Senior Executive – Sample Merchant
Job Purpose
The Senior Executive – Sample Merchant is responsible for coordinating and managing the complete sampling process from development to production handover. The role ensures timely sample development, vendor coordination, material planning, quality compliance, cost optimization, and adherence to production timelines. The incumbent acts as the key liaison between Design, Merchandising, Production, Quality, and external vendors to ensure smooth execution of sampling and production activities.
Key Responsibilities1. Sampling Management
- Coordinate the complete sampling process including proto, fit, sales, pre-production (PP), size-set, and approval samples.
- Ensure timely execution and dispatch of all samples as per the Time & Action (TNA) plan.
- Track sample approvals and coordinate revisions wherever required.
- Maintain sample records, approvals, and development history.
2. Production Planning & Coordination
- Prepare, monitor, and update the Time & Action (TNA) Calendar for all assigned styles.
- Coordinate with Production, Design, Stores, and Quality teams to ensure smooth workflow.
- Monitor production schedules and proactively address delays.
- Ensure timely handover of approved samples and production-related information.
3. Vendor & Supplier Management
- Coordinate with fabric, trim, printing, embroidery, washing, and accessory vendors for timely procurement and sample development.
- Follow up with vendors to ensure materials and services are delivered within agreed timelines.
- Evaluate vendor performance based on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost efficiency.
- Resolve vendor-related issues to minimize production delays.
4. Material Planning
- Coordinate the availability of fabrics, trims, accessories, and other raw materials required for sample development.
- Verify material specifications against buyer requirements.
- Minimize material shortages and sampling delays through effective planning.
5. Quality Assurance
- Ensure all samples comply with buyer specifications, quality standards, measurements, and garment construction requirements.
- Coordinate corrective actions for rejected or revised samples.
- Work closely with the Quality team to reduce sample rejections and production defects.
6. Cost Control
- Monitor sample development costs and recommend cost-effective alternatives where feasible.
- Optimize material utilization to minimize wastage.
- Support cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or delivery commitments.
7. Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve sampling workflows and reduce lead time.
- Recommend and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the department.
8. Cross-Functional Coordination
- Liaise with Design, Merchandising, Production, Quality, Stores, Sales, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless execution of sampling and production activities.
- Communicate project status, approval updates, and delivery timelines to all stakeholders.
- Escalate critical issues and provide timely solutions.
9. Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of samples, approvals, vendor communications, and production status.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports.
- Ensure all reports are accurate and submitted within stipulated timelines.
- Maintain complete documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
10. Compliance
- Follow company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements and statutory regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality of product development and company information.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of garment manufacturing and sampling processes.
- Understanding of fabrics, trims, garment construction, and production techniques.
- Time & Action (TNA) planning and production follow-up.
- Vendor management and negotiation skills.
- Production coordination and planning.
- Quality control and problem-solving abilities.
- Cost analysis and material planning.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good analytical and organizational abilities.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, ERP/MIS systems, and Microsoft Office.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Textile Technology, Garment Manufacturing, or a related field.
Experience
- 4–7 years of experience in garment production, sampling, or merchandising.
- Experience in handling end-to-end sample development and production coordination.
- Prior experience in kidswear, apparel manufacturing, or retail garment industry will be preferred.
Key Performance Expectations
- Ensure timely completion and approval of all samples.
- Maintain adherence to Time & Action (TNA) schedules.
- Achieve high first-time sample approval rates with minimal revisions.
- Ensure timely procurement of materials and vendor deliveries.
- Optimize sampling costs and reduce material wastage.
- Maintain accurate production reports and documentation.
- Foster effective coordination among internal teams and external vendors.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Leave encashment
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
