Head of Merchandising & Planning

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If you're passionate about fashion, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and are looking to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Interested talents please drop your resumes @ deepa@evolvclothing.com

About No Grey Area

No Grey Area is a purpose-led, design-forward contemporary Indian fashion brand. We exist to challenge binaries in fashion and culture — blending global silhouettes with Indian craftsmanship for the modern wardrobe. With a sharp focus on quality, purpose, and innovation, NGA is redefining the modern Indian fashion experience across D2C and offline channels.

Role Summary

We are seeking a commercially strong, process-driven, and creatively collaborative Head of Merchandising & Planning. This role will be pivotal in ensuring timely, cost-effective, and sustainable execution of product collections and driving efficiency across merchandising, planning, and production. You will be responsible for turning design concepts into successful revenue-generating collections through strategic planning, sourcing, execution, and inventory control.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Merchandising & Business Planning

• Create Brand Annual merchandising Calendar in alignment with Design & Sales
• Create and Manage 
• Build merchandise financial plans by category, channel, and lifecycle stage
• Track and improve margins, sell-throughs, and markdowns with data-backed insights

Collection Development & Execution

• Ensure successful execution of collections from protos to bulk delivery through strong planning and inter-department coordination
• Coordinate with design teams for timely submission of sketches and graphic artworks
• Source and develop innovative, sustainable fabrics and trims in collaboration with vendors and mills
• Ensure timely ordering and delivery of sampling and bulk — including on-time delivery of proto samples and dispatch to warehouse
• Leverage sustainable sourcing and cost control practices across all stages

Bespoke & Made-to-Measure Order Management

• Manage all Bespoke and Made-to-Measure (MTM) orders received through MBOs and other retail partners
• Coordinate closely with design, production, and client servicing teams to ensure custom orders are executed to the highest standards
• Ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction for all MTM pieces, tracking each order through its lifecycle

Inventory Management & Cost Optimization

• Monitor and manage inventory of fabrics and trims for each season
• Plan and utilize surplus or balance fabric creatively within the same season
• Drive sustainable practices in development and procurement
• Maintain accurate stock positions and reports for internal visibility and planning

Warehouse & Logistics Oversight

• Oversee warehouse operations to ensure timely dispatches for MBOs and client orders
• Ensure smooth coordination for sourcing garments and seasonal logistics
• Follow up on warehouse reports and process optimization

Production Innovation & Technology Integration

• Identify and explore new technologies and tools to increase efficiency in production and planning
• Evaluate and implement relevant software for supply chain, sourcing, or merchandise planning
• Ensure successful adaptation of such technologies in bulk production environments
• Lead and optimize the use of SAP or ERP platforms for merchandising, production, and warehouse operations

In-Season Management

• Monitor sales performance by category/SKU and take timely actions (reorders, markdowns, etc.)
• Maintain dynamic OTB planning and replenishment strategies
• Present weekly/monthly reviews to senior leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Management

• Lead and mentor the merchandising team
• Collaborate with Design, Sales, Marketing, and Production for cohesive execution
• Represent Merchandising in strategic discussions, buying meetings, and product presentations

Requirements

• 7–10 years of relevant experience in fashion merchandising, buying, or planning, ideally in D2C, premium, or contemporary brands
• Strong understanding of the product lifecycle — from design to dispatch
• Excellent planning, forecasting, and analytical skills
• Working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems is essential
• Prior experience managing inventory, sourcing, and warehouse processes
• Experience handling bespoke and MTM orders is preferred
• Exposure to sustainable practices and innovative production technologies is a plus
• Highly organized, solutions-oriented, and able to work across multiple functions

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree

• Fashion Merchandising
• Business Administration
• Retail Management

MBA (Optional)

• Fashion Merchandising
• Business Administration
• Retail Management