Senior Buyer ( Apparel )

Responsibilities:

• Buying Merchandising:
• Lead the buying strategy to ensure alignment with market trends, customer preferences, and company goals.
• Develop and manage the seasonal product assortment, considering customer demands, market insights, and financial targets.
• Ensure a balanced and profitable product range by working closely with merchandising and planning teams.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and agreements with vendors to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining margins.
• Fabric and Costing Expertise:
• Oversee fabric selection, ensuring the materials are aligned with current trends, customer preferences, and quality standards.
• Analyze fabric costs and negotiate with suppliers to ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising on product quality.
• Manage the entire costing process from fabric sourcing to final garment production, ensuring profitability for each product.
• Sourcing Vendor Management:
• Identify and onboard new suppliers and vendors in line with the brand s quality and cost requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure timely deliveries and consistency in product quality.
• Regularly evaluate vendor performance and conduct quality checks, negotiating improvements where necessary.
• Inventory Supply Chain Coordination:
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods.
• Optimize stock levels to ensure the right balance between supply and demand while reducing overstock and stockouts.
• Market Trend Analysis:
• Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to stay updated on industry trends, customer preferences, and pricing strategies.
• Provide actionable insights to the merchandising and marketing teams to optimize the product offering.
• Team Collaboration Reporting:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including merchandising, planning, supply chain, and marketing to ensure smooth execution of buying and merchandising strategies.
• Provide regular performance reports on buying, sourcing, and vendor management to senior management.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Textile Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master s degree is a plus).
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in buying and merchandising in the apparel industry, preferably in export houses, brand retail, or value retail.
• Strong expertise in fabric selection, costing, sourcing, and vendor management.
• Deep understanding of current fashion trends, customer behaviour, and market demands.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and manage product assortment.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in product costing, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and any merchandising software