Head of silk

A Head of Silk Purchase (or Sourcing Manager, Purchasing Director) for a silk shop is a senior-level position responsible for the entire procurement lifecycle of silk products, from sourcing and negotiation to quality control and inventory management.

Job Description : Head of Silk Purchase

Job Summary

The Head of Silk Purchase will strategically plan and manage all activities related to the sourcing and acquisition of high-quality silk products (e.g., silk sarees, fabric, garments) to meet customer demand and business objectives. This role involves building strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and ensuring all procurements align with the company's quality and cost standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management :

Identify, evaluate, and develop relationships with reliable suppliers, manufacturers, and artisan clusters of various silk types (e.g., Kanchipuram, Banarasi, Mysore, Patola).

Conduct market research to monitor trends, pricing, and supply chain risks to identify potential suppliers and opportunities for cost savings.

Perform regular vendor performance reviews and audits to ensure consistent quality, timely delivery, and ethical / sustainable practices.

Negotiation and Contract Management :

Negotiate prices, payment terms, and delivery schedules to secure the most favorable terms for the company.

Manage contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with key suppliers, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.

Inventory and Quality Control :

Oversee inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability, minimizing both stock-outs and overstocking.

Collaborate with the quality assurance (QA) team to establish and enforce quality standards, inspecting goods for fabric integrity, weaving quality, and color consistency before final receipt.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership :

Coordinate closely with design, merchandising, sales, and logistics teams to align procurement activities with product development plans, seasonal campaigns, and sales forecasts.

Lead and mentor the purchasing team, providing guidance and managing departmental performance.

Budgeting and Reporting :

Develop and manage the purchasing budget and forecasts, tracking and analyzing expenditures to optimize costs.

Prepare and present reports on market trends, supplier performance, and cost management to senior management.

Qualifications and Experience

Education : A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Fashion / Textile Technology, or a related field is typically required. A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is a plus.

Experience : At least 5-7 years of proven experience in a senior purchasing or procurement role, preferably within the textile or silk retail industry.

Skills :

Deep knowledge of different types of silk, fabrics, weaving techniques, and regional variations is essential.

Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with an aptitude for market analysis and demand forecasting.

Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.

Ability to travel to various sourcing hubs and vendor locations as needed.

Skills Required

Market Analysis, Demand Forecasting