Merchandiser - Home Textile

About ICA Global Sourcing Limited

ICA Global Sourcing Limited is an extension of ICA Gruppen AB, a prominent retail group emphasizing food, health, and sustainability. This trusted Asian partner manages sourcing, order tracking, quality assurance, and corporate social responsibility for major clients such as ICA Gruppen, Rimi Baltic, and Ahold Delhaize. Operating from headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bengaluru, the company prioritizes responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

Role Overview

This full-time, on-site position in Bangalore involves end-to-end responsibility for the purchasing process—from identifying potential suppliers and products to the final shipment and delivery. Timely adherence to each phase of the purchasing process is critical.

The role requires expertise in sourcing competitive, quality products from trustworthy factories mainly in GSP countries like India and Bangladesh, continuous development and maintenance of a skilled supplier base, and contributing to process improvements directed by the Sourcing Director and Merchandising Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify suitable suppliers and products offering good quality at competitive prices within the Asian production markets.
• Lead purchasing negotiations specific to Asian markets.
• Ensure supplier compliance with agreements and orders, including external brand suppliers.
• Manage inquiries, price quotations, and calculate landed costs.
• Contribute to continual enhancements of product sourcing and supplier negotiation processes.
• Perform merchandising administrative duties and follow up on orders.
• Coordinate sample logging, packaging, and delivery.
• Organize and manage sample storage efficiently.
• Report weekly and monthly sourcing and order statuses to the Merchandising Manager.
• Create and maintain production plans.
• Engage in ongoing personal skill and knowledge development relevant to the role.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues including Senior Merchandiser, Merchandiser, and Assistant Merchandiser within the team.

Detailed Activities

• Conduct supplier sourcing including communication of logistics, quality, social compliance requirements, factory evaluations, and negotiation inputs.
• Initiate product sourcing by sending inquiries and selecting goods from approved vendors.
• Proactively suggest products and generate preliminary landed cost calculations.
• Finalize purchasing agreements through negotiation and documentation.
• Perform novelty sourcing via internet research, networking, trade fairs, supplier visits, and showroom tours.
• Maintain close supplier communications for replenishment and ensure alignment with client needs.
• Plan production based on vendor capacity and client marketing forecasts.
• Ensure product quality by evaluating goods and securing compliance with ICA standards.
• Administer merchandising tasks such as new supplier registration, purchase agreement coordination, product article registration, and packaging artwork management.
• Follow up on orders, ensuring deadlines are met for various stages like sample approvals, material sourcing, production, and shipment.
• Utilize data operative and internal CBX systems frequently.
• Arrange shipment bookings with forwarding companies.
• Coordinate product inspection with Quality Control departments.
• Initiate factory quality and social compliance audits through QA departments.
• Manage sample storage in designated cabinets or rooms.
• Maintain statistical records and produce weekly reports for management.
• Collaborate tightly with management and team members to ensure smooth communication and goal alignment.
• Share information and lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
• Travel within Asia region to visit factories as required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or higher degree in Sourcing, Procurement, or equivalent experience.

Experience Requirements

• Between 5 and 10 years of relevant experience in Home Textile sourcing, ideally within a buying office or sourcing environment.
• Experience with Apparel/Garment sourcing is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of products with familiarity of European market demands and testing standards.
• Experience operating in an international business context.
• Expertise in purchasing and import processes.
• Proven ability in local and international purchasing negotiations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with CBX or comparable sourcing platforms is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills facilitating effective interaction across all organizational levels.
• Hands-on approach with high assertiveness and self-motivation.
• Strong organizational skills, with accurate, structured, and analytical work style.
• Attention to detail, proactive mindset, and positivity.
• Team-oriented yet capable of working independently.
• Focused with goal-driven attitude.
• Willingness to travel frequently, mainly in Asia.
• High responsibility level and robust work ethics.

Additional Information

The company offers a five-day workweek and a salary package competitive with qualifications and experience levels.