Product Development Merchandizer

Job Title:

Product Development Merchandiser – European & US Buyers

Experience Required:

6–10 Years

Location:

Karur, Tamil Nadu

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Summary:

Product Development Merchandiser

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Merchandising

• Act as the key interface between design, sourcing, production, and the buyer throughout the

  product development lifecycle

  .
• Translate buyer tech packs and design concepts into viable products by working closely with the sampling team and vendors.
• Maintain product development trackers, T&A calendars, and sample logs for buyer submissions.
• Manage approvals of fit samples, gold seals, and PP samples with timely communication to buyers.

Costing & Pricing

• Prepare detailed

  cost sheets

  considering fabric consumption, trims, labor, overheads, and logistics.
• Engage in

  pricing negotiations

  with buyers and vendors to achieve target margins while maintaining quality.
• Provide cost breakdowns and alternate options to meet buyer’s budget expectations.

Compliance & Certifications

• Ensure

  product compliance

  with European (e.g., REACH) and US (e.g., CPSC, Prop 65) regulations, including chemical and physical testing.
• Coordinate with testing labs and vendors to conduct required tests and submit reports for buyer approval.
• Ensure

  social, ethical, and technical compliance

  of vendors as per buyer guidelines (e.g., BSCI, Sedex, Oeko-Tex, GOTS).
• Maintain documentation of

  compliance certificates, audit reports, and sustainability credentials

  .

Vendor & Buyer Communication

• Serve as a point of contact for buyer communication regarding sampling, costing, T&A, and compliance matters.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal departments to ensure timely development and approvals.
• Support buyer visits, audits, and virtual meetings by preparing samples, documentation, and vendor presentations.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in

  Textiles, Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Design

  , or related field.

• 8–15 years

  of experience in

  home textiles or apparel merchandising

  for

  export houses or buying offices

  handling European & US buyers.
• Strong understanding of

  product development, trims, packaging, labeling

  , and

  raw material sourcing

  .
• Hands-on experience with

  costing, price negotiations

  , and

  vendor development

  .
• Sound knowledge of

  compliance standards and buyer-specific protocols

  (e.g., Responsible Sourcing, sustainability requirements).
• Proficiency in

  Excel, PLM systems

  , and general product management tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Experience:

• Exposure to major buyers like European & US.
• Familiarity with

  sustainability reporting and traceability tools

  such as HIGG Index or ZDHC.

Reporting To:

Head – Product Development / R&D

Apply To:

josb@asianfab.com