Fabric Sourcing - Manager

1. Supplier Identification & Development

• Identify and evaluate new fabric suppliers based on product requirements, quality standards, capacity, pricing, and delivery capabilities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential suppliers.
• Conduct supplier assessments and continuously expand the approved supplier base.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, payment conditions, MOQs, and delivery schedules to achieve cost-effective sourcing.
• Monitor supplier performance and take corrective action wherever required.

2. Fabric Sourcing & Market Research

• Research the textile market to identify new fabric sources, suppliers, materials, and emerging opportunities.
• Stay updated on the latest fabric trends, innovations, technologies, and material developments.
• Identify cost-effective and commercially viable sourcing opportunities.
• Provide market intelligence and sourcing recommendations to management and relevant teams.

3. Fabric Quality & Technical Evaluation

• Understand different fabric types, compositions, properties, specifications, and production processes.
• Source and evaluate fabric samples against required quality and technical specifications.
• Coordinate with Quality Control teams to ensure fabrics meet defined quality standards.
• Identify quality deviations and coordinate with suppliers for timely corrective actions.
• Ensure consistency in fabric quality across suppliers and orders.

4. Sample Development & Management

• Coordinate with suppliers for development and submission of fabric samples.
• Review samples for quality, colour, texture, construction, specifications, and suitability.
• Maintain an organized record/library of fabric samples for future reference.
• Coordinate sample modifications with suppliers based on feedback from internal teams.

5. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Design, Production, Merchandising, Quality, and other relevant teams to understand fabric requirements.
• Provide inputs on fabric availability, supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times, and market trends.
• Ensure sourcing plans are aligned with product development and production requirements.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to resolve sourcing and supplier-related issues.

6. Inventory & Production Planning

• Support fabric requirement planning based on upcoming production schedules and business requirements.
• Coordinate with Production teams to forecast fabric requirements.
• Monitor fabric availability and assist in maintaining optimum inventory levels.
• Ensure timely sourcing and delivery of fabrics to avoid production delays.

7. Cost Management & Commercials

• Negotiate competitive fabric prices while maintaining required quality standards.
• Compare supplier quotations and evaluate overall sourcing costs.
• Track market pricing and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Support management in making data-driven sourcing and procurement decisions.

8. Supplier Performance Management

• Monitor supplier performance with respect to quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and service.
• Maintain supplier performance records and identify areas for improvement.
• Address supplier-related quality and delivery issues promptly.
• Develop long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers.

9. Reporting & MIS

• Prepare regular reports on fabric sourcing activities, supplier performance, pricing, samples, and market developments.
• Maintain accurate sourcing and supplier-related records.
• Analyse sourcing data to identify trends, risks, cost-saving opportunities, and supplier performance gaps.
• Present data-driven insights and recommendations to management.

10. Sustainability & Industry Practices

• Stay aware of sustainable fabric options and evolving practices within the textile industry.
• Explore suppliers offering sustainable and innovative fabric solutions.
• Keep track of relevant developments in textile sourcing, materials, and industry practices.