Job Summary:
The Merchandiser is responsible for sourcing materials, coordinating product development, and ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery of garments. This role requires strong coordination, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills to maximize factory profitability and meet customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
A) Supplier Sourcing (Fabric, Elastic, Trims – as needed)
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers to meet customer requirements.
- Obtain supplier information on capacity, capability, quality standards, and pricing.
- Collect samples and coordinate with sample room/fabric inspection teams for quality approvals.
- Maintain and update the supplier database.
- Coordinate with suppliers for new developments and performance-enhancing components.
- Initiate joint product development activities for future innovation.
KPIs: Expansion of supplier base, quality of new suppliers, cost competitiveness.
B) Consumption Calculation
- Prepare accurate consumption sheets for all raw materials before order confirmation.
- Ensure correct quantity calculation for accessories, packing, binding, and related components.
KPIs: Zero calculation errors, zero ordering mistakes.
C) Approvals & Technical Clearances
- Ensure all required samples are approved promptly to avoid production delays.
- Clarify customer requirements, construction details, and all technical specifications.
- Issue accurate information to sample and cutting departments.
KPIs: Accuracy of data shared, timely approvals.
D) Sourcing for Confirmed Orders
- Source raw materials and trims as per approved consumption and production plan.
- Negotiate pricing and delivery timelines with suppliers.
- Issue purchase orders and track delivery status.
- Verify invoices against received materials and liaise with Finance for payments.
KPIs: On-time material delivery, value for money, supplier reliability.
E) Handling of Confirmed Orders
- Manage orders from inquiry to ex-factory stage, ensuring timely delivery of correct quantity & quality.
- Coordinate with sample room/IE for SMV, consumption, and costing information.
- Source raw materials for sampling and secure customer approvals.
- Work with planning teams to book factory capacity.
- Monitor order progress, production status, and communicate updates to both customer and factory.
- MANAGE in pre-production meetings.
- Manage all relevant ERP/transactions related to sales orders, finished goods, and shipment.
KPIs: On-time delivery, conformity to approved samples, factory efficiency, customer satisfaction, minimal claims.
Skills
- Supplier management
- Negotiation skills
- Product development
- Costing & consumption accuracy
- Production follow-up
- Time management
- Quality focus
- Customer coordination
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum 2–5 years’ experience as a Merchandiser in garment/apparel manufacturing (uniform experience preferred).
- Strong knowledge of fabrics, trims, accessories, and production processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office and ERP/Merchandising systems.
- Strong analytical ability and attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple orders simultaneously.