Production Merchandiser

The Production Merchandiser is responsible for managing end-to-end order execution from product development through pre-production, ensuring all required approvals are secured before bulk production. This role works closely with Design, R&D, Sourcing, Production, Warehouse, QA/QC, and Logistics teams to ensure material readiness, cost control, production efficiency, and timely delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Planning & Coordination

• Monitor order status from development through pre-production.
• Establish collection timelines and key milestones.
• Coordinate production schedules and readiness with the Production team.
• Ensure all requirements and approvals are completed before bulk production.
• Track Work-in-Progress (WIP) and address bottlenecks affecting delivery.

1. Buyer Coordination & Order Management

• Support order acquisition from local and export buyers.
• Serve as the primary contact for buyer inquiries, updates, and concerns.
• Maintain effective communication to ensure alignment on requirements and timelines.

1. Product Development Support

• Work closely with Design, R&D, and Pattern teams during product development.
• Monitor proto, fit, and pre-production sample progress.
• Ensure timely completion and approval of all development samples.

1. Costing Review & Analysis

• Review indicative and actual costing for each style.
• Analyze material, service, shipping, and related costs.
• Recommend cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or design.
• Monitor margin performance by style and collection.
• Coordinate with R&D to ensure pricing accuracy and cost optimization.

1. Style Engineering & Process Improvement

• Recommend style modifications to improve production efficiency and reduce sewing SAM.
• Propose alternative trims, materials, or construction methods to optimize costs.
• Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement.

1. Technical Coordination

• Ensure garments meet functionality, comfort, durability, and safety requirements for children's apparel.
• Monitor compliance of trims and accessories with applicable safety standards.
• Ensure garment construction supports comfort, mobility, and practicality.
• Review key product requirements such as safety compliance, soft hand feel, wash durability, and child-friendly closures.

1. Material Monitoring

• Coordinate with PR/R&D and Warehouse teams to ensure timely material availability.
• Verify material completeness before production starts.
• Monitor allocation versus actual consumption.
• Escalate shortages and recommend corrective actions.

1. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the key liaison among Design, PR/R&D, Costing, Production, Warehouse, QA/QC, and Logistics teams.
• Ensure alignment on production readiness, delivery priorities, and collection timelines.

1. Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Prepare and update daily WIP reports and collection monitoring tools.
• Analyze delivery performance, delays, and operational bottlenecks.
• Recommend improvements to productivity and on-time delivery.
• Present collection and production performance updates to management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in Production Merchandising, preferably within children's apparel or garment manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, costing, sourcing, and production processes.
• Experience in product development, style engineering, and production planning.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.