Fractional First
GAMSL

Global Apparel Merchandising & Sourcing Leader

Head of Merchandising & Global Sourcing | Apparel Manufacturing Leader

Southeast Asia

Description

This executive is an accomplished merchandising and sourcing leader with over 17 years of global experience managing sizeable portfolios in apparel manufacturing. They have driven business growth and operational excellence for renowned premium brands, employing a hands-on, data-driven, and people-centric approach. Their expertise spans P&L ownership, cost engineering, vendor optimization, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration across dynamic international trade environments.

Key Roles

  • •Currently oversees merchandising and sourcing operations managing multi-million-dollar portfolios for premium fashion labels.
  • •Spearheaded significant business growth, achieving substantial increases in key brand portfolios while maintaining strong delivery performance.
  • •Built and managed sizable teams across product development, sourcing, production, and delivery functions.
  • •Demonstrates effective leadership in expanding commercial portfolios and sustaining growth within dynamic environments.
  • •Skilled in mitigating risks associated with geopolitical volatility, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions.

Meet Me

I am a dedicated professional with over 17 years immersed in global apparel manufacturing and merchandising. I have led large teams and managed substantial portfolios, delivering growth and operational excellence for premium international brands. I excel in navigating complex trade environments and crafting strategies that optimize costs, mitigate risks, and foster long-term partnerships. Beyond work, I stay tuned to evolving fashion trends and innovation in sourcing that shape the future of the apparel industry.

Personas

Strategic Merchandising & Sourcing Leader

  • •Leads large teams managing multi-million-dollar portfolios within global apparel manufacturing.
  • •Drives strategic sourcing and operational excellence to support growth for premium fashion brands.
  • •Balances profit and loss accountability with risk management in complex and evolving trade landscapes.

Superpowers

Superpowers not available

Sweet Spot

Excels at leading end-to-end merchandising and sourcing strategies within intricate global apparel supply chains. Combines hands-on leadership with data-driven insight to drive operational excellence and commercial growth while effectively managing trade complexities to scale portfolios without compromising quality or margins.

Functional Skills

Merchandising & Portfolio Management
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P&L Ownership- Manages customer portfolios worth multi-million dollars, ensuring profitability and strategic growth.
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Multi-Brand Customer Leadership- Leads merchandising strategies for leading global fashion brands.
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Team Leadership- Directs teams of substantial size across merchandising, sourcing, production, and delivery functions.
Global Sourcing & Operational Execution
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Sourcing Strategy & Vendor Optimization- Develops and implements sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and lead times within complex international contexts.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partners with planning, production, quality, and logistics teams to ensure manufacturing readiness and order fulfillment align seamlessly.
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Risk Mitigation- Designs and executes strategies addressing geopolitical challenges, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions to protect business continuity.
Customer & Commercial Strategy
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Business Expansion & Negotiation- Supports commercial negotiations and growth initiatives with major retail and apparel clients.
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Data-Driven Decision Making- Utilizes data insights and KPI tracking to enhance performance and accelerate speed-to-market.
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Stakeholder Management- Engages executive leadership and global customers to align priorities and business objectives effectively.

User Manual

Operates best in environments requiring disciplined execution paired with strategic agility. Values clear data insights and open stakeholder communication. Empowers teams with autonomy while maintaining operational control to deliver speed and quality. Thrives when navigating complex global supply chain challenges demanding cross-functional collaboration and commercial acumen.

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Education

  • •Postgraduate diploma in fashion merchandising from a leading academy
  • •Bachelor’s degree in fashion technology from a recognized technical university

Focus Areas

Global Sourcing StrategyMerchandising LeadershipOperational ExecutionCost EngineeringP&L ManagementVendor OptimizationSupply Chain CollaborationRisk Mitigation

Industries

Apparel ManufacturingFashionTextilesRetail

Geographical Coverage

Asia-PacificGlobal Markets

Stage

GrowthMatureEnterprise

Personal Interests

Fashion TrendsGlobal Sourcing InnovationsSustainable ApparelCross-cultural Team Leadership