Website:
farida.co.in
Job details:
FARIDA GROUP
Location: On-site, Chennai
Department: Merchandising
Reports To: Senior Merchandiser
Employment Type: Full-time
About Farida GroupFarida Group is a leading footwear manufacturer, producing high-quality shoes for domestic and international markets. We are looking for a dynamic Merchandiser to join our team, focused primarily on our Japanese customer accounts, serving as the key link between our clients, internal production teams, and management.
Role OverviewThe Merchandiser will act as the primary coordination point between our Japanese customers and internal departments (production, design, quality, logistics), ensuring smooth communication, timely order execution, and a high standard of service consistent with Japanese business expectations. This role demands strong proactiveness — anticipating issues before they arise, following up without being prompted, and keeping all stakeholders informed at every step. Attention to detail, precision, and reliability are essential, as is comfort adapting to the communication style, etiquette, and expectations typical of Japanese business relationships.
Key Responsibilities• Serve as the primary point of contact for Japanese customer accounts, managing day-to-day communication on order status, samples, specifications, and timelines with a high level of professionalism and precision
• Proactively anticipate customer needs and potential issues (delays, quality concerns, spec mismatches) — flagging and addressing them before they escalate, rather than waiting to be asked
• Coordinate closely with internal teams (production, design/development, quality control, logistics) to ensure Japanese customer requirements — often more exacting on detail, consistency, and documentation — are fully understood and met
• Track order progress from development through shipment, providing regular, timely status updates without needing reminders
• Prepare and maintain meticulous order documentation (tech packs, costing sheets, timelines, shipment schedules) to the standard of accuracy expected by Japanese clients
• Follow up diligently on sample development and approvals with both customers and internal teams, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
• Attend and coordinate internal planning meetings, providing clear, proactive status updates on active orders
• Communicate with Japanese customers in a manner that reflects cultural sensitivity, courtesy, formality, and thoroughness, adapting tone and style to their expectations
• Resolve customer queries quickly and escalate critical issues to management with sufficient lead time for resolution
• Build long-term trust and strong working relationships with Japanese clients through consistent reliability and attentiveness
Requirements• Bachelor's degree in any field (fashion/textile/business preferred)
• 2–5 years of experience in merchandising, preferably in footwear, apparel, or a related manufacturing/export industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Demonstrated proactiveness — a track record of anticipating problems and following through without close supervision
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills; comfortable managing multiple orders/deadlines at once
• High attention to detail and comfort with the precision/documentation standards typical of Japanese buyers
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); ERP experience a plus
• Ability to work cross-functionally and coordinate effectively between customers and internal teams
Preferred Qualities• Prior experience working with Japanese clients, or willingness to learn Japanese business etiquette and communication norms
• Prior experience in a customer-facing or client servicing role within footwear/leather manufacturing
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Self-starter who takes ownership without needing constant direction
Click on Apply to know more.