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Company Description International Sourcing Hub (ISH) is an on-ground sourcing partner for global brands across South Asia, providing end-to-end solutions that meet international quality and compliance standards. The company manages the full sourcing lifecycle, including design support, product development, supplier development, compliance management, quality assurance, ethical audits, and logistics. ISH is led by a team with over 30 years of industry experience and deep expertise in the European market, combining product insight with trusted supplier networks. Guided by the principles of transparency, responsibility, and consistency, ISH helps brands reduce risk, protect standards, and scale sustainably. The organization focuses on delivering global standards through strong local expertise.
Job Summary
International Sourcing Hub (ISH) is looking for a dynamic and experienced Merchandiser professional with strong knowledge of European buyer requirements and quality standards, particularly for DIY, Garden, Hardware, Tools, Home Improvement and Food Products.
The candidate will be responsible for managing the complete sourcing and merchandising process, from supplier identification and development to product sampling, quality control, supplier coordination, and order execution. The role requires strong supplier management skills, attention to detail, commercial understanding and the ability to work closely with European customers and Indian suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supplier Search & Development
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers and manufacturers across India based on product category and customer requirements.
- Conduct supplier research, factory assessments, and initial capability evaluations.
- Develop and maintain a reliable supplier base for DIY, Garden, Hardware, Tools, Home Improvement and Food categories.
- Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, MOQ, lead time, quality and commercial terms.
- Maintain strong and professional relationships with existing and new suppliers.
2. Merchandising & Product Development
- Understand European customer requirements, product specifications, and quality expectations.
- Handle new product development (NPD) from concept and specification to sample approval and production.
- Source and develop products as per customer briefs, target prices, and technical requirements.
- Coordinate with suppliers for quotations, product specifications, samples, and development timelines.
- Compare supplier offers and prepare commercial proposals for customers.
- Follow up closely on product development and ensure timely submission of samples and quotations.
3. Quality Assurance & Sample Checking
- Conduct detailed inspection and evaluation of product samples against customer specifications, approved samples and quality standards.
- Review product dimensions, materials, workmanship, functionality, packaging, labelling and other relevant requirements.
- Coordinate with suppliers to rectify quality issues and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Support pre-production, inline and final quality inspections where required.
- Ensure products comply with applicable European market requirements, customer standards and relevant product regulations.
- For Food Products, understand basic requirements related to food safety, hygiene, traceability, packaging, labelling and applicable European regulations and certifications.
- For DIY Products, understand requirements related to product safety, technical specifications, testing, packaging, labelling and relevant European standards.
4. Supplier Management
- Act as the primary point of contact between ISH, suppliers and customers for assigned products.
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, cost, delivery and responsiveness.
- Follow up on production status, sampling, approvals and shipment readiness.
- Conduct supplier visits and factory meetings to assess production capabilities and resolve operational or quality issues.
- Maintain proper supplier records, product information and development status.
5. European Market & Compliance Knowledge
- Must have a good understanding of European buyer expectations and sourcing practices.
- Knowledge of requirements for DIY, Garden, Hardware, Tools, Home Improvement and Food Products is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with European certifications, testing requirements, social compliance and sustainability standards will be an advantage.
- Ability to interpret customer specifications, technical documents, test reports and compliance requirements.
6. Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare and maintain product development trackers, supplier databases, price comparisons and quality reports.
- Prepare professional presentations and product proposals for European customers.
- Maintain accurate records of samples, specifications, quotations, approvals and supplier performance.
- Coordinate internal communication and project updates through Microsoft Teams.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of Merchandising, Sourcing and Quality Assurance processes.
- Experience in supplier handling and vendor management.
- Strong capability in vendor search and supplier development.
- Experience in new product development and sample coordination.
- Ability to conduct supplier/factory visits and product evaluations.
- Good understanding of European product requirements and quality expectations.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Good attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to independently manage multiple products and suppliers.
- Strong follow-up skills and ability to work within strict timelines.
Computer Skills
The candidate must be proficient in:
- Microsoft Excel – product trackers, price comparisons, supplier databases and reports.
- Microsoft PowerPoint – customer presentations, product proposals and management presentations.
- Microsoft Teams – communication, meetings, document sharing and team coordination.
- Good overall proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Preferred Experience
- 3–7 years of experience in Merchandising, Sourcing, or Supplier Management.
- Experience working with European buyers, retailers, importers or sourcing offices is highly preferred.
- Prior experience in DIY, Garden, Hardware, Tools, Home Improvement and/or Food Products will be an advantage.
- Willingness to travel within India for supplier and factory visits.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a hands-on, proactive and commercially aware professional who can independently manage suppliers, identify new sourcing opportunities, develop products, and ensure quality compliance. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with both European customers and Indian manufacturers, with strong communication, follow-up and coordination skills.
Key Competencies:
- Sourcing | Merchandising | Supplier Management | Vendor Search | New Product Development | Quality Assurance | Sample Evaluation | European Market Requirements | Factory Visits | Negotiation | Excel | PowerPoint | Microsoft Teams
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