Job Description

Fabric Merchant (PD)

A Fabric Merchant (Product Development) plays a crucial role in the apparel and textile industry by managing the process of creating new fabrics from concept to production. They act as a central point of contact between designers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective development of new materials. Responsibilities

Concept and design collaboration:

Work with the design team to understand creative direction and translate concepts into viable fabrics.

Sourcing and procurement:

Research and source a wide range of fabrics and raw materials based on design specifications, market trends, and quality standards. Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers and vendors.

Sampling and prototyping:

Manage the entire sampling process, including developing sample fabrics, overseeing lab dips (color samples), and approving final prototypes.

Costing and negotiation:

Analyze costs and negotiate with suppliers to ensure fabric is sourced at a competitive price while meeting target margins.

Quality assurance:

Oversee quality control checks on incoming fabrics and samples, ensuring they meet specified standards for durability, colorfastness, and other performance metrics.

Timeline and project management:

Create and manage development timelines, known as a Time and Action (T&A) calendar, to ensure all product development milestones and final delivery dates are met.

Trend analysis:

Stay informed about the latest textile innovations, sustainable materials, and market trends to forecast future fabric needs and drive product innovation.

Communication and coordination:

Serve as the main liaison between internal departments (design, production, sales) and external partners (suppliers, manufacturers) to ensure a smooth workflow.
Required skills and qualifications

Education:

A bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, Textile Design, or a related field is typically required.

Experience:

Most positions require several years of relevant experience in the apparel or textile industry, preferably within a buying or export house.

Fabric knowledge:

In-depth technical knowledge of textiles, including fiber types, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing processes.

Technical proficiency:

Experience with product development systems (e.g., PLM) and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Soft skills:

Communication:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.

Negotiation:

Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing and terms with suppliers.

Problem-solving:

Ability to identify and resolve issues related to production delays, quality problems, or cost challenges.

Organization:

Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Adaptability:

The capacity to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment and respond to evolving market demands.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Benefits:

Health insurance Provident Fund
Education:

Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:

Fabric merchant: 4 years (Required) * Textile tecnology: 4 years (Required)