Assistant Sourcing Manager - Apparel

Position Objective:

The role is responsible for supporting the buying team and vendors in Fashion Apparel category . The role holder will work independently in negotiating cost, developing samples, R&D and most importantly in timely execution of orders . The person responsible needs to be a product / category expert, who can also support the team in product development through creation of fabric and trim libraries that are in line with current trend. A good understanding of patterns, fabrics and drapes is a must.

Key Responsibilities:

· Vendor management and development. Position holder will be required to monitor the vendor performance in terms of cost, innovation, milestone management to help reduce TAT.

· New vendor scoping and on-boarding, in keeping with business and category challenges.

· Understanding of fabric trends, costs and garment costing. Nuanced understanding of cost breakdown.

· Negotiating best cost and deliveries.

· Timely sharing of tech packs, art files, samples & swatches with suppliers for sample development.

· Communicating with vendors and hand holding them to ensure samples fit and drape well and are aesthetically appealing and production friendly.

· Communication with vendors on order status and follow up for outstanding Fit, Pre-production and top of production samples.

· Shipment follow-up with vendors & export team

· Manage approvals on product, lab dips, handloom strikes off and styling.

· Fits & test report follow up with Quality team

· Understanding of sales/trade reports & preparing for capacity and fabric booking.

· Any other duties that maybe assigned by manager/department head from time to time for smooth running of the department.

Basic Qualification / Education / Vocational Training

Graduation / Postgraduation in Textile or Fashion

Experience Required

8-10 years in fashion retail, leading export house or buying agency, with 4-5 years in apparel Category specifically.

Skills and Capabilities

Must Have:

· Strong negotiation & communication skills

· Attention to detail & strong process orientation

· Good research and analytical skills with a keen eye for product

· Good ability to collaborate and communicate clearly with a set of multiple stakeholders

· Good MS Office skills (especially excel, word and PowerPoint) & PLM system knowledge (Preferred)

· Comfortable working in a fast paced and ambiguous environment

· Continuous improvement mindset