Technical (Merchandising) Manager

Key responsibilities & duties:

Technical Merchandising Manager in the garment industry plays a crucial role in overseeing the technical aspects of clothing production, ensuring that designs are efficiently and correctly translated into finished garments. This position will manage SMS line, Sampling, Pattern and Technical Merchandise.

Duties of the role:

• Plan, coordinate and ensure effective work of sampling (preproduction) department.

• Responsible for SMS line included quality, quantity and delivery time.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Production, Quality, and Purchase to communicate quality, cost and product needs to Customers’ requirements.

• Directly responsible for the product development process for multiple product categories, from concept to final product, including the development and approval of new trims, assembling techniques, quality, durability and overall aesthetics.

• Work with Merchandising to understand and anticipate customer needs, the cost and margin goals, and also recommend low-cost alternatives that uphold the integrity of the design.

• Maintain accurate and timely records within designated enterprise technology systems; utilize data to analyze and report style development status, product costs, supply risks and quality concerns.

• Identify potential development, safety, quality or cost concerns when styles placing in mass production. Understand and execute final product design changes.

• Ensure fabric yardage for all required samples (proto, market, sales and design) was calculated and ordered properly; responsible for accurate documentation, validation and reporting of liabilities, excess fabric disposal and charges related to bulk production or sampling.

• Prioritize competing demands to support the business and accelerate submit and sample delivery (prototypes, size sets, PP samples, etc…) to maintain or expedite production schedules; ability to approve submits with limited or no input from Merch.

• Understand the logic and lead times associated with the Buy & Production calendars. Ensure approval deadlines and fabric/garment buy dates are met; balance business needs and design preferences to satisfy customer demand.

• Support Merchandise & Sourcing Leadership with data management as needed, including costing Request for Quotes (RFQs) and capacity management attributes.

• Perform competitor/internal product techniques & cost analysis.

• Occasionally perform external research to identify process improvements, document procedures and drive efficiencies and/or automation.

• Graduated from university with related major.

• Good English communication

Work experience and skills:

• Advanced understanding of Sportswear sewing techniques, laser cut, seam sealing, bonding, fabric qualities, printing techniques, merchandising and product development activities

• Advanced experience in SOP (standard operation times), time studies

• Understanding in pattern making/ checking

• Advanced Management and leadership skills (manage ~ 40 people team)

• Advanced communication skills

• At least 5 to 8 years industry experience in Sportswear Apparel Manufacturing and Product Development Manager position