Job Description

SENIOR MERCHANDISER - DEVELOPMENT

(Based on MDS - Ratmalana)

The Bodywear Value Stream of MAS Holdings delivers end-to-end design, innovation and manufacturing solutions across lingerie, swimwear and next-to-skin categories. It brings together broad expertise in fit, comfort, performance and aesthetics to serve leading global brands at scale.
With design and innovation hubs in Sri Lanka, the USA, Canada and Hong Kong and manufacturing operations across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Kenya, Bodywear offers a diverse portfolio spanning bras, briefs, shapewear, sleepwear, performance bodywear and Olympic grade swimwear. The value stream portfolio includes Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, Marks & Spencer, Triumph, Speedo and Aerie. Positioned as a global centre of excellence, the Bodywear Value Stream combines advanced product innovation, technology-led solutions and operational scale to meet evolving consumer expectations across intimate and swim categories.

Embark on a journey of change with MAS, by joining the Bodywear team as a Senior Merchandiser - Development! This role would enable you to Work in collaboration with Merchandisers and cross functional teams to confirm a smooth flow of functions within the unit by ensuring continuous availability of raw material to
facilitate planned production process and optimum capacity utilization to meet customer requirements with minimum write-offs thereby supporting the achievement of overall business objectives.

• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Plant Process Assessments
• Conduct planned and ad-hoc assessments across Front end covering end-to-end operational processes.
• Evaluate compliance with company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), customer requirements, and regulatory standards.

• Validate implementation and sustainability of process governance frameworks.

• Risk Identification & Control Evaluation
• Identify operational, financial, quality, compliance risks within Front end operations.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing controls.

• Recommend practical risk mitigation and control enhancement measures.

• Reporting & Follow-Up
• Prepare detailed assessment reports highlighting observations, risk ratings, root causes, and recommendations.
• Present findings to plant leadership and functional heads.
• Track closure of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and verify effectiveness of implementation.

• Escalate significant control weaknesses and unresolved risks.

• Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement
• Support process standardization and best practice sharing across Front end.
• Analyze trends from assessment findings to identify systemic risks and recurring issues.
• Drive initiatives that improve Right First Time (RFT), process compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in special reviews and investigations when required.
• Work closely with plant leadership, operations, quality and other support functions.

• Build strong relationships while maintaining independence and objectivity during assessments.

• Key Areas of Assessment
• Process Governance
• Internal Controls
• Production Processes
• Quality Assurance & Quality Control
• Product Safety & Compliance
• Inventory & Warehouse Controls
• Third-Party Operations
• Customer Compliance Requirements

• Data Integrity & Documentation Controls

• Key Competencies
• Risk Assessment & Internal Controls
• Process Mapping & Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis
• Audit & Investigation Techniques
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Project Management

• Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Front End - Job Scope- Development to PP handover across merchandising , Raw material and Technical
• Key responsibilities
• To assess, monitor, and strengthen process governance, risk management, and internal controls across the front-end value stream from customer order receipt through product development and up to the Pre-Production (PP) Meeting stage across all existing customers. The role is responsible for identifying process gaps across , ensuring compliance with established standards, mitigating operational risks, and driving process excellence connecting with business , Technical and raw material teams. Knowledge in SAP and PLM activities is a must .
• Conduct independent assessments of front-end processes covering:
  • Customer order handover
  • Development and merchandising
  • Costing and quotation processes
  • Material development and sourcing
  • Product engineering
  • Sample development
  • Technical approvals
  • Pre-production readiness
• Evaluate adherence to company procedures, customer requirements, and governance standards.
• Assess process effectiveness and identify control gaps that could impact quality, delivery, cost, compliance, or customer satisfaction
• Pre-Production Readiness Reviews
• Assess readiness of orders prior to bulk production.
• Verify completion and accuracy of critical approvals, specifications, technical documents, BOMs, risk assessments, and customer requirements.
• Evaluate effectiveness of PP Meeting governance and decision-making processes.
• Ensure key risks are identified and addressed before production commencement.
• Reporting & Corrective Action Management
• Prepare assessment reports with findings, risk ratings, root causes, and recommendations.
• Present assessment outcomes to plant leadership and functional teams.
• Track corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) through to closure.
• Validate effectiveness and sustainability of implemented actions.
• Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to standardize processes and strengthen governance across plants.
• Analyze trends and recurring findings to identify systemic weaknesses.
• Support initiatives to improve Right First Time (RFT), development efficiency, and process compliance.
• Share best practices across facilities and functions.
• Stakeholder Management
• Partner with Merchandising, Development, Planning, Sourcing, Technical, Quality, Operations, and Plant Leadership teams.
• Facilitate discussions to drive accountability and timely resolution of identified risks.
• Maintain an independent and objective approach while building strong working relationship
• Key Competencies
• Process Governance & Internal Controls
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Apparel Product Development Knowledge
• Process Mapping & Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Report Writing & Presentation Skills
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
• Strong Influencing and Communication Skills
• KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• 2 years of relevant work experience
• Degree or management qualification in a relevant field (Professional - Fully Qualified)

• Experience with SAP, PLM, and Excel systems.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of product development, styles, and samples
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Exceptional planning and organizational abilities
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and precision