Merchandiser, Raw Materials

Location:

Lahore,

To drive the successful transformation of the business in becoming a world-class sourcing organization by supporting the formulation of business relationships and delivering business strategies at the program and operational level through core sourcing competencies. To effectively manage the fabric elements of an assigned product category. To partner with global counterparts in ensuring that all business goals and objectives are met, including but not limited to AUC and on-time delivery targets.

Key Accountabilities:

• To effectively build and maintain strong business relationships with vendors and mills
• To support fabric sourcing for the assigned product category
• To manage overall timeline in line with broader PLC calendar changes
• To own Fabric Commitments – Core Fabric/6 Month Buys
• To partner with Apparel Pre-Production Team, Quliaty Assurance Team and Product Integrity Team for Product & Material Risk Assessment & Resolution at the Development Stage
• To manage cost analysis through material cost updates and research, while identifying cost reduction opportunities
• To monitor the fabric quality levels and call out any potential issues
• To manage seasonal fabric T&A planning with cross-functional teams
• To oversee and elevate supplier performance through seasonal review meetings and update supplier scorecards
• To continually develop/improve and communicate SOP's
• To maintain close communication with all stakeholders globally
  Provide support in ad-hoc assignment/project as required

Education and Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience in fabric (wovens & knits), garment/textiles design, development and/or production
• Diploma or above credential in Fabric Technology or equivalent
• Strong background in developing and maintaining vendor and mill relationships
• Strong background in influencing multiple stakeholders in achieving the most desired outcome
• Solid background in executing various sourcing strategies (e.g. country migration, vendor consolidation, etc.)
• Solid background in fabric/raw materials research, development, and analysis
• Exposure in vendor scorecarding and remedies development
• Extensive experience in fabric allocation, ordering & tracking, and product approvals
• Comprehensive experience in cost negotiation
• High level of familiarity of Product Safety/Technology standards for children's apparel and/or products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Good command of both verbal and written in English & local language

Technical Skills:

• Appreciation of and eye for commercial viability
• Awareness and understanding of Design intent
• Strong adherence to T&A deadlines
• Proactive escalation approach to issues and risks
• Working knowledge of fabrication specifications (e.g., construction, yarn size and weight)
• Understanding of yarn and textile manufacturing processes
• Identify and understand difference in print techniques
• Identify and understand difference in dyeing and finishing techniques
• Understanding of and ability to strongly execute business strategies
• Analytical horsepower to generate, evaluate, remediate and articulate analytics
• Understanding of product safety requirements with ability to identify safety concerns and recommend alternative options
• Understanding of raw material cost structures and their impact on garment profitability
• Ability to negotiate with confidence and effectively pursue the optimal cost