Merchandising Head - Sweater Category

Job Description

Job Title: Merchandising Head - Sweater Category Job Summary: We are seeking a Merchandising Head for the Sweater Category who will lead a merchandising team to manage brand requirements, overseeing product development, costing, buyer communication, and order execution from concept to shipment. This role demands in-depth expertise in sweaters (yarn selection, knit techniques, construction), buyer protocol adherence and coordination with production and sourcing teams to deliver quality products on time and within cost and ensures smooth coordination between buyers, production, design and other internal teams to meet delivery and compliance expectations. Key Responsibilities: 1. Buyer Communication & Relationship Management: Serve as the key point of contact for the Brand/ global buying/merchandising team. Understand brand DNA, seasonal requirements, and compliance protocols. Negotiate orders, pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with buyers. Manage T&A calendars strictly aligned with brands delivery expectations. 2 . Product Development & Sampling Oversee design and development of seasonal sweater collections in line with Brand’s aesthetics and functional requirements. Guide the design and sampling teams for product development as per buyer requirements. Ensure timely development of proto, fit, size sets, photo samples, and SMS. Coordinate with in-house sampling, yarn sourcing, and design teams to execute samples accurately and ensure timely sample approvals and buyer feedback is incorporated. Submission of all lab dips, trims etc. to buyers. 3. Costing & Order Confirmation Oversee accurate costings and quotations for new developments. Collaborate with internal departments (sourcing, trims, production) to optimize costs. Negotiate pricing and MOQs with buyers as per internal margin guidelines. 4. Production Coordination & Execution Manage order lifecycle post-confirmation including BOM, tech pack handover, and production tracking. Interpretation of tech packs and buyer’s manuals. Liaise with production, quality assurance, and logistics to ensure OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery. Track bulk yarn procurement, knitting schedules and finishing to avoid delays. Ensure Quality testing of raw materials at supplier’s stage as well as after getting in house. Coordinate with production, QA, and logistics to meet delivery commitments & ensure OCR. 5 . Market Trend Analysis Monitor fashion trends, market demand and competitor activity. Guide the team in developing relevant collections for target markets. 6 . Technical & Compliance Oversight Ensure technical specifications are correctly interpreted and implemented. Adhere to Brand’s sustainability and compliance requirements. Coordinate with labs for testing and ensure all pre-shipment tests are passed. 7. Reporting & Documentation Maintain accurate records of buyer interactions, order statuses, and shipment schedules. Submit regular MIS reports to top management on order tracking and profitability. 8. Team Leadership & Cross-functional Coordination Lead a team of merchandisers and coordinate with sourcing, QA, planning, and factories. Train junior merchandisers on Brand’s requirements, SOPs, and compliance needs. Conduct regular WIP and TNA review meetings to identify risks and resolve bottlenecks. Set KPIs and targets, monitor team performance. Build a strong, motivated team aligned with company goals. Preferred candidate profile: Strong knowledge of sweater construction (flat knit, gauge knowledge, yarn properties). Experience working with international brands. Commercial acumen and cost management. Effective communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Strong TNA management, critical path tracking, and problem-solving. Familiarity with AI tools (ChatGPT, Excel AI, workflow automation, etc.).