TRP Recruitment ltd
Head of Merchandising
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My client, an established successful supplier, is looking for an experienced, commercially focused Head of Merchandising with previous supplier experience.
Based in London, this newly created role will take ownership of production planning, critical path management, and Buyer communication, whilst leading and developing an overseas merchandising team.
They are looking for someone who can drive greater visibility, accountability, and control across the production process. The successful candidate will bring significant experience working with manufacturing partners across Bangladesh, India, and other key sourcing regions, with the confidence and credibility to challenge where necessary while creating collaborative, process-driven ways of working.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the merchandising function, creating clear processes, structure, and accountability across the production lifecycle.
- Take ownership of production planning, ensuring orders are progressing in line with customer critical paths and delivery commitments.
- Manage end-to-end critical path activity, proactively identifying risks, escalating issues, and implementing solutions before they impact delivery.
- Build strong working relationships with overseas factories and production offices, particularly Bangladesh and India, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
- Act as the production contact for Buying teams, providing accurate updates, managing expectations, and driving timely decision-making.
- Chair regular production and critical path meetings with suppliers and internal teams.
- Challenge factory performance where necessary, driving urgency, and holding suppliers accountable for commitments.
- Work closely with Design, Technical, Buying, and Quality teams to ensure smooth handover from development into production.
- Develop and implement best practice merchandising processes to improve efficiency, communication, and delivery performance.
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- Significant senior merchandising or production merchandising experience within the apparel industry. Strong knowledge of knitted garments is highly advantageous.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end garment production, sourcing, and supply chain management.
- Experience managing production across Bangladesh, India, and other offshore manufacturing bases.
- Proven experience managing critical paths across multiple customer accounts.
- Excellent understanding of production planning and capacity management.
- Confident communicator with experience influencing both internal stakeholders and overseas suppliers.
- Able to challenge constructively, hold people accountable, and drive results.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities within a fast-moving environment.
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