Job Description – Sourcing Merchandiser

Position: Sourcing Merchandiser

Experience: 8+ Years

Industry: Apparel / Fashion / Garments

Location: Coimbatore

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Sourcing Merchandiser with 8+ years of experience in apparel sourcing, product development, vendor management, and production coordination. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the end-to-end sourcing process and the ability to work closely with buyers, suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of quality products at competitive costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end sourcing and merchandising activities from product development to final shipment.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new vendors and suppliers based on product, quality, capacity, and cost requirements.
• Source fabrics, trims, accessories, and finished garments in line with buyer requirements.
• Coordinate with vendors and factories for sampling, costing, development, production, and delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs, payment terms, and other commercial aspects with suppliers.
• Prepare and manage cost sheets, T&A, order sheets, and sourcing trackers.
• Ensure products meet required quality, fit, construction, and compliance standards.
• Follow up closely with vendors to ensure on-time sampling and production delivery.
• Coordinate with design, buying, quality, production, and logistics teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Monitor production progress and proactively resolve delays, quality issues, and supply-related challenges.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors while continuously exploring new sourcing opportunities.
• Analyze supplier performance, costing, lead times, and capacity to support sourcing decisions.
• Ensure all sourcing activities are aligned with company margins, quality expectations, and delivery timelines.
• Stay updated on market trends, fabric developments, supplier capabilities, and sourcing opportunities.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in Apparel Sourcing & Merchandising.
• Excellent knowledge of fabric, trims, garment construction, and product development.
• Strong vendor development and vendor management skills.
• Good understanding of costing, negotiations, and commercial terms.
• Strong follow-up and execution skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple styles/orders simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of T&A, production planning, quality, and shipment processes.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and merchandising/sourcing systems.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 8+ years of relevant experience in apparel sourcing/merchandising.
• Candidates from fashion brands, buying houses, sourcing offices, or apparel export companies preferred.
• Experience handling multiple vendors and product categories.
• Strong exposure to international buyers/brands will be an added advantage.
• Candidates with strong negotiation, vendor network, and end-to-end sourcing experience will be preferred.

Key Performance Areas

Vendor Development | Cost Optimization | Product Development | Quality | On-Time Delivery | Supplier Management | Commercial Negotiation | Sourcing Strategy