Merchandising Manager (Activewear)

Key Highlights

• Attractive remuneration package and strong career development opportunities.
• Manage strategic programs for renowned global retail customers.

About Our Client

Our client is a leading global apparel and consumer goods organisation with a strong international sourcing and manufacturing network. They are seeking a highly motivated Merchandising Manager to lead production and sourcing execution for key retail programs, ensuring best-in-class delivery, quality, compliance, and commercial performance.

Job Description

• Lead end-to-end merchandising and production execution for key retail programs, ensuring on-time delivery, quality compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop sourcing strategies, production plans, and costing initiatives that support business objectives and margin targets.
• Manage critical path activities and Time & Action (T&A) calendars, ensuring timely execution of development, approvals, production, and shipment milestones.
• Drive cost negotiations with mills, factories, and suppliers to achieve competitive pricing while maintaining quality and delivery standards.
• Oversee product development activities including fabric sourcing, sample management, fit approvals, and pre-production processes.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, QA, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless cross-functional execution across multiple seasons.
• Ensure all products meet customer requirements, testing standards, compliance regulations, packaging specifications, and routing guidelines.
• Build strong relationships with global suppliers and manufacturing partners to proactively manage risks, optimise factory capacity, and resolve production challenges.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Textile Engineering, Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in apparel merchandising, production, sourcing, or product development.
• Proven experience managing production programs for major retail customers or high-volume consumer products businesses.
• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing, garment construction, fabric development, testing, quality assurance, and compliance requirements.
• Solid knowledge of retailer standards relating to packaging, labelling, routing guides, testing protocols, and on-time delivery requirements.
• Excellent commercial acumen with demonstrated success in supplier management, costing, and negotiation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management capabilities across global teams and suppliers.
• Detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis tools

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to join a market-leading global apparel business with a strong international presence.
• Exposure to strategic retail accounts and large-scale sourcing programs.
• Collaborative and dynamic working environment with regional and global stakeholders.
• Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Attractive remuneration package and comprehensive benefits.

This role offers a rewarding career in merchandising and supply chain management. If this matches your skills and aspirations, we encourage you to apply.