Cotton Raw Material Manager

Pallava Textiles; Erode; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Pallava Textiles seeks a Corporate Raw Material Head to own end-to-end sourcing and management of cotton, viscose, modal and polyester. You will build a high-performing procurement team, balance quality with cost and ensure timely deliveries across locations.

The role requires leadership, strategic thinking and strong supplier negotiations to optimise working capital and maintain quality standards across the fibre portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; master's preferred.
• Experience leading procurement in textiles or fibres (cotton, viscose, modal, polyester).
• Strong negotiation, supplier management and cost-control skills.
• Exposure to ERP and inventory management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for cotton, viscose, modal and polyester.
• Align sourcing plans with production schedules and forecasts.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships; negotiate terms and ensure timely deliveries.
• Monitor inventory and optimise storage to reduce costs.
• Ensure materials meet quality standards and resolve non-conformances.
• Analyse costs, identify savings and manage compliance.
• Track market trends and advise on buying decisions.
• Lead and develop a procurement team and drive performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Education

B.S. in Supply Chain Management

B.S. in Textile Engineering

MBA / Master’s degree

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Job description

Role & responsibilities

1. Role Purpose

The Corporate Raw Material Head owns the end-to-end sourcing, management and optimisation of the company's key fibre raw materials: cotton, viscose, modal and polyester. The role ensures an uninterrupted, cost-effective flow of high-quality materials from suppliers to production, balancing quality, price, compliance and delivery timelines, while building a strong, high-performing procurement team.

2. Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy and Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for cotton, viscose, modal and polyester that secure a consistent supply of high-quality fibre.
• Align sourcing plans with production schedules, demand forecasts and long-term company goals.

Supplier Relations

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with suppliers and mills.
• Negotiate favourable commercial terms and ensure reliable delivery schedules.
• Evaluate supplier performance regularly and develop alternate sources to mitigate supply risk.

Inventory Control

• Monitor and manage inventory levels across locations to prevent shortages and excess stock.
• Optimise storage and working capital, and reduce holding and handling costs.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all raw materials meet defined quality standards and specifications through regular inspections and testing.
• Work with quality control to resolve non-conformances with suppliers promptly.

Cost Management

• Analyse and control costs associated with raw materials, including price, freight and wastage.
• Identify and deliver cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality.

Market Analysis

• Track market trends, price fluctuations and supply-demand movements for each fibre.
• Stay current on new developments in fibre technology and use these insights to make informed buying decisions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of procurement and inventory professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performance work environment.

Compliance

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with industry regulations, quality standards and company policies.

3. Key Performance Indicators (Suggested)

• Raw material cost versus budget and market benchmarks
• Supplier on-time delivery and quality acceptance rates
• Inventory days and stock-out or excess-stock incidents
• Cost savings achieved through negotiation and sourcing initiatives
• Compliance and audit outcomes
• Team performance, retention and capability development

4. Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Textile Engineering or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 1015 years of experience in raw material procurement, preferably in the textile industry.
• Demonstrated focus on fibres such as cotton, viscose, modal and polyester.
• Proven experience leading procurement teams.

5. Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in inventory management software and ERP systems
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards

6. Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Develops long-term procurement strategies aligned with company goals.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures the quality and consistency of raw materials.
• Adaptability: Adjusts strategies based on market changes and new information.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control and finance.