Senior Merchandiser (MD) - Fabric & Material

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Merchandiser Buyer – Fabric & Material to lead our material sourcing, vendor management, and cost optimization strategies.

In this pivotal role, you will bridge Product Development and Supply Chain operations by securing high-quality fabrics and trims at optimal commercial terms. You will ensure seamless production schedules, drive sustainable supplier partnerships, and contribute directly to profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fabric & Material Sourcing

• Lead end-to-end fabric and trims sourcing based on seasonal design concepts, technical specifications, and target margins.

• Stay updated on global and local textile trends, innovative fabric constructions, and sustainable material alternatives.

2. Vendor Management & Network Expansion

• Identify, evaluate, and build a robust network of local and international fabric mills, suppliers, and converters.

• Establish strategic backup suppliers for critical and high-volume materials to mitigate supply chain risks.

• Monitor vendor performance regularly based on quality, lead time, price competitiveness, and delivery reliability.

3. Costing & Commercial Negotiations

• Conduct detailed cost breakdown analysis, price benchmarking, and quotation comparisons to achieve target margins.

• Lead negotiations on commercial terms, including FOB/CIF pricing, Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ), lead times, and payment terms.

4. Material Development & Quality Control

• Oversee sample development, including swatches, lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk approvals in close coordination with Design and QC teams.

• Proactively resolve quality, color shade variation, or technical fabric issues prior to bulk production.

5. Procurement & Supply Chain Execution

• Manage the complete purchasing flow: Sourcing $\rightarrow$ Sample Approval $\rightarrow$ PO Issuance $\rightarrow$ Production Tracking $\rightarrow$ Warehouse Delivery.

• Ensure material arrival aligns strictly with production schedules and product launch deadlines to avoid line stoppages.

• Control inventory purchasing to minimize material wastage, deadstock, and excess fabric exposure.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with Design, Product Development, Production, PPIC, QC, and Finance to ensure alignment across all project phases.

• Prepare regular analytical reports on sourcing progress, material costs, vendor ratings, and savings initiatives.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of solid experience as a Material Sourcing Specialist, Fabric Buyer, or Senior Merchandiser in the apparel/garment industry.

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of textile properties, fabric construction, dyeing/finishing processes, garment manufacturing, and cost sheet breakdown.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills, analytical mindset, and a proven track record of cost saving and vendor negotiation.

• Vendor Network: Existing network of reliable local and/or overseas fabric suppliers and mills.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, costing templates) and experience with ERP/PLM systems.

• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving, high attention to detail, strong leadership, and effective cross-functional communication.