Merchandise Manager

Location: Bengaluru (On-Site)

Experience: 610 years

Industry: Fashion / Apparel / Lifestyle / D2C

Employment Type: Full-time

The Merchandising Manager will be responsible for end-to-end merchandising execution , ensuring accurate production planning, cost control, raw material readiness, and seamless coordination between design, sourcing, vendors, and production.

The role is critical in delivering production-ready styles on time, within cost, and without last-minute surprises , while maintaining strong process discipline and predictable outcomes.

• Own PPC planning and execution for all assigned styles.
• Ensure styles are fully approved for bulk as per production plans.
• Drive execution strictly in line with approved production timelines.
• Prevent bulk delays caused by incomplete planning, approvals, or PPC inputs.
• Maintain complete visibility of style readiness at every stage.

• Ensure accurate and final costing is completed before bulk commitments.
• Maintain costs within approved targets through strong commercial control.
• Lead negotiations with vendors in alignment with brand margin expectations .
• Flag and escalate cost risks early to avoid margin impact.

• Act as the key coordination link between design, sourcing, vendors, and production .
• Ensure complete and accurate tech packs, BOMs, and costing packs are shared on time.
• Resolve vendor queries within defined timelines.
• Eliminate production delays caused by misalignment between merchandising and sourcing.

• Plan and track raw material availability in line with the production plan.
• Ensure all RM approvals (fabric, trims, accessories) are completed within timelines.
• Prevent production holds due to RM non-availability.
• Coordinate closely with sourcing and vendors to manage RM lead times.

• Drive and support OTIF delivery for all assigned styles.
• Monitor production progress and identify delivery risks early.
• Escalate potential delays at least 7 days in advance to enable corrective action.
• Avoid last-week or last-minute shipment disruptions.

• Maintain accurate and timely merchandising MIS .
• Ensure all trackers related to styles, PPC, costing, RM, and OTIF are updated on time.
• Provide clear visibility on status, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders.
• Ensure zero surprise escalations impacting production, cost, or delivery.

• Strong knowledge of fashion merchandising, production planning, and vendor management .
• Hands-on experience in costing, negotiations, and margin protection .
• Excellent coordination and follow-up skills across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong planning, risk anticipation, and escalation mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple styles, vendors, and timelines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets and merchandising trackers.

• Degree or Diploma in Fashion / Apparel / Textile / Merchandising .
• 610 years of experience in production merchandising / apparel merchandising .
• Experience in D2C or fast-paced fashion environments preferred.

• This is a high-ownership role with clear accountability.
• Vendor delays or late inputs are not acceptable excuses without early escalation.
• The role demands predictability, discipline, and proactive execution , not reactive firefighting.

• Direct ownership of the product execution lifecycle.
• High visibility and impact on business outcomes.
• Opportunity to work in a growing fashion/D2C environment.
• Close collaboration with leadership, sourcing, and production teams.