FOB Sourcing - Womenswear (Merchandiser)

Job Purpose

Responsible for sourcing, costing, vendor management, product development, and end-to-end execution of womenswear orders under the FOB (Free on Board) business model. The role acts as a bridge between buyers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely development and shipment while meeting quality, compliance, and commercial expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Sourcing

• Source suitable vendors and factories for womenswear categories.
• Manage development of samples as per buyer requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers for fabric, trims, washes, embellishments, and garment construction.
• Ensure timely submission of proto, fit, PP, and shipment samples.
• Track fashion trends, fabrics, and manufacturing capabilities.

Costing & Negotiation

• Prepare FOB cost sheets and conduct cost breakdown analysis.
• Negotiate prices with suppliers while maintaining target margins.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities through alternate fabrics, trims, or manufacturing methods.
• Analyze consumption and costing to ensure competitiveness.

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with factories and suppliers.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities, capacity, quality standards, and compliance.
• Monitor vendor performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support onboarding of new suppliers.

Order Management

• Execute orders from confirmation to shipment.
• Prepare and manage Time & Action (T&A) calendars.
• Monitor critical path activities and ensure milestone adherence.
• Coordinate with production, quality, logistics, and sourcing teams.

Production Follow-Up

• Track production status and address delays proactively.
• Conduct regular review meetings with suppliers.
• Ensure approved specifications are followed throughout production.
• Resolve technical and quality-related issues.

Quality & Compliance

• Work closely with QA teams to maintain buyer quality standards.
• Ensure factories meet social, ethical, and compliance requirements.
• Follow inspection schedules and shipment approvals.

Buyer Coordination

• Communicate regularly with international buyers regarding developments, approvals, production, and shipment status.
• Manage buyer comments and ensure corrections are implemented.
• Build strong business relationships for future opportunities.

Logistics & Shipment

• Coordinate shipment planning and documentation.
• Ensure on-time shipment as per the agreed delivery schedule.
• Follow up on shipping approvals and cargo movement.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Textile Technology, Fashion Management, or related field.

Experience

• 3-8 years of experience in FOB sourcing, merchandising, or buying operations.
• Experience working with exporters, buying houses, sourcing offices, or international brands.
• Strong exposure to womenswear categories.