Merchandiser - Sourcing & Production (Accessories)

KAS Pty Limited is a part of KAS Group Asia (KGA), the exclusive direct sourcing arm of Kmart Group that operates the iconic retail brands Kmart Australia, Target Australia and Catch. KGA’s operations span the largest sourcing markets across Asia including China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam, supporting an annual sourcing capability of US $ 2.5 billion.

With our strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, we provide a full suite of procurement services from sourcing, merchandising, packaging, quality assurance, quality control and international supply chain.

At KGA, whether with KAS Pty Ltd or Target Australia Sourcing, you will be part of a dynamic, growing business that delivers incredible results through a clearly defined purpose and strategy. You will work in an environment that is highly supportive, collaborative and encourages innovation whilst providing autonomy and challenge.

You will have access to flexible working hours, health and wellness programs, competitive remuneration and training opportunities with development plans to support your career growth. We offer an empowering culture with strongly embedded organisational values that define who we are and everything we do.

KAS Pty Ltd (KAS) and Target Australia Sourcing (TAS) are part of the KAS Group Asia. We are now looking for a Merchandiser – Sourcing & Production for TAS Accessories team who will be responsible for:

• Sourcing and development activities to support sales and product development.
• Works cohesively with supervisor to drive and deliver supplier sourcing strategy.
• Key external/internal stakeholder engagement and supplier base improvement.
• Manage the whole process status of sourcing/sampling/production/delivery.
• Coordinate production flow planning with suppliers, Time and Action Plan (TNA).            
• Supplier/Vendor management.

Job Accountabilities

1. Sample Execution

• Collaborate with buyers, designers to ensure complete alignment on product vision of designated buying portfolio.
• Select the right manufacturing partner to execute our sample accurately.
• Leverage global insights and design capability of suppliers base to complement and enhance the buyer & designer’s product vision.        

2. Supplier Strategy

• Ensure high-quality suppliers are available to support our strategic aspirations.
• Ongoing work in understanding developments in the manufacturing base within the region to keep suppliers sharp and honest.
• Build long-term relationships with a narrower set of key supply partners who show continuous high performance to our delivery, ethical and quality standards as well as price/sample expectations.

3. Lowest Cost

• Join manager in high visibility and complex competitive negotiations and seek to optimise price by leveraging effective negotiation strategies with suppliers.
• Seek continuous improvement with manufacturing counterparts. 
• Lead price negotiations and be account for FOB price and margin outcomes of the buying portfolio assigned.
• Optimise availability of stock, and flow planning with suppliers to help them optimise production efficiencies.
• Work with the relevant planners to ensure flow plans are relevant to sales expectations as well as having an eye on optimisation of available supplier capacity.

4. Delivery

• Improve delivery accuracy and production timelines of our supplier base.
• Ensure our suppliers can respond fast to sales trends and understands the value in short lead times.
• Identify risk and be able to escalate issues on time and at the right moment.
• Oversee production and ensure consistent delivery performance include offshore production at the right product quality level.
• Provide reports and data for the Supplier Scorecard, so to ensure suppliers are able respond fast to sales trends and understands the value in short lead times.

5. Quality

• Keep close eye on new lines where collaboration with quality is important to ensure production runs seamlessly.
• Ensure tracking processes in place to ensure material quality is tested and mould opening is managed appropriately whether locally sourced or imported.
• Comply Ethical Sourcing audits and technical audits would need to be traced and monitor all the deadline.

Job Requirements

1. Candidate Profile

• Diploma or above in Textile Engineering, or related.
• Minimum 3 years of accessories experiences in Soft accessories/Handbags/Jewellery/ Sunglasses

2. Technical Skills

• Good understanding in sourcing/development/production process and quality standard.
• Computer literacy.
• Data management systems, costing sheets, etc.
• Familiar with software such as DSS, GBSS, etc              .
• Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software   .

3. Traits/Abilities

• Self-motivated, with strong sense of commitment and able to work under pressure.
• Well organized, proactive and with strong sourcing and price negotiation skill.
• Good time management.
• Analytical skill and able to shorten lead time.
• Good command in both written and spoken Cantonese, English and Mandarin.

KAS Group Asia values diversity and we pride ourselves on representing the diverse and multicultural communities of which we are a part. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purpose.