Sourcing & Production Leader — Apparel & General Merchandise

Farmers Trading Company Ltd; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers Trading Company Ltd is seeking a Merchandise Manager to lead sourcing strategy across general merchandise and apparel, and to own production and garment technology functions. You will manage the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager, collaborating with Compliance & Quality to meet standards.

This hands-on leadership role balances cost, supplier relationships, product development and delivery timelines, across categories, in a major New Zealand retailer.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing teams in sourcing or procurement.
• Strong background in sourcing or procurement across general merchandise and/or apparel.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience with budgeting and cost management.
• Knowledge of ESG and responsible sourcing practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager and their team.
• Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers across general merchandise and apparel and textiles.
• Oversee production and garment technology, from fit and construction through to on time delivery.
• Build supplier relationships and negotiate general terms that work for Farmers.
• Bring ESG and responsible sourcing principles into procurement decisions.
• Partner with Design, Buying, the Distribution Centre and our Compliance & Quality team.
• Represent sourcing and production at the Merchandise leadership table.

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Leadership

Negotiation

Budgeting

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Tertiary qualification in business or supply chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Farmers Trading Company Ltd is seeking a Merchandise Manager to lead sourcing strategy across general merchandise and apparel, and to own production and garment technology functions. You will manage the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager, collaborating with Compliance & Quality to meet standards.

This hands-on leadership role balances cost, supplier relationships, product development and delivery timelines, across categories, in a major New Zealand retailer.