Associate Director - Sourcing (International Brands)

Role overview

This position leads the sourcing, procurement, and supply chain direction for a portfolio of international apparel brands, including Next, Nautica, Desigual, and Sisley. The objective is to create a responsive domestic and international sourcing network that can support ambitious growth in GMV and options through 2029, while improving margins through a stronger domestic sourcing mix and maintaining high standards in garment engineering, fit, and production quality.

Key responsibilities

The role covers strategy, vendor management, technical product execution, and risk control across the sourcing lifecycle.

• Build and implement a sourcing strategy for the full international brands portfolio with a focus on operating efficiency and margin enhancement.
• Create a balanced supplier ecosystem across Knits, Wovens, Denims, and Bottoms to support the growth of brands such as Next and Nautica.
• Source, evaluate, and onboard vendors who can meet global quality expectations and fast replenishment timelines.
• Handle senior-level negotiations covering pricing, capacity planning, and service-level commitments.
• Manage product execution from initial design handoff through final shipment.
• Interpret international technical specifications, adapt sizing for local requirements, and prepare detailed bills of materials.
• Oversee sampling, prototype development, and fit approvals to preserve brand consistency.
• Support production teams in meeting go-to-market timelines by reducing lead times and resolving operational constraints.
• Define construction standards and review bulk production to ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Anticipate supply chain risks and put contingency plans in place for domestic sourcing as well as imports from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China.

Stakeholder interface

The role works closely with internal and external partners across the business.

• Internal stakeholders include Design (IOB), Quality & Fits (HOB), Planning/Merchandising, Business Finance, and Legal.
• External stakeholders include global brand partners/principals, manufacturing vendors, and industry agencies.

Role requirements

• An MBA or a master’s degree in Fashion Management, Textile Engineering, or Business Management is required.
• 12 to 15+ years of experience in sourcing, product development, and vendor management is expected.
• Strong exposure to both domestic and international apparel sourcing is necessary.
• A solid understanding of garment technology and product execution is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in apparel sourcing, vendor negotiation, and production management is important.
• Hands-on knowledge of garment engineering, tech pack conversion, and fit/quality assurance standards is needed.
• Ability to translate brand needs into scalable supply chain models is required.
• Strong negotiation skills, cross-cultural relationship building, and team leadership are expected.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

No salary, stipend, opening count, or start date has been specified in the source information.