Production Merchandiser (Denim)

Key Responsibilities

1. Merchandising & Product Management

• Own the complete product merchandising cycle from product development and sampling to production and final dispatch.
• Plan and execute the merchandising calendar in line with business and sales requirements.
• Ensure timely development, approval, and execution of products/styles.
• Monitor product and style status and provide regular updates to senior management.
• Identify potential delays and proactively drive corrective actions.

2. Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Manage and develop strong relationships with domestic and international vendors/factories.
• Lead negotiations on price, MOQ, quality, lead time, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Evaluate vendor performance and identify opportunities for improving cost, quality, and delivery.
• Ensure vendors comply with agreed commercial and operational requirements.
• Resolve vendor-related issues and production escalations effectively.

3. Costing & Commercial Management

• Lead product costing and commercial discussions with vendors and the production team.
• Review costing and ensure competitive pricing before seeking management approval.
• Drive cost optimization through effective negotiation, sourcing, and vendor management.
• Monitor purchase costs and identify opportunities for improving margins and overall business efficiency.

4. Procurement & Order Execution

• Oversee the generation and accuracy of Purchase Orders, Item Masters, Buy Forms, and PTRs.
• Ensure purchase orders are released within defined timelines.
• Monitor order execution from confirmation to production and dispatch.
• Ensure product requirements, quantities, specifications, and timelines are accurately communicated to vendors.

5. Production & Shipment Coordination

• Monitor production progress through regular PTR and production tracking.
• Coordinate with vendors/factories to resolve production-related issues and ensure timely completion.
• Coordinate with Production, Sales, Quality, Shipping, and Documentation teams for smooth execution.
• Ensure approved shipments are dispatched as per committed timelines.
• Track shipment readiness and proactively escalate potential delays.

6. Team Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor the merchandising team.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance and deliverables.
• Establish clear timelines, priorities, and accountability within the team.
• Review team reports and ensure accuracy of merchandising data and documentation.
• Coach team members on vendor management, costing, production follow-up, and merchandising processes.

7. Reporting & Management Coordination

• Prepare and present regular merchandising MIS and business updates to senior management.
• Track key parameters including order status, production progress, vendor performance, costing, and shipment timelines.
• Highlight critical business risks, delays, and dependencies with proposed action plans.
• Maintain accurate and updated product/style trackers and ensure timely reporting.

Key Requirements

• 7–10+ years of relevant experience in Product Merchandising / Apparel / Retail / Procurement.
• Proven experience in managing the complete merchandising and product execution cycle.
• Strong experience in vendor management, commercial negotiations, costing, sourcing, and production management.
• Prior experience in team handling and mentoring.
• Strong knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word, and merchandising MIS.
• Strong understanding of product development, sampling, procurement, production, and shipment processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vendors, products, and critical timelines simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage escalations, and provide effective solutions.