Product Development Merchandizer

Job Title :

Product Development Merchandiser – European & US Buyers

Experience Required :

8–15 Years

Location : Karur, Tamil Nadu

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Summary :

We are seeking an experienced and driven Product Development Merchandiser to manage and execute the end-to-end development process for home textile and soft furnishing products for European and US markets . The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of product compliance , costing , buyer communication , and negotiation , with a proven ability to handle multiple buyer accounts efficiently.

Key Responsibilities :

Product Development & Merchandising

Act as the key interface between design, sourcing, production, and the buyer throughout the product development lifecycle .

Translate buyer tech packs and design concepts into viable products by working closely with the sampling team and vendors.

Maintain product development trackers, T&A calendars, and sample logs for buyer submissions.

Manage approvals of fit samples, gold seals, and PP samples with timely communication to buyers.

Costing & Pricing

Prepare detailed cost sheets considering fabric consumption, trims, labor, overheads, and logistics.

Engage in pricing negotiations with buyers and vendors to achieve target margins while maintaining quality.

Provide cost breakdowns and alternate options to meet buyer’s budget expectations.

Compliance & Certifications

Ensure product compliance with European (e.g., REACH) and US (e.g., CPSC, Prop 65) regulations, including chemical and physical testing.

Coordinate with testing labs and vendors to conduct required tests and submit reports for buyer approval.

Ensure social, ethical, and technical compliance of vendors as per buyer guidelines (e.g., BSCI, Sedex, Oeko-Tex, GOTS).

Maintain documentation of compliance certificates, audit reports, and sustainability credentials .

Vendor & Buyer Communication

Serve as a point of contact for buyer communication regarding sampling, costing, T&A, and compliance matters.

Coordinate with vendors and internal departments to ensure timely development and approvals.

Support buyer visits, audits, and virtual meetings by preparing samples, documentation, and vendor presentations.

Key Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in Textiles, Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Design , or related field.

8–15 years of experience in home textiles or apparel merchandising for export houses or buying offices handling European & US buyers.

Strong understanding of product development, trims, packaging, labeling , and raw material sourcing .

Hands-on experience with costing, price negotiations , and vendor development .

Sound knowledge of compliance standards and buyer-specific protocols (e.g., Responsible Sourcing, sustainability requirements).

Proficiency in Excel, PLM systems , and general product management tools.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Experience :

Exposure to major buyers like European & US.

Familiarity with sustainability reporting and traceability tools such as HIGG Index or ZDHC.

Salary won't be a constraint for the right candidate!

Reporting To :

Head – Product Development / R&D

Apply To : josb@asianfab.com