Role Overview

The Sourcing & Merchandiser is responsible for sourcing all raw materials required for sampling and production, including fabrics, trims, laces, buttons, zippers, labels, packaging, and accessories.

Working as part of the Design Team, you will collaborate closely with the Creative Head and Senior Designer to understand the vision for each collection and source materials that meet the required aesthetic, quality, timeline, and budget. You will be the companys primary point of contact for all material suppliers, maintaining strong vendor relationships and ensuring every required material is delivered accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Material Sourcing

- Source fabrics, trims, laces, buttons, zippers, elastics, interlinings, labels, packaging materials, and other raw materials.
- Present multiple sourcing options from different suppliers based on the design brief.
- Source alternatives whenever required while maintaining the design intent.
- Stay updated on new fabrics, trims, techniques, and innovations within the industry.
- Visit supplier markets, mills, and exhibitions to discover recent materials and vendors.

Vendor Management

- Serve as the primary point of contact for all raw material suppliers.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors.




- Negotiate pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and payment terms.
- Follow up regularly to ensure timely deliveries.
- Resolve issues relating to quality, shortages, incorrect deliveries, or delays.

Design Support

- Work closely with the Creative Head and Senior Designer throughout the collection development process.
- Understand the requirements for each style and source suitable materials accordingly.
- Arrange fabric and trim swatches for design approvals.
- Maintain an organised material library for future collections and reference.

Vendor Database

- Maintain a comprehensive database of approved suppliers.
- Record vendor specialities, pricing history, lead times, contact information, quality notes, and previous orders.
- Continuously expand the supplier network with reliable vendors.

Coordination

- Coordinate with Design, Inventory, Production, and Accounts to ensure materials are ordered, tracked, received, and available when required.
- Communicate any risks to timelines as early as possible and propose suitable solutions.
- Number of new approved suppliers introduced.
- Minimal production delays caused by material shortages.

📌 Merchandiser (Mumbai)
🏢 Vijaya Advisors
📍 Mumbai