SENIOR IMPORT MERCHANDISER / ACCOUNT MANAGER - (MENSWEAR FASHION SUPPLIER) in Manchester

Our client is looking for an experienced, commercially minded Senior Import Merchandiser / Account Manager to work on their menswear accounts and drive product from initial concept through to final delivery. Working closely with customers, suppliers and internal teams, you will play a key part in developing long-term relationships, delivering commercially successful collections and ensuring products are brought to market efficiently, on time and to the highest standards.

Reporting directly to the Directors, you will join an established team of three Account Managers and collaborate with our wider product team, including four Designers, two Garment Technologists, a Senior Product Developer, two Senior Merchandisers and a Merchandiser, alongside Logistics and Finance.

• Account Management & Product Development
• Manage a portfolio of in-house and third-party customer accounts from concept through to delivery.
• Build, develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Lead regular customer meetings, take seasonal briefs and identify opportunities to grow existing business.
• Collaborate with Design and Garment Technology teams to develop commercially relevant product concepts.
• Oversee seasonal collection development, briefing suppliers alongside Design and Technical teams while managing the critical path.
• Negotiate supplier pricing to achieve commercial targets.
• Monitor sample development, ensuring sample trackers and lead times are maintained.
• Present seasonal collections alongside the Directors and Design team.
• Raise purchase orders and manage order summaries throughout the production cycle.
• Manage the critical path through regular communication with suppliers and customers.
• Lead daily and weekly product review meetings with Directors, Design and Technical teams.
• Ensure products meet Union Supply Co and customer quality standards, including compliance, factory audits, product testing and AQL requirements.
• Work closely with the Logistics team to ensure packing lists, approvals and shipping schedules are accurate and delivered on time.
• Develop and manage the supplier base, balancing production volumes and capabilities to maximise efficiency and performance.

• Managing the complete critical path from concept to customer delivery.
• Leading internal development meetings across Design, Technical, Sales and Directors to keep seasonal development on track.
• Managing option counts for each collection based on sales history and growth plans.
• Working with suppliers and the Design team to develop new fabrics, fits and product innovation.
• Coordinating with Design and Marketing to ensure seasonal sales materials and imagery are delivered on time.
• Producing and distributing weekly Free To Sell reports for the Sales team.
• Monitoring retail, wholesale and online sales performance, identifying opportunities for repeat orders, stock replenishment and seasonal planning.
• Working closely with the Sales team to review performance, trends and future opportunities.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware and passionate about product. You will have:

• Proven experience in account management, product development or merchandising within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple product cycles simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage critical paths effectively.
• A collaborative approach with experience working cross-functionally with Design, Technical, Merchandising and Supply Chain teams.
• Confidence presenting collections and working directly with customers and senior stakeholders.

Salary: £38,000 – £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience.