Supply Chain Merchandiser

Working for a market leader of own brand apparel, as an experienced Supply Chain Merchandiser, your role will be to ensure all aspects of the production process are adhered to, and in line with the critical path. To also ensure product is available to maintain agreed customer service levels, and in line with required launch dates and customer requirements.
Please note this is an FTC for 12months maternity cover.
Supply Chain Merchandiser (Fixed Term) – Skills & Experience
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers (raw materials) and production
* Issue seasonal forecasts to all nominated suppliers
* Negotiate costs/surcharges and delivery dates when necessary
* Monitor, review and maintain supplier list
* Place and manage seasonal and core purchase orders through to receipt in the UK & USA distribution centres
* Collate and update work in progress reports on a weekly basis
* Place production priorities with factories based on availability/required dates.
* Advise ship modes for purchase orders based on customer requirements.
* Order and monitor salesman sample production
* Manage brand packaging including, sourcing, cost negotiation, monitor deliveries and stock levels
* Calculate costs for all fashion ranges and review/update standard costs seasonally
* Work with design team to find solutions to any raw material/production issues
* Monitor garment factory ethical compliance status
* Liaise with Demand Planner to communicate shipment shortages/issues, production priorities and core availability information
* Liaise with the Warehouses to advise any shipment delays/problems with shipments
* Work closely with the China team to directly address issues with factories and Far East suppliers
* Set up supplier information including factory costs, landed cost details and lead times on ERP system ensuring information is kept up to date
Supply Chain Merchandiser (Fixed Term) – The Job Outline
* Experience within a similar Supply Chain/merchandiser role (min. 3-5 years)– we are open to applications from a non apparel background.
* Proven ability to build strong working relationships with material suppliers and factories and internally with all departments.
* Highly numerate, accurate and attentive to detail.
* Exceptional organisation and time management skills.
* Ability to communicate (written and verbally) clearly and concisely at all levels, to be diplomatic and with good negotiation skills.
* Advanced EXCEL and IT competency
* Proximity to work from office in Sheffield and travel offshore in the future, as and when required