Merchandiser

General Position Summary:

Driving the development process from the receipt of technical specifications (specs)s to commercialization for assigned products with an emphasis on quality product engineering and timely completion of all tasks, including sampling and buy ready in accordance with operational calendars.  Driving analysis and validation of vendor cost information throughout the entire creation process. Ensure compliance to agreed standards. Negotiate with FGV as needed. 

Primary Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the various stakeholders in US headquarters and locally: Product Development, Sourcing, Design, Merchandising, Quality Assurance, vendors, Mills and others to drive the development, sampling, costing, etc of assigned products.

• Manage the feasibility, completeness and clarity of specs by liaising closely with upstream partners in HQ (product development, etc)

• Review the specs with vendors in the context of intended use of product, cost expectations, material specs, manufacturability etc, and give feedback to HQ as appropriate.

• Lead the development process, ensuring that high quality prototypes are created which address desired function, aesthetics, cost and manufacturability, including checking for quality, measurement, fit and adherence to construction standards. Provide options and recommendations to make improvement in the sample process.

• Review, analyse and validate vendor cost information throughout the entire creation process. Ensure compliance to agreed cost standards and timelines.

• Negotiate with vendors for the best product cost to achieve the highest cost margin.

• Ensure all development samples (prototypes, merchant samples, and sales samples are produced accurately and are shipped on time.

• Work collaboratively with other LO functions – Material development, Production, QA, Technician, and Corporate Responsibility to ensure an on time buy ready and commercialization performance   

• Drive effective problem solving and continuous improvement

• Ensure accurate and timely updates of data management systems (PDM, Cognos, SharePoint) where applicable.

Specific Job Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

• Good knowledge of textiles and apparel development.
• Good  knowledge of apparel costing
• Good knowledge of garment construction methods and manufacturing, materials testing methods and appropriate interaction of lab results as they pertain to products. 
• Good knowledge of materials and functional aspects of garments. 
• Ability to effectively negotiate with vendors and influence internal stakeholders
• Ability to fit garment and communicate to vendors on the changes required
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet strict timelines, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work extended hours if necessary.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal communication).
• Good IT skills in using Excel, Word,
• Visual acuity for analyzing samples and color.
• Ability to travel via air or car to visit vendors across Vietnam

Job Scope/Complexity:

• Job generally involves a high degree of complexity in performing non-recurring work situations.  Operates from some established procedures, but may contribute to the development of new ones.  

Education and/or Experience:

• University degree.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in merchandising, development, manufacturing, or related field or combination of equivalent education and related experience.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.