Merchandising Manager for XYZ International FZCO, Bangladesh

ZXY International, a global apparel sourcing company, has been established with a clear mission to be unique, innovative, redefine global sourcing standards, as well as be the best sourcing partner in the apparel sector. Today, we have an empowered team of over 800 colleagues across international locations of Bangladesh, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Egypt; each team member is committed to our Passion for Perfection motto.

Grab the opportunity to be a part of a truly global workplace, where passion and engagement are met with professional and personal development opportunities. Make a real difference on a global scale and shape a sustainable and fulfilling career path

 The Merchandising Manager / Team Manager Merchandising (Knits) holds the overall responsibility for all merchandising and production management of the team including on time deliveries, perfect quality & managing all aspects of the business from development sampling to final shipment. Regular factory visits are a must and require close collaboration with the factories to ensure 100% on time deliveries. Must take lead in vendor education and upgrade factories on technical / production / quality related matters. The incumbent will work closely with Business Unit Head to enhance and evolve processes and procedures as business evolves; broaden technical knowledge and expertise, while continually striving to elevate the quality of the product.

Roles and Responsibilities

Merchandising

• Prompt action on all inquiries received, prices / samples to be submitted promptly
• Ensure all mails are answered within 24hrs and all actions have been taken promptly
• Analyze customer progress report in terms of growth/shortcomings/product and price points.
• Coordinate and plan buyer visits: this comprises booking of accommodations, pickup and drop, detailed agenda, files, factory visits, showroom arrangements and arranging new products etc.
• Make agendas before any meeting. Attend and conduct the meetings with the customers, make minutes after the meetings and follow them through.
• Analyze customer progress report in terms of growth/shortcomings/product and price points. new inquiries, SMS sampling, development sampling & bulk production.
• Maintain the margin statements for all customer accounts within the team and yearly budgets. Give monthly sales reports to the management
• Ensure discipline, punctuality and maintain harmony within the team, be cooperative and interact with other teams by exchanging ideas to solve problems, to source cheaper and to explore new vendors.

Development & Pre-Production

• Review with merchandising team new tech packs & developments & identify any critical points & provide technical guidance to the team. Suggest the right factory for the right product & participate in the factory selection process from sample stage.
• Review Fit/Pre-Production/Size Set samples received from the factories for compliance with construction standards, specifications and sizing. Ensure size set comments conveyed to the factory is well understood & implemented correctly. Discuss size set comments with the factory production team & address all key points.
• Ensure all customer requirements are met in the production based on customer tech pack, manual, measurements, packaging & labeling details and lab testings are carried out & any risks are highlighted to the team in advance. Recommend any changes to the products, which can help make production friendlier for knitting/sewing/construction without changing the aesthetics of the garment.
• Maintain the time and action calendar for all production sampling (Fit, Proto, PP, TOP, Testing & shipment samples) and ensure the factory follows the critical path & samples are sent in time & in the right quality.

Production

• Oversee Production Planning & maintain time & action calendar for all confirmed orders, ensure 100% ON time deliveries & zero airfreight.
• Take the list of daily issues from each merchandiser/customer for each factory & visit the factory to address the problems ensure quick decision making by involving the Divisional Manager on critical issues.
• Take the lead on Pre-Production meetings & ensure Knit start dates are maintained as per micro production planning / TNA.
• Check the production/QC file prepared by Merchandiser is complete and sign it off prior handing to the QA department. Conduct production meetings with the factories & QA team as per the allocated time and follow up with the factories on the progress of the order
• Partner with factories & support them through production problems on tough and challenging programs that require extra effort from both sides. Work together as a team in solving issues and addressing concerns.
• Book production space with factories in advance & maintain capacity utilization chart updated at all times. Select and visit different production, printing, and embroidery factories according to space availability and build long-term relationships for future orders
• Regularly evaluate factory performance & give feedback to the Division Manager concerning factory issues recommending solutions. Source & develop new factories as per requirement & regularly introduce new products, new yarns new factories to the merchandising teams.

Desired Candidate Profile:

• At least 10 years experience in similar position in the Knit category
• Must have knowledge and prior work experience in Buying Office /Factory/Sourcing Office in Bangladesh
• Track record in leading a team to manage multiple accounts in the Knit category in terms of Customer Management, Business Development, Material & Factory Sourcing, Product Development, Core Merchandising, Budgeting and aim to grow/capture additional business

Competence:

• Excellent leadership qualities, proven ability to motivate and bring out the best in people
• Ability to interact professionally with colleagues, clients, and customers from diverse cultural, geographical and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to judge professional situations and relationships and represent the best interests of the company
• Understanding of discretion and the importance of confidentiality
• Ability to coordinate, manage and lead large scale projects
• Strong people manager proven feedback through reviews, surveys or similar measurement tools of management effectiveness
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact and build relationships work as a team
• Should be well-groomed, smart and energetic
• Strong presentation and delivery skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, aiming for perfection
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• IT proficiency - sound skill is a MUST in MS Office package (Especially, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Should be proactive and dynamic, ability to work hard efficiently
• Ability to multitask and remain organized, meet deadlines
• Understanding of wider business areas Strategy, HR, Finance, Innovation etc.

Education:

• Masters degree from a well reputed university or relevant higher education on Apparel Merchandising will be given preference. Candidates who have degree from NIFT or BIFT will get preference.

*Interested applicants may apply online or send in their Curriculum Vitae at careers@zxyinternational.com

**The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants, we appreciate all interest but only short-listed candidates will be contacted