Our fashion importer client is looking for an experienced Sourcing and Merchandising Manager to add to their team! This person will ideally be the liaison between their sales and design departments. Their responsibilities will include sourcing of fabric, trims, garments, costing and working with the design team to ensure objectives and timelines are met. They must have experience with market analysis and travel.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with sales and design teams to ensure that the vision and objectives are understood and executed and prior to new season for the development of new trends (Style, fabric, washing, trims…etc.)
Responsible for communication with overseas, follow up on sourcing and costing
Attend Sales, design, and tech meetings.
Participate in activities related to sample production activities.
Participate in the approval of colors, fabrics and accessories as defined by the design team.
Partners with Design on initial development to execute development
Partner with Design team in Product Development
Partners with Design and Buying to drive trends/concepts
Works with Buying on garment costs
Liaise with Design for initial sourcing initiatives
Collaborate with textile agents and mills to identify new fabric and trim-trends and ensure mills are briefed on new development requests
Advise Design during development process regarding cost implications
Collaborate with buying to set target FOB prices with the objective to achieve margins
Negotiate FOB prices throughout the development
Execute R&D requests from Design and take initiative on relevant R&D while managing efficient R&D processes
Source new suppliers for fabric, and garments
Involved in the analysis of retail market, competitors to develop strategic sourcing strategy and business goal for the company
Reviewing the materials previously used and identifying areas for improvement in quality and design
Researching the materials required and sourcing
Developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships
Work with Director of Sales and Designer teams on new product/fabric development.
Must have product knowledge of fabrics – i.e. fabric weight, fabric content, and fabric construction.
Must have an innovative mindset. Help develop new fabric concepts and be in the forefront of any new technologies that will help create new business opportunities.
Strong negotiation skills.
Be able to operate efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Develop new suppliers, and find new regions, for potential incorporation into new and existing products.
Communication with overseas offices, agents and direct vendors.
Be able to balance both small and big picture initiatives and strategies.
Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Requirements:
Need to speak English fluently
MUST have 5+ years of experience in overseas product development/sourcing (apparel/fabric)
Thorough understanding of fashion apparel retail merchandising
MUST have a strong knowledge of apparel including fabric, color, yarn, garment construction, fit and specifications
Must have knowledge on social compliance requirements
Strong negotiation skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Able to work well in a team environment
Established relationship building skills with agents, mills, and factories
Detail oriented and able to handle multiple tasks
Strong organizational skills
Problem solving skills
Bachelor or College Degree or equivalent
Minimum 5 years experience in the garment industry
Minimum 3 years experience in a similar role
Used to working under pressure with tight deadlines
Willingness to travel if situations allow overseas
Used to working under pressure with tight deadlines
Solid knowledge of garment specifications, fabrics and sourcing, fitting and patterns
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, fluency in written and spoken English are a must
Strong experience in supplier development
Able to work under pressure and prioritize
Outgoing and confident
Benefits: