Fabric Merchandiser

Fabric Merchant (PD)

A Fabric Merchant (Product Development) plays a crucial role in the apparel and textile industry by managing the process of creating new fabrics from concept to production. They act as a central point of contact between designers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective development of new materials. Responsibilities

• Concept and design collaboration: Work with the design team to understand creative direction and translate concepts into viable fabrics.
• Sourcing and procurement: Research and source a wide range of fabrics and raw materials based on design specifications, market trends, and quality standards. Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers and vendors.
• Sampling and prototyping: Manage the entire sampling process, including developing sample fabrics, overseeing lab dips (color samples), and approving final prototypes.
• Costing and negotiation: Analyze costs and negotiate with suppliers to ensure fabric is sourced at a competitive price while meeting target margins.
• Quality assurance: Oversee quality control checks on incoming fabrics and samples, ensuring they meet specified standards for durability, colorfastness, and other performance metrics.
• Timeline and project management: Create and manage development timelines, known as a Time and Action (T&A) calendar, to ensure all product development milestones and final delivery dates are met.
• Trend analysis: Stay informed about the latest textile innovations, sustainable materials, and market trends to forecast future fabric needs and drive product innovation.
• Communication and coordination: Serve as the main liaison between internal departments (design, production, sales) and external partners (suppliers, manufacturers) to ensure a smooth workflow.

Required skills and qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, Textile Design, or a related field is typically required.
• Experience: Most positions require several years of relevant experience in the apparel or textile industry, preferably within a buying or export house.
• Fabric knowledge: In-depth technical knowledge of textiles, including fiber types, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing processes.
• Technical proficiency: Experience with product development systems (e.g., PLM) and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Soft skills:
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues related to production delays, quality problems, or cost challenges.
• Organization: Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability: The capacity to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment and respond to evolving market demands.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fabric merchant: 4 years (Required)
• Textile tecnology: 4 years (Required)