Fabric Sourcing Manager

Vardhman; Ludhiana; On-site; INR 2,400,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Vardhman in Ludhiana invites an experienced professional to lead Fabric Sourcing as Assistant Manager (M1) / Manager (M2). You will own end-to-end fabric procurement, build a robust supplier base, negotiate terms and guide the sourcing team to meet schedule and quality targets.

Collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, Design, Planning, Production, Quality and Finance to ensure fabric requirements align with customer specs and production timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in textile field with master's or MBA preferred.
• Experience leading end-to-end fabric sourcing in apparel/textile.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end fabric sourcing from requirements to delivery.
• Develop and manage supplier base across domestic and international markets.
• Drive cost optimization and ensure quality and on-time supply.
• Mentor the fabric sourcing team and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor inventory, supplier performance and procurement MIS.

Skills

Fabric sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Team leadership

Cross-functional coordination

MIS & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering / Textile Technology/ Apparel Production

MBA / Master's in Supply Chain / Textile Management

Job description

Role : Assistant Manager / Manager Fabric Sourcing

Position Details

Designation: Assistant Manager (M1) / Manager (M2)

Location: Ludhiana, Punjab

Department: Sourcing / Supply Chain / Apparel Manufacturing

Role Purpose

Fabric Sourcing will be responsible for leading the end-to-end sourcing and procurement of fabrics for the apparel manufacturing business. The role will involve developing and managing a strong supplier base, ensuring the timely availability of fabrics with the required quality and cost competitiveness, negotiating commercial terms, and leading the fabric sourcing team.

The incumbent will work closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Design, Planning, Production, Quality and Finance teams to ensure that fabric requirements are fulfilled in line with customer specifications, production schedules and business objectives.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Fabric Sourcing Strategy

• Develop and implement an effective fabric sourcing strategy aligned with the organization's business requirements and growth plans.
• Identify, evaluate and develop reliable fabric suppliers across domestic and international markets.
• Explore new fabric sources, mills, technologies and sustainable fabric options to strengthen the sourcing portfolio.
• Maintain an optimum supplier base to ensure cost competitiveness, quality consistency and supply continuity.
• Develop alternate sourcing options for critical fabrics to minimize supply chain risks.

2. End-to-End Fabric Procurement

• Lead the complete fabric sourcing process from receipt of requirements to final delivery at the manufacturing unit.
• Coordinate with Merchandising, Design and Product Development teams to understand fabric specifications and customer requirements.
• Ensure timely procurement of greige, dyed, printed, knitted, woven and other fabrics as per business requirements.
• Monitor fabric requirements against production plans and ensure availability within agreed timelines.
• Track purchase orders, production status, dispatches and deliveries to avoid production delays.

3. Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with fabric mills, manufacturers, traders and other sourcing partners.
• Conduct supplier evaluations based on quality, pricing, delivery performance, capacity and service levels.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules and other commercial conditions with suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Resolve critical supply, quality and delivery issues in coordination with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

4. Cost Optimization

• Drive fabric cost optimization initiatives without compromising on quality and customer requirements.
• Conduct market intelligence and benchmarking to ensure competitive fabric pricing.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, alternate material development and supplier consolidation.
• Monitor fabric price trends, including raw material and yarn price movements, and assess their impact on sourcing costs.

5. Quality & Technical Coordination

• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Technical teams to ensure fabrics meet approved specifications and standards.
• Ensure proper fabric development, sampling, testing and approval processes are followed before bulk procurement.
• Address fabric-related quality concerns such as shade variation, shrinkage, GSM variation, pilling, colour fastness and other performance parameters.
• Coordinate with suppliers for corrective and preventive actions in case of recurring quality issues.

6. Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the fabric sourcing team.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor individual and team performance.
• Establish clear sourcing processes, reporting mechanisms and performance metrics.
• Ensure effective coordination between team members and cross-functional stakeholders.

7. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Merchandising and Sales teams to understand customer requirements and order projections.
• Coordinate with Planning and Production teams to align fabric availability with manufacturing schedules.
• Partner with Finance and Commercial teams for payment planning, vendor reconciliation and cost control.
• Support Product Development and Design teams in identifying new fabrics and innovations.

8. Inventory & Risk Management

• Monitor fabric inventory levels and avoid excess inventory, dead stock and shortages.
• Ensure optimum inventory planning based on production requirements and lead times.
• Identify sourcing risks and develop contingency plans for critical materials.
• Monitor supplier capacity and ensure supply continuity during peak production periods.

9. MIS & Reporting

• Prepare and review regular MIS related to fabric procurement, supplier performance, cost savings and delivery status.
• Track key sourcing KPIs and present updates to senior management.
• Provide market intelligence regarding fabric trends, pricing and supplier developments.

10. Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure suppliers comply with the organization's quality, ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Promote sustainable and responsible sourcing practices wherever applicable.
• Support compliance with customer-specific requirements related to fabric sourcing and traceability.

Educational Qualification

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering / Textile Technology/ Apparel Production with Master's degree or MBA in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Textile Management or related field.

Experience

• 15-20 years of relevant experience in fabric sourcing, procurement or supply chain management within the apparel or textile industry.
• Minimum 6+ years of experience in a managerial or team leadership role.
• Experience in handling end-to-end fabric sourcing for a reputed apparel manufacturing organization.
• Exposure to sourcing from leading domestic and/or international fabric mills will be preferred.