Senior Fashion Designer cum Merchandiser

OnatiGlobal · Bengaluru south, India

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
• ,