Senior Merchandiser, Sweater Yarns

POSITION SUMMARY:

All brands strategy, product development and innovation are lead and driven by certain PVH affiliates in the US with respect to products under the Calvin Klein, Heritage, and Tommy Hilfiger NA and SA brands and in the Netherlands with respect to products bearing the Tommy Hilfiger Europe, Calvin Klein Europe and Asia brand. The position in this job description provides support on strategic, developmental or innovation activities to the above mentioned PVH related parties.

• The Senior Merchandiser, Raw Material is responsible for managing the overall process of developing seasonal and essential sweater yarn that meet designers' aesthetic vision while balancing quality, cost and speed.
• They will maintain and develop a supply chain that supports the overarching vision of the brands.
• Support the raw material team on material sourcing and develop vendor matrix.
• Handle and follow up sample development/mock-ups via effective coordination with factories and suppliers

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

Yarn Development and Sourcing:

• Handle and follow up sample development/mock-ups via effective coordination with factories and suppliers
• Coordinate with factories on development to ensure delivery on-time
• Assist the team to analyse and research market trends to identify suitable products presenting to the line
• Approach new material sourcing in sweater yarn focusing on newness, sustainability and circularity
• Ensure the availability of materials, which support the marketing need & design direction to enable commercial success
• Find the right materials according to calendar timelines, target prices, sourcing policy and quality standards
• Risk assessment and precaution to ensure materials meet the brand specification and testing requirement
• Pushes newness within the region
• Owns communication with mills, Hubs, Cross Function Team and RM team
• Build relationships and maintain connectivity with partners from other regions to drive divisional goals and execute strategies
• Negotiate to eliminate yarn liabilities wherever possible
• Collaborate with across divisions and brands to find out the cost leveraging opportunities
• Actively research sweater yarn industry trade journals, seminars and trade to be informed of emerging technologies, fiber, yarns, materials and methods

Quality:

• Oversee yarn testing and ensure mills understand expectations and communicate as needed to QA to ensure final garment quality
• Resolve any yarn-related issues on the escalation review
• Utilize technical expertise in yarn materials collaboration with the mill to meet quality expectations. Proactively resolve quality issues
• Maintain material specifications and standards as required for all materials

Process:

• Proactively initiate support of initiatives identifying where the overseas team can add the greatest value
• Proactively monitor and meet calendar deadlines for approvals and mill execution. Ensure capacity to meet deadlines and manage resources as needed
• Review and manage the process by analyzing metrics to determine effectiveness of current process. Surface ideas for improvement and identify any threats.
• Centralize/cordinated close to mills/vendors, cost, leadtime, consistant quality

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Internal Contacts: RM team, Design, Product development, Sourcing Merch, Merchandising

External Contacts: Mills, Fiber Companies, Garment Factories

RESOURCEFULNESS/CREATIVITY

• Technically savvy enough to respond to the requirement of the newness of the brand teams' needs.

ENVIRONMENT

• Fast paced, multiple projects/priorities, highly visible, able to effectively interact with other associates at all levels within the organization with diverse personalities and skill levels
• Must be able to operate in an environment of changing priorities and deadlines;
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable

CORE VALUE

• Embrace PVH's core values: Individuality, Partnership, Passion, Integrity, and Accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Experience:

• Diploma or above Textiles & Clothing or related disciplines
• Minimum 7 years relevant industry experience in Sweater Yarn Sourcing and Yarn Development
• Sourcing Office backgraound is perferred
• Experience in sweater sample development/yarn sourcing/yarn development
• Experience in Europe market is a must

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of sample/mock-up development, sweater yarn, fibre, dyeing and finishing. Extensive knowledge of raw materials, construction, costing, macro-economic trends, and capacity planning.
• Needs to have understanding of total supply chain from concept to consumer.
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Deadline-driven with a strong sense of urgency and accuracy.
• Able to drive change, inspire, coach, mentor and develop a high performing team
• Able to establish and maintain strong working relationships cross-functionally and cross-divisionally, as well as externally
• Strong English and Mandarin communication skills
• Literate in Microsoft office programs