Sankara Narayanan V

Experienced Apparel Sourcing professional with 17+ years in Merchandising and Sourcing for both Knit and Woven categories. Expertise across Kids, Men's and Women's wear with a strong grasp of end-to-end product lifecycle — from design concept to shipment. Proven capability in Costing, Price negotiation, Vendor management and Production planning to meet Buyer expectations.

Adept at team supervision, assigning responsibilities and monitoring performance to achieve production and delivery milestones. Strong coordination skills with design, technical and production departments ensuring compliance with buyer standards. Experienced in new buyer development, market sourcing and maintaining long-term customer relationships.

Skilled in R&D, new product launches and executing seasonal developments for global brands. Hands-on knowledge of knitted and woven fabric processes with a focus on sustainability and product innovation.

Senior Sourcing Merchandiser at Bhuvaneshwari Tex (2025-02 – Present)

• Leading merchandising operations for multiple global brands across varied product categories.
• Managing Costing and Price negotiations with both buyers and vendors to achieve target margins.
• Overseeing sampling, production tracking and shipment planning to meet TNA and ex-factory schedules.
• Coordinating between design, production and QA teams to align execution with buyer expectations.
• Driving fabric R&D initiatives focused on Sustainability and Seasonal innovation.
• Buyers handled: VERBAUDET, MAX, HANNA ANDERSON, USPA.

Senior Sourcing Merchandiser at Seatoman Holdings Ltd (2022-11 – 2025-01)

• Sourced new vendors, evaluated production capabilities and tracked daily production performance.
• Blocked seasonal production capacities based on supplier efficiency and brand requirements.
• Negotiated costs and ensured alignment with target pricing and margin goals.
• Managed sampling from Proto to GSS, coordinated fit/commercial approvals and ensured quality consistency.
• Organized SMS, Photoshoot and Marketing samples for seasonal launches.
• Conducted risk analysis to prevent production delays.
• Led PPM meetings, planned capacities and reviewed supplier performance.
• Supervised quality inspections (Initial, Mid, and Final).
• Buyer handled: Hanna Anderson, USA (Baby, Boys, Girls, Men's & Women's).

Senior Sourcing Merchandiser – India at Intersource Garments Pvt. Ltd (2016-01 – 2022-09)

Subsidiary of Zabou Casualwear Ltd, UK. Managed Sourcing and Product development for 883 Police and POLICE (Men's, Women's & Kids).

Senior Merchandiser at Prateek Apparels Pvt. Ltd (2015-04 – 2015-12)

Handled brands: Locomotive, Highlander, Tokyo Talkies, Vishyudh.

Senior Merchandiser at BLR Knits Pvt. Ltd (2010-07 – 2015-03)

Handled brands: Rattrap (Men's, Women's & Accessories), Monoprix (France – Kids & Toddlers)

Merchandiser at Prem Durai Exports (2008-05 – 2010-06)

Handled brand: Switcher (Men's & Women's – Retail and Export Divisions)

Key Responsibilities (Across Roles) at Multiple Organizations

• Executed fabric R&D, lab dips and proto sampling based on trend forecasts.
• Handled initial & final costing, led buyer price negotiations.
• Procured fabrics, trims and accessories cost-efficiently and within lead times.
• Maintained buyer communication for sample submissions and approvals.
• Planned and tracked production capacity, output and TNA milestones.
• Worked closely with planning, QA and technical teams for seamless execution.
• Oversaw garment dyeing and finishing approvals for color and handfeel.
• Experienced in ERP (Seamless) system for order and material tracking.

B.Sc. in Apparel and Fashion Technology – K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology (2008)

Higher Secondary Education – Vaidheeswara Matriculation Hr. Sec. School (2005)

Secondary Education – Malco Vidyalaya Matriculation Hr. Sec. School (2003)