Experienced with product assortment planning, vendor negotiations, and trend analysis. Utilizes strategic thinking and market insights to optimize inventory levels and drive sales. Track record of fostering collaborative team environments and achieving measurable results in dynamic retail settings.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Merchandiser
Lee Yin Apparel Knitting Pte Ltd
06.2024 - Current
Account Management:
Led the H&M account for men's and men's fancy garments, driving annual sales of $32 million.
Cultivated strong relationships with buyers, ensuring their requirements were precisely met and maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
Forecasting & Demand Planning:
Managed forecast and demand planning on behalf of the buyer, ensuring accurate material allocation and meeting expected Time of Delivery (TOD).
Utilized the buyer’s system to track and manage inventory, ensuring alignment with forecasted demand and production schedules.
People Management & Job Allocation:
Supervised a team of 5 merchandisers, effectively allocating tasks based on individual strengths and workload to maximize efficiency and meet deadlines.
Provided mentorship and training to team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team performance.
Coordinated with team members to ensure clear communication of goals and responsibilities, leading regular team meetings to track progress and address any challenges.
Product Development & Bulk Production:
Oversaw product development from concept to final production, ensuring all products met buyer specifications and brand standards.
Led pre-production meetings to review and finalize all production details, facilitating a smooth transition to bulk production.
Developed and distributed Manufacturing Instruction (MI) sheets, providing clear guidelines to production teams.
Costing & Quality Assurance:
Conducted thorough costing analysis and developed pricing strategies that balanced profitability with market competitiveness.
Monitored quality assurance processes to ensure that all products adhered to H&M’s stringent quality standards.
Shipping & Logistics:
Addressed and resolved shipping discrepancies, maintaining effective communication with buyers to manage short or over shipments.
Coordinated with logistics teams to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with shipping requirements.
Senior Merchandiser
Spring Knitwear Pte Ltd
05.2015 - 05.2024
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development & Buyer Collaboration
Evaluated seasonal buyer specifications to source and select fabrics and trims that aligned with brand aesthetics and quality standards.
Prepared for buyer meetings by organizing technical documents, including translating tech packs into Mandarin, and arranging counter samples to present a comprehensive product offering.
Led the coordination with mills to procure necessary sample yardage and specialty trims, ensuring all components met the buyer’s requirements.
Strategic Order Management & Execution
Drove the order placement process, securing factory capacity and mill bookings, while meticulously preparing cover orders with detailed styling, fabric pricing, and delivery timelines
Managed pattern adjustments and mini marker preparation, ensuring optimal fabric utilization and alignment with buyer specifications.
Developed and submitted trim and care instruction charts, facilitating seamless buyer approvals and guiding production.
Production Oversight & Quality Assurance
Directed the production of fit, pre-production, and top samples, ensuring adherence to buyer specifications and maintaining open communication with the sample room and factory.
Monitored fabric and trim quality throughout the production cycle, proactively addressing any discrepancies or delays to maintain critical path timelines.
Organized fabric and garment testing, ensured compliance with quality standards, and managed the preparation of shipping documentation, including the facilitation of the Letter of Credit (LC) process.
Bulk Processing & Buyer/Account Management
Pre-Production Coordination
Led pre-production meetings to ensure alignment on all production aspects, facilitating efficient bulk production.
Developed and distributed Manufacturing Instruction (MI) sheets to guide production teams.
Shipping & Discrepancy Resolution
Managed and resolved shipping discrepancies, maintaining clear communication with buyers to address short or over shipments, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Buyer/Account Management
Managed key accounts with buyers including Belk, Bealls, and Boscov’s, contributing to total annual sales of approximately $25 million.
Fostered strong relationships with buyers, consistently meeting their needs and ensuring alignment with their requirements throughout the production process.
Senior Merchandiser
Kai Li Textile Sdn. Bhd. (Ghim Li Group of Companies)
12.2012 - 05.2015
Managed Operations and Team Oversight: Directed daily operations, supervising two junior staff members and overseeing workload allocation to ensure efficiency and adherence to production schedules.
Sourcing and Order Management: Collaborated with fabric and trims sourcing teams to confirm pricing and projections, and aggregated order details for timely issuance of purchase orders. Utilized ERP systems for inventory management and order processing, enhancing data accuracy and operational efficiency.
