Merchandising Manager (Denim)

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

Ensure business and turnover growth, develop new denim suppliers and designs from Pakistani Denim fabrics to agreed targets for the assigned brands. Improve Denim product stitching, aesthetics, durability, shade consistency to outshine other regions.

ASSIGNMENTS

• Structure and plan development activities to ensure the team and suppliers are well-prepared for buyer meetings and seminars, presenting new fabrics, trims, and styles at competitive prices.
• Ensure each product group supports suppliers during the development phase, considering the responsible brand’s latest trends and buyers’ general requirements.
• Ensure suppliers develop new versions of best-selling styles and increase the utilization of Pakistani fabrics.
• Ensure the entire process, from development to shipment, is carried out in accordance with agreements between buyers and suppliers.
• Take an active role in resolving challenges arising during production.
• Monitor performance figures, identify gaps across brands and product groups, implement timely solutions, and maintain close communication with the Express Team in Denmark.
• Negotiate prices, production capacity, and lead times with suppliers while managing the critical path.
• Monitor and regularly evaluate supplier performance.
• Ensure all product-related records, style files, and samples are properly maintained.
• Closely follow up on prototype and sales samples to ensure timely delivery of each style.
• Approve lab dips, swatches, and care labels, where required.
• Follow up on SMS, photo sample deadlines, pre-production (PP) samples, and shipment samples to ensure timely approvals.
• Ensure suppliers use recommended fabric and trim sources.
• Identify and source potential new suppliers and factories.
• Train and guide suppliers in accordance with BESTSELLER requirements.
• Actively participate in MM and other team meetings, sharing relevant information with colleagues.
• Keep the team informed about business developments and ensure the implementation of strategic tools.
• Motivate, guide, and develop team members to maintain engagement, dedication, and professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with supporting teams on quality inspections, chemical requirements, and CSR activities.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers, buyers, and designers.
• Minimize claims within agreed percentage targets and ensure they are handled promptly and professionally.
• Undertake business trips to suppliers and Denmark as required.
  
  

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Understand the brand’s vision and strategy, ensuring the development of well-prepared styles, new fabrics, and trims aligned with current trends at competitive prices.
• Drive turnover growth across assigned brands by presenting well-developed styles for main collections and addressing in-season business gaps.
• Support CR with new ideas, initiatives, and assigned projects.
• Ensure the entire process, from product development to shipment, is executed according to agreed expectations.
• Implement strategic tools within the team and ensure consistent follow-up.
• Provide effective and timely support to suppliers and buyers for each collection and express business requirements.
• Build a motivated, dedicated, and accountable team that takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate visible and engaged leadership, maintaining close involvement with the team and a clear understanding of activities across brands and product groups.
• Act as a positive role model by consistently demonstrating BESTSELLER’s founding principles.
  
  

The Job – Leading Others

BESTSELLER's Founding Principles

We are honest | We are hard-working | We are loyal | We are co-operative | We are business-minded | We want to see results | We want simple solutions | We take nothing for granted | We always keep our promises | We want to be the best.

• Set Objectives and Prioritise Tasks
  
  

Ensure team members' objectives contribute to overall success.

• Ensure team members understand how their responsibilities contribute to the overall goals of the team and organisation.
• Empower team members to make a meaningful contribution towards achieving their individual objectives.
  
  

Clearly define roles and responsibilities.

• Ensure team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and task priorities.
• Regularly plan and communicate key priorities and expectations to direct reports.
• Empower and Follow Up
  
  

Develop team members to manage their responsibilities effectively.

• Delegate appropriate responsibilities and authority to enable team members to achieve their objectives.
• Provide necessary support while encouraging ownership and accountability for assigned tasks.
  
  

Regularly monitor progress and provide support.

• Conduct regular follow-ups to monitor task progress and achievement of objectives.
• Provide timely guidance and support to address challenges and ensure successful delivery.
• Grow Team Members
  
  

Support continuous personal and professional development.

• Contribute actively to team members' personal and professional growth.
• Support team members in strengthening their capabilities and improving performance.
  
  

Integrate coaching into everyday leadership.

• Encourage independent thinking and problem-solving by asking questions rather than simply providing answers.
• Use regular conversations and interactions as opportunities to coach, guide, and develop team members.
• Review and Strengthen Performance
  
  

Ensure team members clearly understand their performance.

• Conduct annual performance reviews for all team members.
• Ensure performance evaluations are thorough, objective, and based on factual evidence.
  
  

Use performance reviews constructively to drive improvement.

• Provide regular, constructive feedback to strengthen individual and team performance.
• Address performance concerns promptly through timely feedback and appropriate support to prevent escalation.
• Select Team Members and Build the Team
  
  

Recruit and onboard high-performing team members.

• Select qualified individuals who contribute positively to team performance and align with BESTSELLER's culture and values.
• Ensure effective onboarding to support successful integration and performance.
• Proactively address underperformance and, where necessary, take appropriate action when team members consistently fail to meet expectations.
  
  

Build a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing team.

• Foster a positive working environment where teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support are fundamental.
• Promote honesty, trust, open communication, and a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed.
• Strengthen team spirit, engagement, and shared accountability for achieving collective objectives.