Job Description – Merchandising Manager
Job Summary
The Merchandising Manager is responsible for managing the complete merchandising function, from buyer enquiry and product development to order execution and shipment. The role requires close coordination with buyers, production, sourcing, planning, quality, and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery, cost optimization, quality compliance, and customer satisfaction. The Merchandising Manager also leads the merchandising team, develops business relationships, and drives continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Buyer Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international buyers.
- Handle buyer enquiries, quotations, negotiations, and order confirmations.
- Ensure timely communication with buyers regarding product development, approvals, production status, and shipment schedules.
- Address buyer concerns and resolve issues promptly to maintain customer satisfaction.
Product Development
- Coordinate with the Design, Sampling, and Product Development teams for new product development.
- Ensure timely submission of development, fit, size-set, pre-production (PP), and salesman samples.
- Monitor sample approvals and incorporate buyer feedback into production.
- Review technical packs, specifications, and buyer requirements.
Costing & Order Management
- Prepare garment and fabric cost sheets.
- Analyze material consumption, manufacturing costs, and margins.
- Negotiate pricing with buyers while ensuring profitability.
- Review purchase orders and confirm order details with internal teams.
Production Coordination
- Prepare and monitor the Time & Action (T&A) calendar for each order.
- Coordinate with PPC, Production, Cutting, Stitching, Finishing, Quality, and Stores to ensure timely execution.
- Monitor production progress and resolve issues affecting delivery schedules.
- Ensure production is aligned with approved samples and buyer specifications.
Sourcing & Vendor Management
- Source fabrics, trims, accessories, and packaging materials from approved suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and quality standards with vendors.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely material availability.
- Develop and maintain a reliable vendor base.
Quality & Compliance
- Coordinate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure products meet buyer standards.
- Monitor inline and final inspections and implement corrective actions where required.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, factory standards, and regulatory guidelines.
Shipment Coordination
- Coordinate with Logistics and Export Documentation teams for timely shipments.
- Ensure all shipping documents are accurate and complete.
- Track shipment schedules and communicate dispatch details to buyers.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and supervise the merchandising team.
- Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance.
- Conduct regular team meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews.
- Foster collaboration across departments.
Reporting & MIS
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly merchandising reports.
- Monitor order status, production progress, shipment schedules, and pending approvals.
- Present business updates and KPIs to senior management.
- Maintain accurate documentation and order records.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve merchandising processes and reduce lead times.
- Implement best practices for order management, communication, and customer service.
- Support digitalization and ERP-based merchandising systems.
Required Skills
- Buyer Relationship Management
- Product Development & Sampling
- Garment & Fabric Costing
- Time & Action (T&A) Planning
- Production Coordination
- Fabric & Trim Sourcing
- Vendor Management
- Export Documentation
- Quality Assurance
- Negotiation & Communication
- Leadership & Team Management
- ERP Systems
- Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Business Administration, or a related field.
- MBA in Marketing, Operations, or Supply Chain Management is preferred.
Experience
- 8–15 years of experience in textile or garment merchandising.
- Minimum 3–5 years in a managerial role.
- Experience handling domestic and international buyers in an export-oriented manufacturing environment is preferred.
Work Location: In person
