Plant Merchandiser

Role & responsibilities

Job Summary Plant / Factory Merchant

The Plant Merchant serves as the key link between the factory operations and the corporate merchandising/buyer interface, ensuring smooth and timely execution of all production orders as per buyer specifications, cost targets, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Order Receipt & Execution

• Review new order files, tech packs, BOMs, and specifications.
• Communicate order details accurately to production, planning, and QA teams.
• Track all approvals (lab dips, strike-offs, trims, samples, packaging).
• Conduct PRRM meetings to align all stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to latest buyer specifications and approvals.

2. Production Planning & Tracking

• Liaise with production planning for capacity alignment.
• Raise and release internal POs for trims and raw materials with correct BOMs.
• Monitor WIP status, resolve bottlenecks, and coordinate across weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and packing.
• Maintain daily/weekly production reports for HO and buyers.

4. Quality & Testing Coordination

• Ensure QA receives buyer-approved samples and trims.
• Schedule and follow up on inline and final inspections.
• Ensure timely testing sample submissions and reports.
• Address buyer feedback and corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance and testing adherence (chemical, shrinkage, colorfastness).
• Oversee development and production sample dispatches.

5. Material & Procurement Coordination

• Work with suppliers for trims and artwork development as per buyer needs.
• Coordinate with purchase for timely material availability.
• Track inventory of key materials and flag shortages.
• Follow up on supplier deliveries and cost verification.

6. Shipment & Documentation

• Coordinate logistics, packing lists, labels, shipment documentation, and dispatches.
• Ensure timely DOs against POs and accurate record maintenance.
• Track shipment adherence to plan.

7. Data Management & MIS

• Maintain order trackers, variance reports, and dashboards.
• Update buyer portals (PLM, Quotation, Inspection Booking, etc.).
• Provide weekly reports on order status, variances, and commitments.
• Support audits and reviews with accurate data.

8. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the communication bridge between plant, QA, logistics, and HO merchandising.
• Relay buyer updates, feedback, and changes swiftly.
• Lead daily order review and coordination meetings.

Qualifications & Skills

• Graduate/Diploma in Textile Technology, Engineering, or Commerce.
• 5–8 years’ experience in home textiles or furnishing manufacturing (export focus preferred).
• Knowledge of textile processes, ERP, and Excel.
• Strong coordination, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle pressure.

Preferred candidate profile