Fabric Merchandiser

Shashwath Solution; Pune District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Shashwath Solution in Pune is seeking a Fabric Merchandiser/Procurement professional with 4+ years in garment industry to manage sourcing, sampling, inventory, production planning, market research, documentation and cost optimization. You will coordinate with design, production, and suppliers to ensure quality and timely delivery, while maintaining budgets and supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates have strong negotiation, analytical, and Excel skills, with knowledge of textile standards and

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Textile Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field.
• 4+ years in fabric merchandising, textile procurement, or related role within the garment industry.
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, textiles, and garment production processes.
• Proficiency in negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical skills for budgets, cost optimization, and demand forecasting.
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Fabric Sourcing and Procurement: Identify and evaluate fabric suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability; Negotiate prices, payment terms, and lead times; Source fabrics per customer specs and market trends; Ensure consistent supply to meet production timelines.
• Sampling and Quality Control: Collaborate with design/production to select fabrics; Request samples and organize testing for color, texture, durability; Monitor quality and resolve issues; Oversee fabric approvals.
• Inventory and Stock Management: Track fabric inventory and forecast demand; Ensure timely replenishment; Manage storage to keep fabrics in optimal condition.
• Production Planning and Coordination: Coordinate fabric delivery with production; Solve fabric-related challenges; Maintain communication with suppliers and internal teams.
• Market Research and Trend Analysis: Stay updated on fabric trends; Report on innovations and market trends; Visit trade shows and mills to discover offerings.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain records of fabric orders, deliveries, contracts; Document shipments with notes/invoices; Prepare reports on usage, costs, and stock levels.
• Cost Optimization and Budget Management: Analyze costs to align with budget; Identify cost-saving opportunities; Track expenditures to avoid over-budget costs.
• Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with suppliers; Negotiate favorable terms; Resolve issues with suppliers timely.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Budget forecasting

Pressure handling

MS Office proficiency

Textile standards knowledge

Fabric testing awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Fabric Sourcing and Procurement:

• Identify and evaluate potential fabric suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Negotiate prices, payment terms, and lead times with fabric suppliers.
• Source fabrics in line with customer specifications and market trends.
• Ensure a consistent supply of materials to meet production timelines.

2. Sampling and Quality Control:

• Collaborate with design and production teams to select fabrics suitable for various product lines.
• Request fabric samples from suppliers and organize testing for color, texture, and durability.
• Monitor fabric quality and work closely with suppliers to resolve any quality issues.
• Oversee fabric approvals, ensuring adherence to standards and specifications.

3. Inventory and Stock Management:

• Track fabric inventory levels and forecast demand based on upcoming production schedules.
• Ensure timely replenishment of fabric stocks to prevent production delays.
• Manage the fabric storage process to ensure fabrics are stored properly and remain in optimal condition.

4. Production Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate fabric delivery schedules with the production team to align with manufacturing timelines.
• Collaborate with the production and design teams to solve fabric-related challenges in the production process.
• Maintain regular communication with suppliers and internal teams to ensure the smooth flow of production.

5. Market Research and Trend Analysis:

• Stay updated on the latest fabric trends, materials, and technologies.
• Identify and report on fabric innovations and emerging market trends to ensure the company remains competitive.
• Visit fabric trade shows, suppliers, and mills to discover new fabric offerings and suppliers.

6. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain records of all fabric orders, deliveries, and supplier contracts.
• Ensure proper documentation of fabric shipments, including delivery notes and invoices.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on fabric usage, costs, and stock levels.

7. Cost Optimization and Budget Management:

• Analyse and review fabric costs to ensure they align with the budget and target pricing.
• Identify opportunities for cost-saving in fabric procurement while maintaining quality standards.
• Manage fabric purchasing budgets and track expenditures to avoid over‑budget costs.

8. Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with fabric suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors.
• Negotiate favourable terms with fabric suppliers to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
• Resolve any issues or disputes with suppliers in a timely and professional manner.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree in Textile Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 4+ years of experience in fabric merchandising, textile procurement, or a related role within the garment industry.
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, textiles, and garment production processes.

Skills

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills for managing budgets, cost optimization, and forecasting demand.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of textile standards, certifications, and quality control procedures.
• Familiarity with fabric testing and sample evaluation procedures.