Manager — Denim Category for NDS9 – Global Sourcing & Manufacturing

Department: Denim Merchandising & Sourcing

Work Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

International travel to buyer offices and vendor factories may be required.

About NDS9

NDS9 is a global, end-to-end garment design, manufacturing, and sourcing hub in apparel manufacturing, with a broad network of specialized production facilities across the garments industry. Operating through merchandising offices and design studios in New York, Barcelona, Delhi, Dubai, and Dhaka, NDS9 delivers trend-driven, design-backed collections with a strong focus on quality and on-time delivery.

As NDS9 continues to expand its Denim vertical, the company is seeking dynamic and commercially astute Manager – Denim Category professionals to lead category strategy, vendor partnerships, and team performance for global buyer accounts.

Role Overview

The Manager – Denim will take full strategic and operational ownership of the Denim category, leading product development, vendor management, costing, and buyer relationships from concept through bulk shipment and delivery.

This is a senior, high-visibility role for an experienced denim professional who combines strong technical expertise, commercial judgment, and people leadership while working closely with senior management across NDS9's global offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic and operational management of the Denim category, including category direction, growth targets, and sourcing strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and develop merchandising and technical teams within the Denim vertical.
• Manage relationships with key international denim buyers and brands at the decision-maker level.
• Lead the complete product development cycle, including denim washes, finishes, fits, and fabrications.
• Oversee vendor selection, capacity planning, and factory performance across the company's global network.
• Lead costing and price negotiations with mills, laundries, and factories while protecting margins and meeting buyer price targets.
• Establish and monitor category-level KPIs, including on-time delivery, quality, cost savings, and order growth.
• Promote sustainable and responsible denim manufacturing practices.
• Identify category-level risks related to capacity, compliance, raw materials, and logistics and develop contingency plans.
• Coordinate with QA, compliance, and logistics teams to maintain quality, ethical sourcing, and on-time shipment.
• Drive continuous improvement in lead times, order flexibility, and cost competitiveness.
• Represent NDS9 at international trade shows, buyer meetings, and factory audits when required.
• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by Management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Apparel Merchandising, Fashion/Textile Technology, or a related field.
• Graduates from other disciplines with significant denim industry experience are also encouraged to apply.

Experience

• Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in denim merchandising/sourcing, including at least 3–4 years in a leadership or category management role.
• Proven experience managing large-volume denim programs for international fashion brands or retailers from concept through bulk shipment.
• Demonstrated experience in building, leading, and developing high-performing merchandising teams.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong expertise in denim fabric construction, including ring-spun, open-end, stretch, and rigid denim.
• Strong knowledge of washing, finishing technologies, and garment construction techniques.
• Excellent understanding of costing, FOB negotiation, and margin management.
• Knowledge of sustainable denim manufacturing practices, including water and chemical reduction technologies, certified cotton, recycled fibres, and relevant certifications such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS, Bluesign, and Higg Index.
• Familiarity with international compliance, labour, and trade-compliance standards related to denim exports.

Personal Attributes

• Strong people-leadership and team-management skills.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and hold teams accountable for achieving ambitious targets.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-country environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.
• Strong commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and quality excellence.

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive, experience-based compensation package with performance-linked incentives.
• Festival bonuses and annual performance bonus.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• International exposure.
• Structured career progression within a growing global organization.

Salary: Negotiable

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to email their updated CV along with a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience. MUST mention the position applied for in the subject line.

Send Your Application To:

Email: [email protected]