Procurement Manager – Apparel & Production

Role Overview
We are looking for a Procurement Manager to lead our sourcing and supply chain strategy. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end procurement process for blank apparel, raw textiles, custom trims, and printing/manufacturing services. You will be instrumental in expanding our vendor network, negotiating cost-effective supplier contracts, and ensuring that every t-shirt delivered meets our high standards of quality, comfort, and sustainability.

Core Responsibilities
1. Strategic Sourcing & Textile Selection
Research, identify, and onboard ethical apparel mills, print partners, and garment suppliers.
Evaluate blank t-shirt suppliers on GSM (fabric weight), cotton/blend quality, durability, print-readiness, and price point.
Build a sustainable supply chain by sourcing eco-friendly fabrics (e.g., organic cotton, recycled polyester, non-toxic dyes).

 
2. Contract Negotiation & Margin Optimization
Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), payment terms, and delivery schedules with blank apparel manufacturers and print shops.
Work with internal team members to execute clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) regarding garment defect rates and turnaround times.
Secure volume discounts and favorable terms to continuously improve product margins.
 
3. Supplier & Print Partner Management (SRM)
Build strong partnerships with garment manufacturers, embellishment facilities (Screen Printing, DTG, Embroidery), and packaging vendors.
Conduct regular supplier audits and performance evaluations to maintain consistent fabric quality and print execution.
Maintain contingency plans with backup printers and blank suppliers to handle demand surges or supply disruptions.
4. Spend Analysis, Inventory & Forecasting
Analyze purchasing trends and fabric usage to forecast seasonal inventory needs (e.g., core blank t-shirt sizes, colors, and specialty washes).
Collaborate with Finance and E-commerce operations to manage stock levels, avoiding stockouts or over-purchasing.
Track landed costs per unit (fabric + print + freight + packaging) to ensure profitability targets are met.

 
5. Quality Control & Risk Management
Implement strict quality assurance protocols for incoming blanks and finished printed apparel.
Ensure compliance with apparel industry regulations (e.g., labor standards, chemical/dye compliance, fiber labeling laws).
Diversify supplier channels across local and regional vendors to mitigate supply chain bottlenecks.

 
6. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with Design, Creative, Operations, and Marketing teams to bring new apparel collections from concept to production on schedule.
Manage and mentor junior purchasing or logistics associates as the production team grows.

 
Qualifications & Requirement
Experience: 3–5+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, specifically within the apparel, textile, or e-commerce fashion industry.
Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of fabric types (combed cotton, ring-spun, blends), garment construction, and apparel printing processes (Screen Printing, DTG, Heat Transfer, Dye Sublimation).
Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of negotiating favorable contract terms and cost reductions without sacrificing quality.
Analytical Mindset: Proficiency with inventory management software, ERP systems, and spreadsheet analysis (Excel/Google Sheets).
Sustainability Focus: Familiarity with sustainable apparel certifications (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade) is a strong plus.