Micheal Raj

Key Responsibilities

• Led end-to-end merchandising, sourcing, and production execution across three manufacturing units, managing over 100 active SKUs (approximately 150 pieces per style) from strike-off to final garment dispatch.
• Delivered 85–90% OTIF performance by implementing structured T&A tracking, milestone-based reviews, and proactive risk escalation.
• Achieved a streamlined 45-day turnaround cycle from strike-off approval to finished garment delivery through backward planning and critical path monitoring.
• Reduced fabric lead time to approximately 25 days by aligning mill projections with production capacity, and strengthening supplier coordination.
• Implemented structured, Excel-based dashboards and review sheets to enhance raw material visibility, trims readiness, PPC alignment, and delivery predictability.
• Drove cost optimization through strategic vendor negotiations, alternate sourcing strategies, and commercial alignment with mills and factories.
• Owned quality control processes, including PP approvals, fit validation, shrinkage monitoring, and wash parameter compliance, to ensure consistent garment performance standards.
• Supervised production floor execution to improve workmanship quality and operational discipline across bulk cycles.
• Strengthened cross-functional collaboration between the mill, factories, design, and internal stakeholders to stabilize execution in a fast-paced D2C environment.

• Led end-to-end apparel and fabric sourcing for woven categories, ensuring alignment with buyer requirements and design briefs.
• Spearheaded vendor development and onboarding, ensuring competitive pricing and consistent quality through rigorous evaluation.
• Managed costing strategies and conducted detailed price negotiations, achieving improved margins.
• Oversaw fabric procurement, lab dip approvals, and pre-production processes using ERP and Excel-based trackers.
• Drove collaboration with design, merchandising, and production teams to streamline T&A and delivery timelines.
• Achieved a 20% reduction in sourcing costs by renegotiating supplier contracts and identifying alternate mills.
• Expanded the vendor network across Tier 2 & 3 cities, supporting regional growth.
• Supported successful buyer onboarding by aligning sourcing strategy with seasonal presentations.

• Managed fabric and garment sourcing for brands like Jack & Jones, JDY, and I-scenery, ensuring cost, quality, and timeline alignment.
• Handled vendor negotiations, contract finalization, and ensured adherence to brand standards.
• Collaborated with design and merchandising teams for seasonal developments, sample approvals, and counter-sourcing.
• Maintained ERP and Excel-based order tracking systems to monitor PO lifecycle and delivery milestones.
• Delivered 15-20% cost savings through vendor realignment and bulk order optimization.
• Successfully streamlined sourcing operations, reducing T&A delays by 25%.
• Played a key role in developing over 30 seasonal collections across men's and women's categories.

• Managed end-to-end order execution from product development to final shipment across woven and knitted apparel categories.
• Led cost negotiations with vendors and manufacturers, ensuring competitive pricing aligned with profitability targets.
• Coordinated with buyers, design teams, and production units to align developments with critical path timelines.
• Monitored T&A milestones, fabric booking, and sample tracking using Excel-based planning tools.
• Oversaw a team of merchandisers to ensure accurate PO management and timely order fulfillment.
• Reduced order delays by 30% through improved vendor coordination and T&A visibility.
• Helped develop a new sourcing base, resulting in faster lead times and reduced fabric cost.
• Improved buyer satisfaction and repeat orders through consistent quality and on-time delivery.

• Handled buyer communication, production planning, and order execution for woven and value-added apparel categories.
• Managed vendor coordination, fabric booking, and approvals to ensure timely production starts.
• Acted as a single point of contact for sampling, costing, order status, and delivery updates.
• Supported the development of new collections through counter sampling and trend-based fabric sourcing.
• Shortened sampling lead time by 20% by improving coordination between buyers and suppliers.
• Ensured 100% on-time shipment for all assigned orders during the tenure.
• Contributed to margin improvements by introducing cost-efficient fabric alternatives.

• Collaborated with designers and buyers to develop innovative and cost-effective leather and apparel products.
• Prepared technical packs, product specs, and BOMs for production teams and vendors.
• Conducted fabric and product testing, ensuring compliance with brand and international quality standards.
• Managed sampling schedules, approvals, and monitored production timelines to meet buyer commitments.
• Supported cost analysis and pricing decisions based on materials, trims, and labor costs.
• Improved cost efficiency by optimizing product specs and negotiating raw material pricing.
• Developed and launched over 15 successful styles across seasons with zero quality rejections.
• Strengthened vendor relationships, resulting in smoother order flow and better delivery consistency.

• Worked closely with design and sampling teams to develop commercially viable woven and denim products for export buyers.
• Researched trends, sourced raw materials, and ensured cost-effective product development.
• Coordinated with suppliers, mills, and internal teams to execute sampling and production activities.
• Created and maintained tech packs, cost sheets, and T&A calendars.
• Conducted quality checks and inline inspections to ensure compliance with buyer requirements.
• Supported successful deliveries to key European and US buyers by adhering to tight timelines.
• Reduced development-to-production lead time by 15% through better coordination and early sampling.
• Played a key role in building long-term buyer relationships through consistent order management and responsiveness.