Merchandising Director - Woven, Denim

As the Merchandising Director, you will play a central role in orchestrating the entire lifecycle of merchandise production of the team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire merchandising process for woven and denim products, managing all stages from initial product development through to final shipment delivery.
• Guide and develop a team of merchandising professionals, fostering strong client relationships and effectively managing their expectations throughout each project cycle.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities comprehensively to ensure they meet production requirements in terms of quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Work collaboratively with factories and technical teams to guarantee that all garments adhere to stringent quality standards set by clients.
• Maintain robust communication channels with both internal departments and external stakeholders to achieve production schedules and ensure on-time order fulfilment.
• Support the implementation of sourcing strategies that align with overall business objectives while identifying new vendors or suppliers to accommodate growth needs.
• Negotiate optimal pricing structures and lead times with suppliers to maximise value without compromising on quality or deadlines.
• Stay closely connected with customers to understand their strategic priorities, ensuring that orders progress smoothly through the pipeline according to agreed timelines.
• Monitor all approval processes and other components — ensuring completion within established calendars for timely deliveries.
• Regularly review factory performance metrics, proactively identifying areas for improvement and driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency.

Requirements:

• University degree in Textile, Clothing or a related discipline is required for this senior-level position.
• A minimum of 15 years’ experience in garment trading is essential; prior exposure to US or EU denim brands is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing offshore vendors within the apparel sector is necessary for effective supply chain oversight.
• Proven ability in people management with excellent interpersonal skills that foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Experience acting as a trusted adviser who can influence leadership teams as well as customers at various organisational levels.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities combined with strong time management skills are vital for navigating complex projects efficiently.
• Outstanding written and spoken communication skills in English and Chinese (including Mandarin) are required for cross-border collaboration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is expected for daily reporting and analysis tasks.
• Willingness to undertake occasional business travel as needed to support vendor relations or project milestones.