Sourcing Merchandiser- Sweater/Pullover Specialist

• Specialize in sweater and pullover sourcing and merchandising, with strong technical knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, fabrics, knitting techniques, trims, and finishing.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new suppliers and factories specializing in sweater and pullover production while maintaining strong relationships with existing vendors.
• Manage purchase orders and procure yarns, fabrics, trims, and other raw materials required for sweater and pullover production.
• Handle costing, budgeting, price negotiations, and cost optimization while maintaining product quality and target margins.
• Manage the complete product development cycle, from initial design concepts, samples, and approvals through bulk production and final delivery.
• Coordinate with suppliers and production teams to ensure products meet approved samples, specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Monitor production progress, conduct quality inspections, resolve production issues, and ensure timely order completion and shipment.
• Oversee production planning, capacity allocation, warehousing, storage, packaging, dispatch, and shipping arrangements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including design, sourcing, quality control, merchandising, and logistics, to ensure smooth operations and on-time delivery.
• Monitor production costs, productivity, inventory, and resource utilization to minimize expenses without compromising quality.
• Ensure compliance with applicable production safety procedures, quality standards, and buyer requirements.

Desired Candidate Profile

• A degree or diploma in Fashion Merchandising, Textile Technology, Garment Manufacturing, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sourcing or merchandising within the textile/apparel industry, preferably in a buying house environment.
• Proven hands-on experience specifically in sweater and pullover merchandising or sourcing is essential. Candidates with only general apparel, woven garment, or denim merchandising experience will not meet the primary requirement unless they also have substantial sweater/pullover experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of knitwear, including yarn selection, knitting structures, stitch types, garment construction, washing, finishing, and quality standards.
• Experience managing sweater/pullover product development, sample approvals, costing, supplier negotiations, bulk production, and shipment follow-up.
• Solid understanding of garment costing, order management, production planning, quality control, and delivery timelines.
• Experience working with high-end fashion brands or quality-conscious buyers is an advantage.
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, coordination, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Good understanding of production safety, quality compliance, productivity, inventory control, and cost management.