Position Summary
The Merchandise Manager – Denim Division leads the end- to- end merchandising cycle for denim products and directly reports to the Merchandising Director. The role oversees product development, costing, vendor management, order execution, and production performance across denim categories. This position requires strong technical expertise in denim fabrics, washes, and finishing techniques, as well as the ability to collaborate with global brand partners, factories, and cross- functional teams to drive operational excellence and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Line Management
• Review tech packs, fabric selections, wash standards, trims, and construction details; guide vendors on feasibility and risk mitigation.
• Ensure high- quality sample execution (Proto, SMS, Fit, PP) that meets brand aesthetics and technical standards.
• Lead costing negotiations based on fabric yield, wash cost, trims, CM, MOQ, capacity, and lead- time requirements.
• Drive denim product development from concept through pre- production, ensuring alignment with brand requirements and seasonal direction.
Vendor Management & Sourcing
• Optimize sourcing matrix for cost, speed, flexibility, and compliance.
• Evaluate vendor capability, compliance, sustainability standards, and capacity alignment.
• Build and manage strategic vendor relationships across mills, laundries, and factories specializing in denim.
Order Management & Execution
• Partner with QA/QC, production, and technical teams to resolve wash, fabric, chemical, or construction- related issues.
• Ensure timely approvals for fabric, lab dips, washes, and trims.
• Conduct risk assessments for complex washes, laser/ozone processes, and high- embellishment categories.
• Oversee order confirmation, PO management, T&A creation, and critical path monitoring to ensure 100% on- time delivery.
Costing, Profitability & Business Performance
• Support seasonal forecasts, budget planning, and merchandise strategies for denim growth.
• Analyze cost breakdowns (fabric, wash, trims, CM, overheads, logistics) and propose cost- saving initiatives.
• Lead vendor price negotiations to meet margin and commercial KPIs.
Cross- Functional Collaboration
• Communicate proactively with global brand partners on sample progress, risks, costing updates, and corrective action plans.
• Work closely with Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Planning, QA, and Logistics to maintain smooth execution.
Compliance & Sustainability
• Monitor wash processes, chemical usage, and resource consumption in support of ESG objectives.
• Ensure denim developments and bulk production comply with ZDHC, RSL, MRSL, and sustainability requirements.
