Fabric Sourcing Manager

Job Summary:

The Fabric Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and managing a reliable supplier base for all fabric requirements used in shirt production. The role involves identifying new fabric sources, negotiating with suppliers, ensuring fabric quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery to meet the company’s production and merchandising needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fabric Sourcing & Development

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard fabric mills and suppliers for woven shirting materials (yarn-dyed, piece-dyed, prints, etc.).
• Develop new fabric qualities, designs, and finishes based on seasonal requirements and buyer trends.
• Collaborate with the design and merchandising teams to source fabrics that meet customer specifications.
• Monitor market trends, fabric innovations, and price movements.

2. Costing & Negotiation

• Obtain and analyze fabric quotations from multiple suppliers.
• Negotiate fabric prices, payment terms, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure sourcing within budget while maintaining desired quality standards.

3. Vendor Management

• Build long-term relationships with key fabric suppliers and mills.
• Evaluate vendor performance based on quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to social, environmental, and quality standards required by buyers.

4. Quality & Compliance

• Coordinate with the fabric quality and testing teams to ensure all sourced fabrics meet required standards (e.g., shrinkage, colourfastness, GSM, etc.).
• Address any fabric quality issues, rejections, or claims with suppliers promptly.

5. Planning & Coordination

• Work closely with the production and merchandising teams to align fabric sourcing plans with the order pipeline.
• Ensure fabric availability aligns with production schedules and shipment deadlines.
• Maintain a sourcing calendar to manage multiple styles and buyer requirements efficiently.

6. Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain updated fabric price and supplier databases.
• Prepare periodic reports on sourcing status, cost savings, and supplier performance.
• Track lead times and ensure timely fabric approvals and deliveries.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology, Fabric Engineering, or Garment Manufacturing; MBA in Supply Chain or Sourcing is an added advantage.
• 5–8 years of experience in fabric sourcing, preferably in woven shirt production.
• Strong knowledge of woven fabric constructions, yarns, finishes, and fabric testing.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ERP-based sourcing systems.
• Strong vendor network and knowledge of domestic and international fabric markets (India, China, Bangladesh, etc.).
• Analytical mindset with attention to cost, quality, and delivery.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Fabric cost efficiency (% cost saving vs. target)
• On-time fabric delivery rate
• Fabric quality approval rate
• Supplier performance rating
• Lead time reduction

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹55,000.00 - ₹65,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person