Merchandiser (MD) Buyer - Fabric & Material

SENIOR MERCHANDISER (MD) BUYER – FABRIC & MATERIAL

Location: Bandung

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Merchandiser (MD) Buyer – Fabric & Material to lead fabric and material sourcing, buying, vendor management, and cost optimization for apparel products.

This role will ensure the availability of materials with the right quality, cost, quantity, and delivery, while developing reliable vendor partnerships and supporting product development and production needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fabric & material sourcing and buying according to product and business requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new and existing fabric/material vendors.
• Build and maintain a reliable vendor network, including alternative suppliers for critical materials.
• Work closely with Design & Product Development to develop and select suitable fabrics and materials.
• Manage fabric/material development, including swatches, samples, lab dips, and approvals.
• Lead price negotiation and commercial terms with vendors, including MOQ, lead time, payment terms, and capacity.
• Conduct cost analysis, quotation comparison, and price benchmarking to achieve target cost and cost efficiency.
• Make vendor and buying recommendations based on quality, price, capacity, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Monitor vendor performance and lead vendor development and improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the buying process from sourcing, development, approval, PO, production, to delivery.
• Ensure material availability meets production schedules and product launch timelines.
• Identify and resolve issues related to quality, cost, quantity, color, and delivery.
• Identify opportunities for cost saving, alternative materials, and sourcing improvements.
• Monitor material purchasing to minimize shortage, excess stock, and material wastage.
• Provide regular reports and analysis on sourcing, costing, purchasing, material availability, and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Production, PPIC, QC, Warehouse, and Finance to ensure smooth material sourcing and buying.
• Provide recommendations and solutions for material-related risks and commercial decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Textile, Fashion, Supply Chain, Management, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in Merchandising, Buying, Material Sourcing, Purchasing, or related roles.
• Experience in apparel, garment, textile, or fashion industry is highly preferred.
• Strong experience managing fabric/material vendors and negotiations.
• Good understanding of fabric characteristics, material sourcing, costing, and development.
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of vendor management and purchasing processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Able to work independently, manage priorities, and make business decisions.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.