Assistant Manager – Production Merchandising
Job Purpose
The Assistant Manager – Production Merchandising is responsible for managing the end-to-end production merchandising function, ensuring seamless coordination between buyers, design, sourcing, production, quality, and logistics teams. The role focuses on product development, material sourcing, production planning, vendor management, quality compliance, inventory control, cost optimization, and timely execution of customer orders while maintaining the company's quality and profitability standards.
Key Responsibilities1. Product Development, Management & Sourcing
- Coordinate with the Design and Buying teams for new product development from concept to production approval.
- Review buyer specifications, tech packs, and product requirements to ensure feasibility.
- Source fabrics, trims, accessories, packaging materials, and value-added services from approved vendors.
- Develop and monitor the sampling calendar to ensure timely submission of proto, fit, size-set, PP, and sales samples.
- Evaluate alternative materials and suppliers to improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.
- Ensure all materials comply with customer specifications, safety standards, and company quality requirements.
2. Production Planning, Coordination & Execution
- Prepare and monitor the Time & Action (TNA) Calendar for every order.
- Coordinate with Production, PPC, Stores, Quality, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth execution.
- Monitor production schedules and identify potential delays or bottlenecks.
- Ensure timely procurement of raw materials to support uninterrupted production.
- Review daily production status and implement corrective actions wherever required.
- Ensure orders are completed and dispatched as per customer delivery commitments.
3. Quality Management
- Establish quality parameters for fabrics, trims, accessories, and finished garments.
- Coordinate inspections at raw material, in-line, and final production stages.
- Ensure supplier compliance with approved quality standards.
- Investigate quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Work closely with QA and Production teams to minimize defects and improve first-pass approval rates.
- Maintain quality documentation and audit records.
4. Cost Management
- Negotiate competitive pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Identify opportunities to reduce material and production costs without compromising quality.
- Monitor order costing, material consumption, and wastage.
- Analyze budget versus actual production costs and recommend corrective measures.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives through process improvements and supplier optimization.
5. Vendor & Supplier Management
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with fabric mills, trim suppliers, packaging vendors, printers, embroiderers, washing units, and job workers.
- Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery, responsiveness, pricing, and compliance.
- Conduct periodic vendor reviews and identify alternate sourcing opportunities.
- Resolve supplier disputes and ensure uninterrupted supply of materials.
- Ensure all vendors comply with company policies and quality standards.
6. Inventory & Material Management
- Monitor inventory levels for fabrics, trims, accessories, and packaging materials.
- Coordinate with Stores to maintain optimum inventory based on production plans.
- Minimize excess inventory, stock ageing, and material shortages.
- Ensure inventory accuracy through regular reconciliation and stock audits.
- Support inventory planning based on demand forecasts.
7. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Production Merchandising team.
- Allocate work effectively and monitor team performance.
- Conduct regular reviews, coaching sessions, and skill development programs.
- Foster collaboration and accountability across departments.
- Promote continuous learning and process excellence.
8. Customer & Buyer Coordination
- Act as the primary point of contact for assigned buyers regarding order status.
- Ensure timely communication on sampling, approvals, production progress, and shipment schedules.
- Address customer concerns proactively and ensure quick resolution.
- Build long-term relationships by consistently delivering quality and service excellence.
9. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Identify opportunities to improve production merchandising processes.
- Implement lean practices and workflow improvements.
- Drive automation and digitization wherever feasible.
- Introduce innovative sourcing and production methods to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.
- Monitor key operational metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
10. Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production merchandising MIS reports.
- Monitor order status, TNA adherence, inventory reports, vendor performance, and production dashboards.
- Ensure compliance with company SOPs, buyer requirements, statutory regulations, and audit standards.
- Maintain complete documentation for internal and external audits.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting to management.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Production Merchandising
- Product Development
- Apparel Manufacturing Process
- Fabric & Trim Sourcing
- Vendor Development & Negotiation
- Production Planning & Control (PPC)
- Time & Action (TNA) Management
- Costing & Cost Control
- Inventory Planning & Material Management
- Quality Assurance
- Buyer Relationship Management
- Team Leadership
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Advanced MS Excel, ERP, and MIS Reporting
- Strong Communication & Negotiation Skills
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Textile Engineering, Garment Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
Experience
- 8–12 years of experience in Production Merchandising, Product Development, or Apparel Manufacturing.
- Minimum 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Experience in Kidswear, Woven, Knitwear, or Apparel Manufacturing will be preferred.
- Strong exposure to sourcing, production planning, vendor management, inventory control, and buyer coordination.
Key Deliverables
- Timely development and approval of all samples.
- 99% on-time order execution and delivery.
- Effective sourcing of quality materials at optimum cost.
- Smooth production coordination with minimal delays.
- High vendor performance and material availability.
- Controlled inventory with high stock accuracy.
- Continuous reduction in production costs and lead times.
- Excellent buyer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Timely MIS reporting and full compliance with company standards.
- Improved team productivity and implementation of process improvement initiatives.
Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Leave encashment
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
