Senior Merchandiser

FASHION GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL FZCO

Senior Merchandiser – Apparel

Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Industry: Apparel / Textile / Buying House / Sourcing

About the Company

We are a well-established global buying and sourcing house based in Istanbul, working with leading international fashion, sportswear and lifestyle brands.

As part of our continued growth and expansion, we are looking for an experienced, highly motivated and commercially minded Senior Merchandiser to join our dynamic merchandising team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who has strong experience in apparel merchandising and is looking to take greater ownership of product development, production, supplier management and customer relationships within an international working environment.

The Role

As a Senior Merchandiser, you will be responsible for managing the merchandising process from initial product development through to bulk production and shipment. You will work closely with international customers, garment manufacturers, fabric and trim suppliers, as well as internal teams to ensure products are developed and delivered according to the required quality, cost, lead time and delivery targets.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware, technically competent and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete merchandising process from product development and sampling through to bulk production and shipment.
• Act as a key point of contact between international customers, factories, suppliers and internal teams.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, garment manufacturers and suppliers.
• Manage product development, including sample follow-up, fabric and trim sourcing, costing and production feasibility.
• Source and evaluate suitable fabrics, accessories, suppliers and manufacturing facilities according to customer requirements.
• Prepare and negotiate product costings, ensuring commercially competitive prices while maintaining required quality standards.
• Review customer requirements, specifications and comments and ensure they are clearly communicated and implemented by suppliers and factories.
• Manage T&A (Time and Action) calendars and ensure all critical milestones are achieved on time.
• Closely monitor sample development, approvals, lab dips, fabric approvals, PP samples and bulk production.
• Follow up production progress and proactively identify potential delays, quality issues or commercial risks.
• Coordinate with technical, quality, production and logistics teams to ensure smooth execution of orders.
• Monitor order quantities, delivery dates and shipment schedules.
• Ensure all customer requirements and deadlines are met throughout the production cycle.
• Resolve production and merchandising issues quickly and effectively, escalating critical matters when necessary.
• Conduct regular supplier and factory follow-ups and support the development of new suppliers where required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date order, costing, development and production records.
• Provide regular updates to customers and management regarding order status, risks and key developments.
• Support the team in achieving departmental and company targets.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced working environment is essential for this role.
• A strong interest in sports, particularly football, and previous experience or knowledge of the sportswear industry would be considered an advantage.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of relevant merchandising experience in the apparel/textile industry, preferably with experience in both a buying house/sourcing office and manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in apparel product development and merchandising.
• Extensive knowledge of costing, pricing and commercial negotiations.
• Strong experience in fabric, trims and accessory sourcing.
• Proven experience in managing T&A calendars, sampling and production follow-up.
• Good understanding of garment manufacturing processes and production requirements.
• Strong technical knowledge of apparel products, construction and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of German and/or Italian would be an advantage.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly MS Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage multiple customers, styles, suppliers and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for assigned business.
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team.
• A proactive, hands-on and solution-oriented approach.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is dynamic, proactive, commercially minded and highly organised, with the ability to take ownership of responsibilities and deliver results in a demanding international environment.

The successful candidate should be someone who:

• Takes ownership rather than waiting to be instructed.
• Can anticipate potential problems and take action before they become critical.
• Is comfortable working under pressure and managing tight deadlines.
• Has a strong sense of urgency and commitment to delivering results.
• Can effectively prioritise multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
• Builds strong and professional relationships with customers, factories and suppliers.
• Is confident in communicating with international stakeholders.
• Consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, accountability and attention to detail.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with international fashion, sportswear and lifestyle brands.
• Exposure to a global sourcing and buying environment.
• Opportunity to work with international customers and suppliers.
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and long-term career opportunities.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a significant portfolio of products and customers.

If you are an experienced apparel merchandiser who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems and working in a fast-paced international environment, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.