Senior Fashion Designer cum Merchandiser

We are looking for a highly creative, versatile, and business-savvy Senior Designer cum Merchandiser with 6–8+years of proven experience in the apparel industry. This hybrid leadership role requires a rare mix of creative design vision, commercial merchandising discipline and operational toughness.

The ideal candidate will lead the design team, manage complete product development for both Woven and Knit categories, and handle fabric sourcing and merchandise delivery for our B2B and B2C clients. Excellent communication, cross-functional leadership, and vendor/client management skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities1. Design Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and direct the design team to develop seasonal collections, trend boards, color palettes, and range planning for both B2B and B2C channels.
• Translate market trends, client briefs, and consumer insights into commercially viable apparel collections.
• Conceptualize range building, tech packs, and detailed flat sketches across Wovens (shirts, dresses, tailored wear) and Knits (t-shirts, loungewear, activewear).

2. End-to-End Product Development & Merchandising

• Oversee complete product development lifecycle from initial concept to proto-sample, fit approvals, sampling, and final handover to production.
• Work closely with technical, pattern-making, and sampling teams to ensure accurate fit, drape, construction, and finishing.
• Manage costing, bill of materials (BOM), and price negotiations to deliver target margins for both domestic and international client lines.

3. Strategic Fabric & Trim Sourcing

• Actively source high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective fabrics, trims, and embellishments for woven and knit categories.
• Build, maintain, and expand relationships with fabric mills, weavers, knitters, processors, and trim suppliers.
• Stay updated on sustainable fabrics, processing techniques, and textile innovations.

4. Client & Stakeholder Management (B2B & B2C)

• Serve as the primary creative and product liaison for major B2B clients (retail brands, corporate accounts, export buyers) and manage B2C direct-to-consumer product lines.
• Pitch seasonal collections and custom design decks to external clients with stellar presentational and verbal communication skills.
• Manage client feedback, sample revisions, delivery timelines, and order execution to ensure customer satisfaction.

Key Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Degree / Diploma in Fashion Design or Apparel Production from NIFT, Pearl Academy, or a top-tier design institution.
• Experience: 6 to 8+ years of solid hands-on experience in design-led merchandising, product development, and team management within apparel manufacturing, buying houses, or fashion brands.
• Category Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of fabric behavior, garment construction, washing/dyeing techniques, and tech pack creation across both Woven and Knit sectors.
• Sourcing Capability: Resourceful network of local and regional textile suppliers, mills, and print/embroidery vendors.
• Communication: Exceptional written and spoken English communication, negotiation, and client-facing presentation skills.
• Software Proficiency: Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint), and PLM/ERP software.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage, inspire, and keep a design team aligned with tight delivery timelines.

Why Join Us?

• Creative autonomy to lead design strategies across dual business models (B2B & B2C).
• Opportunity to work across diverse product categories and international/national client profiles.
• Competitive salary package and growth-oriented work environment.
• CTC - Basic+Variable +Incentives
• www.onati-global.com , www.rakhisfashions.in