Merchandising Manager

1. Position Summary

The Merchandise Manager – Denim Division leads the end-to-end merchandising cycle for denim products and directly reports to the Merchandising Director. The role oversees product development, costing, vendor management, order execution, and production performance across denim categories. This position requires strong technical expertise in denim fabrics, washes, and finishing techniques, as well as the ability to collaborate with global brand partners, factories, and cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and business growth.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Product Development & Line Management

• Drive denim product development from concept through pre-production, ensuring alignment with brand requirements and seasonal direction.

• Review tech packs, fabric selections, wash standards, trims, and construction details; guide vendors on feasibility and risk mitigation.

• Ensure high-quality sample execution (Proto, SMS, Fit, PP) that meets brand aesthetics and technical standards.

• Lead costing negotiations based on fabric yield, wash cost, trims, CM, MOQ, capacity, and lead-time requirements.

B. Vendor Management & Sourcing

• Build and manage strategic vendor relationships across mills, laundries, and factories specializing in denim.

• Evaluate vendor capability, compliance, sustainability standards, and capacity alignment.

• Optimize sourcing matrix for cost, speed, flexibility, and compliance.

C. Order Management & Execution

• Oversee order confirmation, PO management, T&A creation, and critical path monitoring to ensure 100% on-time delivery.

• Partner with QA/QC, production, and technical teams to resolve wash, fabric, chemical, or construction-related issues.

• Conduct risk assessments for complex washes, laser/ozone processes, and high-embellishment categories.

• Ensure timely approvals for fabric, lab dips, washes, and trims.

D. Costing, Profitability & Business Performance

• Lead vendor price negotiations to meet margin and commercial KPIs.

• Analyze cost breakdowns (fabric, wash, trims, CM, overheads, logistics) and propose cost-saving initiatives.

• Support seasonal forecasts, budget planning, and merchandise strategies for denim growth.

E. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Planning, QA, and Logistics to maintain smooth execution.

• Communicate proactively with global brand partners on sample progress, risks, costing updates, and corrective action plans.

F. Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure denim developments and bulk production comply with ZDHC, RSL, MRSL, and sustainability requirements.

• Monitor wash processes, chemical usage, and resource consumption in support of ESG objectives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, or related fields.

Experience

• 7–10 years of merchandising experience, with minimum 5 years in Denim.

• Proven success working with US/EU brands and high-volume denim factories.

Technical Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of denim yarns, dyeing (Indigo/Sulphur), weaving, shrinkage, finishes, and wash processes.

• Proficient in costing, T&A management, ERP systems, and MS Office.

• Ability to interpret tech packs, construction details, and testing standards.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication with global teams.

• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and vendor management skills.

• Ability to multitask, manage seasonal workloads, and lead a merch team.

• Highly detail-oriented with strong risk-management capabilities.