Merchandise Manager / Divisional Merchandise Manager – Hardgoods & Textiles (Gurgaon)

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Merchandise Manager / Divisional Merchandise Manager to lead sourcing and product development across Hardgoods and Textile categories. The role will be responsible for managing vendor relationships, driving product development, ensuring quality and compliance, and delivering commercially viable products aligned with US discount retailer’s requirements. The candidate needs to have a close eye to products, pricing and understanding of
US discount retail business. Needs to be able to lead and drive team with growth mindset. The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration with global buying teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to deliver on timelines, quality standards, and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Merchandising & Product Development

• Manage end-to-end merchandising activities for Hardgoods and Textile categories from concept to shipment.
• Work closely with client’s buying teams to understand product requirements, price architecture, and seasonal direction.
• Able to curate products & lead product development with suppliers ensuring innovation, cost optimization, and alignment with brand expectations.
• Review samples, specifications, and product construction to ensure quality and commercial viability.

Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors across Hardgoods and Textile categories.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to drive efficiency and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and production capacity with vendors.

Sourcing & Production Management

• Manage sourcing strategies to ensure competitive costing and reliable supply.
• Monitor production timelines and ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate closely with QA and technical teams to ensure compliance with product specifications and quality standards.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal teams including design, quality assurance, compliance, logistics, and planning.
• Liaise with global offices and buyers to ensure smooth communication and execution of product programs.

Market & Trend Awareness

• Stay informed on market trends, materials, production capabilities, and innovations across both Hardgoods and Textile categories.
• Provide insights on supplier capabilities, cost trends, and sourcing opportunities.

Candidate Profile:

Experience

• 10–15 years of experience (for MM) & 16–22 years of experience (DMM) in merchandising, sourcing, or product development with discount retailers.
• Experience handling both Hardgoods and Textile categories preferred.
• Experience working with global/ US discount retailers, sourcing offices, or buying houses is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong product development and sourcing expertise.
• Great eye for products & capable to curate ranges
• Proven vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple product categories and complex sourcing programs.
• Team leader
• Strong commercial acumen and costing knowledge.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Fashion, MBA, or related field preferred.

Key Attributes

• Strong ownership mindset and problem-solving ability
• Go getter
• Design oriented / Detail-oriented with strong quality focus
• Ability to balance commercial goals with product integrity
• Strong team collaboration and leadership skills
• Ability to manage a team

Connor provides excellent career opportunities to the right candidate. If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume with current and expected remuneration packages to Email: newdelhi-jobapp@weconnor.com by MS word attachment.