Senior Merchandiser (Apparel | Buying House)

Job Description

Location: Gurgaon

The Senior Merchandiser will be responsible for end-to-end execution of apparel programs across EU and USA value/discount retail customers. The role is highly execution-driven, requiring strong ownership of sampling, costing, production follow-ups, and buyer coordination across knitted and woven categories.

The candidate will report into the AMM/MM and will play a critical role in ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and quality compliance across all assigned styles.

1. Buyer Management & Order Execution

• Manage day-to-day coordination with EU/US value retail buyers across development and production stages
• Ensure clear communication on approvals, comments, timelines, and order confirmations
• Drive alignment between buyer expectations and factory execution
• Provide structured updates on sampling, production, and shipment status

1. Sampling & Product Development

• Own the complete sampling lifecycle: proto, fit, size set, PP samples
• Ensure accurate interpretation of tech packs and buyer requirements
• Track submissions, approvals, and comments with strong follow-ups
• Drive smooth transition from development to bulk production

1. Costing & Commercials

• Prepare and validate detailed garment costing (fabric, trims, CM, washes, logistics)
• Strong understanding of cost engineering for value/discount retail
• Work closely with factories to meet target price points of value customers
• Track and control cost movements during development and bulk stages

1. Factory Coordination & Production Execution

• Liaise with factories for order placement and execution tracking
• Monitor fabric in-house, trims readiness, PP approvals, and production progress
• Ensure adherence to shipment timelines and delivery commitments
• Escalate risks proactively to AMM/MM

1. Critical Path & Timeline Management

• Maintain and track T&A (Time & Action) calendars for all styles
• Ensure strict adherence to milestones across sampling, production, and shipment
• Drive proactive follow-ups to avoid delays

1. Technical & Design Coordination

• Coordinate with design, technical, and pattern teams for development alignment
• Support fit approvals, measurement charts, and grading validation
• Facilitate resolution of technical queries between buyer and factory

1. Quality & Compliance

• Work closely with QA teams for inline and final inspections
• Ensure compliance with buyer standards and quality benchmarks
• Support resolution of production and quality-related issues

1. Documentation & Shipment Coordination

• Ensure accuracy in order documentation and shipment processes
• Coordinate with logistics/forwarders for smooth dispatch
• Prevent delays due to documentation or compliance gaps

• 12+ years of experience in apparel merchandising
• Strong exposure to structured discount/value retail business (EU/USA markets mandatory)
• Experience working with both Indian retail and international value customers
• Strong understanding of knitted and woven categories
• Deep knowledge of costing, sampling workflows, and production cycles
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, price-sensitive business environments
• Strong stakeholder management and follow-up discipline
• Proficient in MS Excel and merchandising tools

• Reports to: AMM / MM

• Experience with brands/retailers such as: Primark, Pepco, Kik, Takko, etc. (or similar value players)
• Prior experience in buying houses/export houses handling value retail programs