerships that support business growth and innovation.

3.Sourcing Operations & Project Management

• Drive sourcing projects and initiatives to improve sourcing efficiency, speed-to-market, quality, and commercial outcomes.
• Track sourcing activities and ensure effective execution against agreed timelines and milestones.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and vendors to resolve sourcing-related issues and ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Support business continuity through risk assessment, supplier diversification, and contingency planning.
• Monitor global and domestic fabric trends, fashion developments, raw material price movements, and sourcing best practices.
• Identify emerging sourcing opportunities and recommend actions to enhance sourcing effectiveness and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive supplier database covering capabilities, capacities, specializations, and commercial information.
• Participate in supplier meets, fabric fairs, mill weeks, and development platforms to drive innovation and sourcing excellence.
• Introduce new fabric developments, value-added finishes, and innovative product solutions across categories.
• Partner closely with Design and Product teams to facilitate fabric developments and achieve differentiated product offerings.

5.Team Management & Capability Development

• Monitor individual and team performance against defined goals and objectives.
• Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities for team members.
• Ensure smooth workflow management and effective resource utilization within the sourcing function.
• Foster a collaborative, performance-driven, and continuous improvement culture.
• Drive adherence to organizational processes, governance standards, and best practices.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in Fabric Sourcing, Textile Procurement, Product Development, or Supply Chain within the Apparel, Fashion, Retail, Lifestyle, or Textile industry.
• Strong exposure to woven fabrics, fabric mills, vendor management, and sourcing operations.
• Experience in domestic and international sourcing environments will be preferred.