Kawaljeet Kaur
Experienced Merchandising Manager
27 Cambrian Street, Manchester
Summary
Results-driven Senior Merchandising Manager with over 12 years of experience in the garment industry, with a strong focus on product development, quality assurance, and multi-country sourcing. Skilled in managing end-to-end production, strategic sourcing, and ensuring top-tier product standards through close collaboration with manufacturing units. Recently completed a Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management degree, further strengthening abilities in market trend analysis, demand forecasting, strategic assortment planning, leveraging data insights to make informed buying decisions that align with brand goals and customer preferences. Ready to bring a fresh, dual perspective to the buying and merchandising process, combining deep industry experience with up-to-date fashion buying strategies to maximize profitability and brand impact.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Retail Assistant
Paras Warehouse Limited
7 2024 - Current
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Maintained tidy and organized store environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Enhanced store appearance through diligent merchandising and regular upkeep of displays.
- Maintained accurate records for all incoming and outgoing goods, ensuring real-time updates to internal stock management systems
- Provided excellent customer service by efficiently processing returns, exchanges, or damages according to company policies.
- Fostered a positive work environment by maintaining open communication channels with coworkers and supervisors, resolving conflicts promptly, and demonstrating respect for all team members.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Demonstrated flexibility by adapting to various roles within the retail environment as needed.
- Compiled daily sales reports to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Supported team members during peak hours to ensure smooth store operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of store, creating welcoming environment for customers.
- Managed approximately 30-45 online orders on daily basis along with handling In-store customers.
Senior Merchandiser Manager
Shah Safari Inc
4 2010 - 07.2022
- Spearheaded product development and sourcing for major international clients across regions, including South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa.
- Provided fabric and technical guidance to buyers, assisting in range planning, fabric selection (specializing in woven textiles), and decision-making during critical development stages.
- Collaborated with buyers to choose colors, materials, and designs aligned with market trends and brand identity.
- Coordinated with design and QC teams to ensure product specifications were met, attending fit sessions and making actionable recommendations to improve outcomes.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure competitive pricing, reducing sourcing and production costs while maintaining quality and meeting delivery timelines.
- Managed supply chain processes to ensure seamless production and timely delivery, adhering to critical path timelines.
- Regularly visited factories and mills to conduct quality inspections, ensuring adherence to international standards.
- Streamlined production workflows with detailed technical packages, specifications, and regular communication with cross-functional teams.
- Conducted in-line and final quality checks, ensuring all products met client specifications and brand standards.
- Delivered accurate garment costing, factoring in fabric, trims, labor, and logistics, achieving optimal margins.
- Reduced excess stock levels through effective inventory management and collaboration with supply chain teams.
- Built and maintained strong vendor relationships, securing favorable terms and improving profitability.
- Led and mentored junior merchandisers, enhancing team performance and ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Gained a deep understanding of market demands and fabric trends, translating insights into actionable sourcing and design strategies.
- Optimized sample development processes, improving workflow efficiency through close collaboration with pattern-makers and technical teams.
- Introduced continuous improvement initiatives to streamline production processes and boost efficiency.
- Partnered with buyers on range planning and technical decisions, providing valuable input on garment construction, fabric options, and shipping logistics.
- Regularly participated in meetings and conference calls with planning and management teams to align production activities with client expectations.
Junior Merchandiser
Swagat Garments
01.2009 - 03.2010
- Sourced and ordered accessories for production, ensuring timely availability of materials to meet production schedules
- Assisted in in-line inspections to maintain quality control during the production process
- Communicated daily with buyers to provide updates on production status and address any concerns or queries
- Liaised with factories to ensure smooth production processes and timely delivery of finished goods
- Generated purchase order copies and managed administrative tasks to ensure proper documentation and tracking of orders
- Ensured timely replenishment of stock levels by working closely with the purchasing department in managing orders from suppliers.
- Minimized errors with rigorous attention to detail and adherence to established protocols when collecting and storing samples.
- Followed standard operating procedures for inspections and tests.
- Checked color, shape, texture and grade of products and materials against established templates, charts, and samples.
Trainee/Intern
Shraddha Printers
08.2008 - 12.2008
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
- Assisted Senior Merchandiser in daily tasks, including raw material procurement, MOQ calculations, and sourcing, ensuring timely delivery of components
- Performed artwork adjustments using CAD software to ensure designs met production specifications
- Managed printing tasks such as barcode stickers and product tags using digital printing machines
- Organized packing, sorting, and dispatch of finished goods to clients, ensuring timely and accurate shipments
- Handled invoice generation and provided administrative support in tracking orders and deliveries.
Education
Master of Science - Fashion Buying And Merchandising Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, United Kingdom 09.2023 - 11.2024
Bachelor of Science - Textile And Clothing
SNDT University
Mumbai, India 04.2001 -
Soft Skills
- Continuous process improvements
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration and mentoring
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Time management and organization
- Leadership and initiative
- Communication and relationship building
Skills
Purchasing strategy
Purchase Order Management
Supplier sourcing
Merchandising operations
Materials sourcing
Pricing negotiations
Critical path management
Data analysis and forecasting
Microsoft Excel
Modern ERP System
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureTimeline
Master of Science - Fashion Buying And Merchandising Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
09.2023 - 11.2024
Junior Merchandiser
Swagat Garments
01.2009 - 03.2010
Trainee/Intern
Shraddha Printers
08.2008 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Textile And Clothing
SNDT University
04.2001 -
Retail Assistant
Paras Warehouse Limited
7 2024 - Current
Senior Merchandiser Manager
Shah Safari Inc
4 2010 - 07.2022
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Marathi
Upper intermediate
B2
Punjabi
Proficient
C2
Interests
Listening music
Travelling
Interests
I like listening to Sufi and Classical Music & passionate about travel and nature exploration for inspiration and personal growth.
References
Available Upon Request