Chief Merchandising Manager

Company:
Duke Fashions (India) Ltd.

Location:
Ludhiana, Punjab

Position:
Chief Merchandising Manager – Textiles

Reports to:
Director

Role Overview

The Chief Merchandising Manager
will be responsible for leading the
merchandising and product development function
at Duke Fashions India Ltd. The role requires a strong understanding of
textiles, fabrics, garment construction, sourcing, production planning, and supply chain coordination
. The candidate will oversee end-to-end merchandising operations including
costing, vendor management, inventory & sales analysis
, while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products aligned with domestic market needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development & Merchandising

• Lead the development of new product lines in textiles and garments.
• Work closely with the design team to convert concepts into commercial products.
• Ensure products align with market trends, brand identity, and customer demand.

2. Sourcing & Supply Chain Coordination

• Identify, evaluate, and manage vendors, mills, and suppliers for fabrics, trims, and accessories.
• Negotiate contracts, costs, and delivery schedules with multiple vendors.
• Coordinate with supply chain, production, and logistics teams to ensure smooth flow of goods.

3. Production Planning & Execution

• Develop production plans aligned with sales forecasts and business targets.
• Monitor execution at every stage to meet quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure smooth coordination between factories, sourcing teams, and sales departments.

4. Costing & Pricing

• Prepare accurate
  costing sheets, margins, and price strategies
  for products.
• Balance cost efficiency with quality and brand standards.
• Support sales team with competitive yet profitable pricing strategies.

5. Inventory & Sales Analysis

• Track inventory levels and conduct sales performance analysis.
• Provide inputs on stock replenishment, slow-moving items, and seasonal planning.
• Recommend corrective measures to optimize inventory turnover and profitability.

6. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Handle relationships with multiple domestic vendors and suppliers.
• Resolve conflicts and bottlenecks to ensure timely order execution.
• Maintain vendor scorecards and performance reviews.

7. Market Knowledge & Business Strategy

• Stay updated with trends in
  textiles, fabrics, and garment construction techniques
  .
• Deep understanding of the
  domestic market
  —pricing trends, consumer demand, and competition.
• Contribute to long-term merchandising strategy and growth plans.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of
  textiles, fabrics, garment construction, and production processes
  .
• Expertise in
  product development, costing, sourcing, and vendor management
  .
• Strong
  communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
  .
• Proven ability to handle
  multiple vendors and tight deadlines
  .
• Proficiency in
  inventory analysis, sales forecasting, and merchandising systems
  .
• Leadership qualities with ability to drive cross-functional teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate/Postgraduate in
  Textiles, Fashion Technology, Apparel Merchandising, or Business Management
  .
• 15-20 years of relevant experience
  in merchandising, sourcing, and product development in the textile/garment industry.
• Proven track record in handling large-scale merchandising operations for domestic market brands.