General Manager

Our company is a fast-growing international sourcing and production partner for major European fashion retailers. We are seeking an experienced and highly driven
General Manager (GM)
to lead our entire buying house operation. The right candidate will be responsible for strategy, sourcing, compliance, team leadership, performance management, supplier partnerships, and driving overall operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategy

• Define, implement, and execute the company's sourcing and operational strategy.
• Provide strong leadership to all departments (Merchandising, Production, QA, Technical, Commercial, HR, Finance).
• Translate business goals into clear operational plans and KPIs.
• Oversee budget planning, cost control, and financial performance.
• Represent the company to clients, suppliers, authorities, and stakeholders.

2. Merchandising & Client Management

• Lead all merchandising teams, ensuring timely costing, sampling, development, and approvals.
• Build strong relationships with international buyers and retail partners.
• Ensure accurate communication between clients and factories.
• Oversee price negotiations, order confirmations, and margin control.
• Monitor product development timelines and ensure best-in-class service delivery.

3. Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and optimize the supplier base (China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, etc.).
• Evaluate, onboard, and manage factories—ensuring compliance, capacity, capability, and performance.
• Lead negotiations with factories to ensure competitive prices, quality, and lead times.
• Expand sourcing capabilities based on product demands (denim, woven, jersey, outerwear, sweater, accessories).

4. Production & Operations Management

• Oversee production planning, WIP tracking, and on-time delivery performance.
• Ensure capacity planning aligns with buyer forecasts and order commitments.
• Lead risk assessment for each order and solve production bottlenecks proactively.
• Work closely with QA/Technical teams to reduce quality issues, claims, and shipment delays.

5. Quality, Technical & Compliance

• Ensure that all products meet required quality standards, fitting, and technical specifications.
• Oversee inline & final inspections, audits, testing requirements, and technical files.
• Maintain full compliance with buyer requirements (CSR, CoC, BSCI, Sedex, ACCORD/RSC, chemical compliance).
• Drive continuous improvement in quality systems, sustainability, and traceability.

6. Financial & Commercial Management

• Oversee costing, price negotiations, margin targets, and profitability.
• Monitor accounts receivable/payable, commercial documentation, and shipment accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, internal policies, and external audits.

7. Team & Performance Management

• Lead a team of merchandisers, QA, technical, commercial, and support staff.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop high-performing employees.
• Implement KPI management, performance reviews, and team accountability.
• Build a strong, transparent, and professional organizational culture.

8. Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Identify production and compliance risks early and implement mitigation plans.
• Resolve issues related to quality, delays, claims, factory non-performance, logistics, and communication gaps.
• Maintain crisis-management readiness during peak seasons or unforeseen challenges.

9. Reporting & Communication

• Provide daily/weekly/monthly operational reports to the management/board.
• Maintain strong cross-border communication between offices (EU–Asia).
• Present strategic updates, business performance, and improvement plans.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum
  10–15 years
  experience in garment sourcing, merchandising, or buying office management.
• Strong product knowledge in
  denim, woven, knit, sweater, outerwear
  .
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of production processes, compliance, and supply chain.
• Excellent communication in English; other languages are a plus.
• High level of integrity, ownership, and problem-solving ability.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Opportunity to lead a growing international sourcing organisation.
• Strategic role with significant responsibility and autonomy.
• Professional, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment.

Please respond exclusively by email and include "Application General Manager" in the subject line.