Assistant Manager - Fabric Sourcing

Job Overview

This role manages the sourcing operations for woven fabrics used in men’s apparel including trousers, suits, and blazers, ensuring timely and quality delivery aligned with business demands and quality guidelines. The position supports inventory optimization, fabric innovation, and product quality enhancement through the VPQI scores and manufacturing efficiency.

Job Context and Challenges

• Leading fabric sourcing operations for premium and mid-segment men’s apparel brands across multiple retail channels.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with diverse fabric suppliers from domestic and global markets including specialty fabrics.
• Aligning sourcing strategy to complex product mixes and managing cost pressures despite rising raw material expenses.
• Driving vendor technical support to improve quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Driving continuous sourcing process and cost improvements and maintaining a database of potential vendors for long-term partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan seasonal and annual fabric sourcing to meet quality, cost, and timeline targets aligned with business calendars.
• Manage budgeting, cost negotiations, and fabric cost monitoring to maximize gross profit realization.
• Collaborate with design and product teams to forecast and plan fabric requirements.
• Source, monitor, and ensure on-time fabric deliveries locally and internationally with contingency plans for delays or rejections.
• Establish and implement SOPs and quality control systems at vendor locations to uphold fabric quality standards.
• Communicate quality expectations and future plans to vendors and provide technical assistance to improve quality and reduce costs.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with manufacturing vendors to achieve business goals.
• Research and incorporate fabric market trends, raw material pricing, and supplier capabilities to enhance sourcing effectiveness.
• Organize brand-specific fabric sourcing events such as mill weeks.
• Drive new fabric developments focusing on value addition, fashion relevance, and product improvement across categories.
• Support internal teams including design and product functions in sourcing operations.
• Lead and develop the sourcing team by monitoring performance, providing feedback, and optimizing workflows.

Additional Information

This role requires balancing a complex mix of domestic and international fabric sources, sustaining vendor partnerships, and innovating sourcing processes under competitive cost constraints while supporting business growth and quality enhancement.