The Trimmings Buyer is responsible for planning and buying source trim to meet production needs. The trimmings buyer should negotiate and purchase the materials as well as prepare test samples before they reach production.
The trimmings buyer should investigate multiple vendors across whatever trim products are needed to create the sample at hand. They should then seek out the best value, achieving the best possible quality for the most efficient price. They should then purchase the items, and source them to the appropriate line in the production process accordingly. If the product is not in line with what was agreed upon, it is their responsibility to renegotiate. Finally, they should test the materials by compiling a sample product.
Trimmings buyers typically report to product development manager. They sometimes have a junior associate, and work in conjunction with other sourcing associates, multiple vendors, and product specialists.
To be a successful trimmings buyer you should be an expert not only in the product that you’re looking to buy, but also in how these pieces will work together. You should be an assertive communicator, and know how to negotiate with vendors, and correct dissatisfaction with a material before it reaches the production line. You should be independent, a great multi-tasker, and thrive in fast pace environments.
If you’re considering applying to be a trimmings buyer, your resume should show that you are able to handle many lines of communication at once. It should also show that you understand how each line of material fits into the overall vision. Finally, it should show that you’re a great communicator, and can negotiate in pressure situations and ever-changing environments.
Resume Builder Power Words: research, communication, negotiation, multi-task, detail-oriented, fast-pace, independent, big picture thinking.
Trimmings Buyer Resume Sample
- Allocated development and sales samples based on affordability, vendor capability
- Assisted design with product development issues
- Collaborated with raw material teams – initiate process for raw material commitments
- Communicated efforts in any special garment development
- Communicated technical direction to the vendors on how to correct color, strike offs, components, and samples
- Coordinated and executed urgent orders
- Coordinated costing and sourcing of specials with sales and design on fabric, trims and model options to meet target price points
- Evaluated and analyzed cost submissions
- Managed customs classification meetings with import group
- Monitored WIP reports with Product Development team, Agents, and Vendors to ensure on time delivery for all programs
- Offered alternatives and suggestions to work within targets
- Participated in finalizing seasonal calendar and managing product development calendar
- Prioritized work load
- Promoted the development of the Sourcing support staff through supervision and training
- Recommended methods to improve the product construction and quality
- Researched and counter sourced any new sourcing opportunities
- Resolved issues as they arise in accordance to the calendar
- Reviewed all submits received from vendors for compliance to standards
- Stay current to worldwide sourcing market conditions
- Supervised assistant trim buyers' responsibilities to ensure accomplishment of department goals and deadlines
- Utilized technical skills in garment construction and fabric knowledge
- Worked with cross-functional teams such as merchandising and design on costing estimates / development options at initial line review to meet target sell price
- Worked within the strategic supply chain vendor base