Merchandiser - Sourcing

Objective:

This position is responsible for supporting product sourcing, vendor coordination, and merchandise planning to ensure optimal product availability, quality, and cost-efficiency. The role plays a critical part in executing seasonal buying strategies, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining brand and quality standards across regions.

Key Responsibility:

- Assist in developing seasonal sourcing strategies in alignment with brand objectives, sales forecasts, and margin targets.
- Source and develop products through approved vendors and manufacturers across local and international markets to meet brand objectives.
- Manage vendor communications, including quotations, lead times, minimum order quantities, and compliance documentation.
- Negotiate costs, payment terms, delivery timelines, freight conditions, and sampling procedures with suppliers to achieve optimal margins.
- Monitor product development progress and critical path to ensure timely approvals, production, and delivery as per calendar timelines.
- Conduct vendor assessments and assist in onboarding reliable suppliers aligned with quality, compliance, and ethical sourcing standards.
- Coordinate with quality control and logistics teams to ensure product integrity, regulatory compliance, and smooth inbound shipments.
- Analyze sourcing performance by reviewing product costing, order fulfillment rates, and supplier scorecards to support continuous improvement.
- Stay up to date with market trends, fabric and raw material innovations, and manufacturing capabilities to recommend sourcing alternatives.
- Support post-season reviews with suppliers to evaluate performance, share feedback, and identify areas for development.
- Liaise with internal departments including merchandising, logistics, marketing, and finance to ensure cohesive execution of sourcing plans.
- Assist in seasonal markdown planning, inventory analysis, and order re-negotiations based on sales performance and market dynamics.
- Track and maintain accurate sourcing documentation, POs, and cost sheets for auditing and performance review purposes.

Desired Experience:

- 2-5 years of experience in merchandising, sourcing, or buying within the retail industry.
- Strong negotiation, vendor management, and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, sourcing tools, and ERP systems.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field.