Key Responsibilities
A. Buyer Requirement & Strategic Communication
Act as the primary point of contact for key buyers and high-value accounts.
Interpret buyer requirements, design briefs, and complex technical specifications accurately.
Lead presentations, costing discussions, negotiations, and T&A finalization.
Manage buyer approvals, comments, escalations, and change requests efficiently.
B. Product Development & Sampling Leadership
Oversee prototype, FIT, PP, and size-set developments with the sampling team.
Provide technical solutions for construction issues, material challenges, and quality risks.
Approve workmanship, verify measurements, and ensure brand standards are met.
Drive sampling deadlines and ensure flawless development execution.
C. Material Sourcing & Vendor Management
Identify and qualify new leather, hardware, and trims suppliers for innovation and cost competitiveness.
Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and payment terms.
Ensure bulk materials meet buyer-approved standards and testing requirements.
Guide Assistant Merchants and Purchase teams on material planning and approval processes.
D. Costing, Pricing & Documentation Control
Prepare final accurate costings including yields, labor, overheads, trims, and margin analysis.
Lead price negotiation with buyers based on costing and feasibility.
Approve BOM, Trim Cards, Tech Packs, and order documents.
Ensure all development and bulk documents are accurate and audit-ready.
E. Production Handover & Order Execution Oversight
Lead Order Review Meetings with Production, QA, Cutting, Tooling & Planning.
Ensure bulk Tech Pack, tools list, dies, patterns, and materials are finalized before production.
Monitor WIP, production status, bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
Ensure timely delivery meeting quality, costing, and T&A commitments.
F. Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure 100% adherence to buyer quality standards and compliance protocols.
Anticipate risks related to materials, design, or production and implement preventive measures.
Approve final samples, shade bands, pre-production lots, and test reports.
Lead rework analysis and corrective action reports (CAR).
G. Internal Team Leadership & Coordination
Guide and train Assistant Merchants and merchants.
Coordinate with design, sampling, purchase, production, and planning teams.
Provide weekly management updates on high-level planning, risks, and strategic solutions.
Ensure strong follow-up culture and documentation discipline across the team.