Assistant Manager - Apparel & Accessories Sourcing

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Planning & Execution

• Manage capacity planning, production scheduling, and supplier lead-time optimization to ensure efficient production flow.
• Drive end-to-end production planning and execution for Apparel & Accessories, from order placement through final delivery.
• Monitor production progress using TNA (Time & Action) Calendars, production trackers, and other planning tools to ensure timely completion of key milestones.
• Proactively identify potential production and delivery delays and drive corrective actions to ensure on-time production and shipment.
• Coordinate sample development, costing, production follow-up, and delivery activities across assigned suppliers and factories.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Evaluate and monitor supplier performance against agreed quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness KPIs.
• Identify, onboard, develop, and expand the supplier base in line with business requirements.
• Ensure suppliers and vendors comply with applicable company standards, processes, and requirements.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Conduct regular supplier and factory visits for production follow-up, capacity assessment, issue resolution, and relationship management.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with suppliers, factories, Merchandising, PPC, Sourcing, Quality, and other relevant teams to ensure seamless production execution.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders and internal teams to align on production plans, priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and changing priorities while maintaining focus on timelines and business requirements.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain accurate production reports, dashboards, trackers, and documentation using internal systems and production management tools.
• Analyse production data and trends to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Present production updates, performance metrics, and key issues to relevant stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.

Process Improvement

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiency, productivity, production processes, and operational excellence.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, production lead times, capacity utilization, and overall sourcing effectiveness.
• Support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to address recurring production challenges.

ROLE SPECIFICATIONS

Qualification

• B.E. – Textile / B.F.Tech / NIFT preferred.
• Candidates with other relevant qualifications in Textile, Apparel, Fashion, or related disciplines may also be considered.

Experience

• 4–5 years of relevant experience in Apparel & Accessories Sourcing, Production, or Vendor Management.
• Strong experience in production planning, supplier coordination, production follow-up, and delivery management preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of apparel manufacturing processes.
• Good understanding of fabrics, textiles, and fabric quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Good understanding of production planning, TNA management, capacity planning, and supplier lead times.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, particularly for data analysis and production reporting.
• Experience with Flex PLM, SAP, or similar ERP/PLM systems will be preferred.

Behavioural & Functional Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective stakeholder and supplier management.
• Strong planning and execution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Team handling and coordination skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with global and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel frequently to supplier and factory locations.

Key Success Measures

• On-time production and shipment execution.
• Supplier performance against quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness KPIs.
• Effective capacity and production planning.
• Timely resolution of production and supplier-related issues.
• Accuracy and effectiveness of production reporting and analysis.
• Development and strengthening of the supplier base.
• Contribution to sourcing efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.