Job Description
Industry: Manufacturing
The Merchandising Leader will oversee the operational execution of purchase strategies, manage supplier and factory performance, and ensure products meet company specifications while driving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability initiatives. This role supports the organizations sourcing, production, and supply chain goals through strong leadership and collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage, develop, and train Merchandisers, Senior Merchandisers, Costing Engineers, and Garment Technicians for their process and factory base.
- Manage industrialization projects with factories under their responsibility to guarantee stable and reliable processes prior to mass production.
- Manage relationships with Industrial Partners and Key Account Suppliers (KAS).
- Drive overall performance development of the supplier base, maintain long-term relationships, and prepare suppliers for future needs.
- Execute the playbook defined in the Supplier Relationship Management Strategy and Purchasing Policy.
- Ensure product availability at the right time, in the right place, and at the most competitive cost.
- Ensure continuous progress in cost, supply, and service.
- Follow up with suppliers (from crop to garment) on the implementation of the 5 Leaves strategy.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure alignment with decarbonization goals.
- Supervise product creation by developing samples that comply with technical specifications.
- Be responsible and accountable for business KPIs.
- Implement postponement initiatives and material resource planning in collaboration with Supply Chain Operations (SCO) and Sourcing & Buying.
- Support Supply Chain Operations (SCO) by ensuring availability rates and proactively proposing solutions to market changes.
- Work with suppliers to balance production lines, book and fulfill capacity according to the GSS and Purchase Policy.
- Coach factories on standardized improvement actions across production lines.
- Coach team members on industrialization practices, manufacturing excellence, quality, and company standards.
- Identify risks, propose solutions, and empower suppliers to achieve autonomy while enhancing performance in quality, sustainability, and processes.
- Collaborate with other countries Merchandising Leaders on style allocation for Sourcing Buying Manager selection.
- Identify and source new suppliers in line with the GSS, visit facilities, and ensure smooth onboarding.
- Provide local/regional sourcing and market intelligence (innovative products, fabrics, facilities, etc.).
- Update Sourcing Manager and Country Leader regularly on country development and performance, implementing corrective actions when required.
- Maintain and enforce the highest standards of ethical and social compliance according to company policies and anti-corruption code of conduct.
- Ensure proper distribution and implementation of new norms and procedures to vendors, including training.
- Implement initiatives to increase transparency with suppliers via data exchange (production, traceability, certificates, etc.).
- Work with the fabric team to execute fabric strategy and ensure availability.
- Assist Sourcing Buying Manager in closing claims with suppliers according to company norms.
- Perform other duties, projects, or temporary missions assigned by Leadership.
MAIN REQUIREMENTS:
- Relevant experience (approximately 10 years)
- Strong technical and product development knowledge
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Textile Engineering, Apparel Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 8–12 years of proven experience in production, manufacturing, or industrial engineering
- Strong experience managing supplier relationships in Asia
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes (cutting, sewing, knitting, molding, assembly)
- Strong understanding of quality control systems (AQL, QC checks, root cause analysis)
- Proficient in product costing and negotiation
- Excellent project management skills
- Fluent in English and local language (Chinese and/or French is a plus)
- Higher Diploma in Textile or University Graduate
Benefits:
- Seniority
- Annual Bonus
- Performance Increment
- NSSF
- Medical Health and Life Insurance
