PRODUCTION MERCHANDISER (High Fashion)

Company Description

PREWAL is a custom design development and production company specializing in gowns, dresses, ready-to-wear, furnishing, embroidery, and accessories. We excel in textile design and development, prioritizing quality over quantity. With a commitment to intricate techniques, PREWAL guides clients from initial ideas to final garment construction with patience and expertise. Our aim is to deliver admirable quality products by understanding and translating client visions into end results.

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Production Merchandiser to manage the end-to-end execution of garment orders from order confirmation to final shipment. You will be the central point of contact for international clients and internal teams, ensuring that production runs smoothly, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Your ability to solve problems, negotiate, and maintain clear communication is essential to success in this fast-paced role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Order Execution & Pre-Production:

• Serve as the main liaison between the overseas client/buyer and the factory.
• Analyze and clarify all aspects of the Tech Pack, including design specs, Bill of Materials (BOM), and construction details.
• Coordinate and track the development of samples (Proto, Fit, PP samples), ensuring they are made and sent to the client for approval on schedule.
• Source and negotiate prices for trims and accessories (zippers, buttons, labels, etc.) as per the client's requirement.
• Issue Purchase Orders to factories and trim suppliers after final order confirmation.

2. Production Management & Follow-Up:

• Create and maintain a Critical Path or production timeline, monitoring all stages from fabric procurement to final shipment.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with the factory on fabric and trim sourcing, cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing.
• Visit factories frequently to monitor production progress, check on quality, and identify any potential delays or issues early on.
• Ensure the production line adheres to the approved sample and tech pack specifications.

3. Communication & Reporting:

• Provide daily/weekly progress updates to the client and internal management.
• Attend and lead production meetings with the factory and internal teams (quality, planning).
• Quickly escalate any critical issues (e.g., production delays, quality defects) to the Merchandising Manager with a proposed solution.

4. Costing & Documentation:

• Assist in preparing cost sheets by calculating fabric, trim, manufacturing, and overhead costs.
• Work closely with the shipping and documentation team to ensure all necessary documents (like the Packing List) are accurate and ready on time.
• Approve and track Invoices from suppliers and factories against the original costing.

5. Quality Control & Final Inspection:

• Coordinate with the Quality Control (QC) team to schedule inline and final inspections.
• Review Inspection Reports and ensure any defects are communicated to the factory for immediate correction before shipment.
• Ensure the final garments are packed and labeled exactly as per the client's shipping instructions.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, Apparel Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 4-7 years of experience as a Production Merchandiser or a similar role within a garment export house or buying agency.
• Must have hands-on experience working with international clients (US, EU, UK markets preferred).
• Technical Knowledge:
• In-depth understanding of the garment manufacturing process (from fabric to finish).
• Ability to read and understand Tech Packs, Spec Sheets, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, trims, and garment construction.
• Familiarity with sampling procedures and quality standards (AQL).
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills for costing and planning.
• Problem-solving aptitude and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ERP or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Knowledge of compliance and sustainability standards (e.g., BSCI, Oeko-Tex, GRS).