FOB Sourcing - Womenswear (Merchandiser)

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands is seeking an experienced professional for end-to-end FOB sourcing in womenswear. You will bridge buyers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely development and shipment while meeting quality and commercial targets.

The role emphasizes vendor management, cost optimization, and strict adherence to T&A calendars. An exposure to global buyers and production coordination is essential.

Qualifications

• 3-8 years of experience in FOB sourcing, merchandising, or buying operations.
• Experience with exporters, buying houses, sourcing offices, or international brands.
• Strong exposure to womenswear categories.

Responsibilities

• Source suitable vendors and factories for womenswear.
• Manage development of samples per buyer requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers for fabric, trims, washes, and garment construction.

Skills

FOB sourcing

Vendor management

Product development

Cost analysis

Negotiation

Buyer coordination

Production follow-up

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion/Textile

Job description

Job Purpose

Responsible for sourcing, costing, vendor management, product development, and end-to-end execution of womenswear orders under the FOB (Free on Board) business model. The role acts as a bridge between buyers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely development and shipment while meeting quality, compliance, and commercial expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Sourcing

• Source suitable vendors and factories for womenswear categories.
• Manage development of samples as per buyer requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers for fabric, trims, washes, embellishments, and garment construction.
• Ensure timely submission of proto, fit, PP, and shipment samples.
• Track fashion trends, fabrics, and manufacturing capabilities.

Costing & Negotiation

• Prepare FOB cost sheets and conduct cost breakdown analysis.
• Negotiate prices with suppliers while maintaining target margins.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities through alternate fabrics, trims, or manufacturing methods.
• Analyze consumption and costing to ensure competitiveness.

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with factories and suppliers.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities, capacity, quality standards, and compliance.
• Monitor vendor performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support onboarding of new suppliers.

Order Management

• Execute orders from confirmation to shipment.
• Prepare and manage Time & Action (T&A) calendars.
• Monitor critical path activities and ensure milestone adherence.
• Coordinate with production, quality, logistics, and sourcing teams.

Production Follow-Up

• Track production status and address delays proactively.
• Conduct regular review meetings with suppliers.
• Ensure approved specifications are followed throughout production.
• Resolve technical and quality-related issues.

Quality & Compliance

• Work closely with QA teams to maintain buyer quality standards.
• Ensure factories meet social, ethical, and compliance requirements.
• Follow inspection schedules and shipment approvals.

Buyer Coordination

• Communicate regularly with international buyers regarding developments, approvals, production, and shipment status.
• Manage buyer comments and ensure corrections are implemented.
• Build strong business relationships for future opportunities.

Logistics & Shipment

• Coordinate shipment planning and documentation.
• Ensure on-time shipment as per the agreed delivery schedule.
• Follow up on shipping approvals and cargo movement.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Textile Technology, Fashion Management, or related field.

Experience

• 3-8 years of experience in FOB sourcing, merchandising, or buying operations.
• Experience working with exporters, buying houses, sourcing offices, or international brands.
• Strong exposure to womenswear categories.