Accuracy and Approval Processes: Conducted comprehensive reviews of fabric and trims orders to verify compliance with buyer specifications. Managed the approval process for materials, including fabrics, trims, dye lots, and color lab dips, to ensure alignment with quality standards.
Cost Management and Comparison: Performed cost comparisons to ensure competitive pricing and cost-effectiveness. Monitored fabric and trims deliveries to adhere to deadlines and support timely production.
Issue Resolution and Training: Addressed and resolved issues related to defective materials reported by factories, minimizing production disruptions. Provided training and support to team members to enhance performance and align with organizational goals.
Process Improvement: Developed and implemented advanced tracking tools using Excel to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
Account Management: Managed a portfolio of accounts totaling approximately $15 million, including major brands such as Macy’s and Walmart. Ensured effective management of buyer relationships, negotiated terms, and addressed client needs to maintain high satisfaction levels.
Buyer Management:
Strategic Buyer Relations: Cultivated and maintained strategic relationships with key buyers, including Karen Scott, Style & Co Sport, JMC, Walmart Canada, and Target. Engaged in regular communication to understand and meet their specific requirements and expectations.
Sales and Product Development: Collaborated with buyers to develop customized product offerings and sales strategies, leveraging market insights to align product development with buyer needs and market trends.
Contract Negotiation and Management: Negotiated contract terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with buyers to ensure mutually beneficial agreements. Monitored contract compliance and resolved any issues to uphold business integrity and client satisfaction.
Performance Tracking and Reporting: Tracked and analyzed sales performance metrics for each account, providing detailed reports to senior management. Utilized insights to drive strategic decisions and improve account performance.
Client Satisfaction and Retention: Implemented strategies to enhance client satisfaction, including timely responses to inquiries, proactive issue resolution, and personalized service. Achieved high levels of client retention and repeat business.
Merchandiser cum Purchaser
Sinwah Industries Berhad
09.2006 - 11.2012
Order Management: Resolved order discrepancies by liaising with buyers, ensuring accurate updates were communicated to all relevant departments and entered into the Garmate system.
Sampling Coordination: Managed the entire sampling process, including:
Preparing and translating technical documentation and artwork for the sample room.
Coordinating the procurement and organization of fabrics, trims, and other materials.
Overseeing print, embroidery, and wash processes to secure necessary approvals.
Conducting technical reviews to ensure samples met customer specifications.
Verifying sample quantities and ensuring all related documentation was accurate and completed.
Artwork and strike off checking and submission for approval.
Buyer Interaction: Managed buyer feedback, addressed comments on samples, and ensured finalized samples were properly annotated, approved, and distributed to relevant departments.
Bulk Fabric & Trims Management:
Fabric Consumption & Procurement: Accurately calculate fabric requirements for each style and coordinate the purchase, ensuring correct quantities and details.
Lab Dips, Strike-Offs & Approvals: Manage the submission and approval of lab dips and strike-offs, and promptly address any issues related to fabric approvals.
Approval Distribution & Documentation: Distribute approved fabric samples and documentation to Quality Control and the fabric store. Prepare and submit necessary documentation for the Letter of Credit (LC) to the Finance department.
Sourcing & Approval: Identify and source special trims, submit them to buyers for approval, and plan for consumption and size grading (e.g., thread, lace, tape, interlining, polybags, cartons).
Ordering & Documentation: Place orders with approved sources and distribute approved trim documentation to suppliers and relevant departments.
Payment & Delivery Monitoring: Track Telegraphic Transfer (TT) payments, ensure timely delivery, and address any issues with defective trims.
Store Coordination & Quality Control: Confirm receipt of trims in correct quantity and quality, verify by signing the trims card, and resolve any defects.
Export Logistics: Manage the export of trims to the factory, including local purchases if needed, and coordinate with the store and shipping department.
Material Shipment Monitoring: Monitor the status of material shipments to ensure alignment with the critical path and resolve any issues related to delivery.
Education
Secondary School - undefined
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Muar
01.2001
Primary School - undefined
SRJKC Chung Hwa Ketiga
01.1995
Skills
Languages: Fluent in Chinese, English, and Malay
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel (advanced), Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader, and basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator