Fabric Merchandiser

Job Summary

Lead the end-to-end fabric lifecycle for activewear knitsfrom early sourcing and development to deliverywhile actively driving innovation, cost efficiency, and strategic supplier collaborations. This role bridges design, production, and commercial outcomes through hands-on initiative and metrics-driven accountability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fabric Development

• Initiate research and scouting of emerging knit technologies (e.g., moisture-wicking, recycled fibers).
• Lead concept-to-sample fabric development and lab dips targeting innovation and performance.
• Facilitate early-stage prototyping with design and R&D to influence product outcomes.

2. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Partnership

• Identify, vet, and onboard suppliers capable of meeting quality, sustainability, and delivery benchmarks.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and terms proactively to secure strategic advantages.
• Plan risk mitigation—multiple suppliers, inventory buffers, backup plans.

3. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the fabric “voice” across Design, Technical, QA, Merchandising, and Production.
• Maintain and track Time & Action (T&A) plans specifically for fabric sampling and approvals.
• Escalate potential delays or quality issues early for quick remediation.

4. Quality, Cost & Sustainability Management

• Define and enforce fabric performance parameters (e.g., stretch, weight, shrinkage, durability).
• Conduct systematic inspection and lab testing to ensure fabric specs are met.
• Drive cost savings and ensure alignment with sustainability goals (e.g., recycled content, eco-certifications).

5. Trend Analysis & Fabric Strategy

• Monitor market trends and competitor fabric use to anticipate shifts.
• Proactively recommend strategic fabric updates and phase-outs.
• Lead fabric innovation workshops or supplier showcases.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Deliver timely reports on fabric development, sourcing performance, cost efficiencies, and sustainability impacts.
• Maintain dashboards tracking fabric pipeline, approvals, inventories, and KPI outcomes.