Manager - PD & Sourcing (Sustainable Merchandise)

Job description

**Responsibilities \& Key Deliverables** - --------------------------------------- **Role Overview** As part of the Mahindra Auto Accessories team, the Manager -- Product Development \& Sourcing (Sustainable Merchandise) will be responsible for driving product development and sourcing initiatives focused on sustainable, recycled, regenerated, and waste-recovered materials across the lifestyle merchandise portfolio. This role will play a critical part in advancing Mahindra's sustainability agenda by identifying innovative materials, building responsible supply chains, and delivering commercially viable products that align with evolving consumer expectations. **Key Responsibilities** **Sustainable Vendor Development \& Sourcing** * Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop vendors and suppliers specializing in recycled, regenerated, and waste-recovered fibers, fabrics, yarns, and materials used in lifestyle merchandise. * Build and maintain a robust supplier ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainability objectives, quality standards, and business growth. **Product Development \& Commercialization** * Manage end-to-end product development from concept through commercialization. * Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop sustainable merchandise solutions that meet customer, quality, cost, and performance requirements. **Sustainable Material Innovation** * Drive sourcing initiatives across recycled, regenerated, and circular product categories. * Continuously explore new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes that enhance sustainability credentials while maintaining product functionality and appeal. **Partnership Development** * Build strong partnerships with vendors, social enterprises, artisan clusters, producer groups, and sustainability-focused organizations. * Identify opportunities to create differentiated product offerings through responsible sourcing partnerships. **Quality, Capacity \& Delivery Management** * Ensure suppliers consistently meet quality, compliance, production capacity, and delivery standards. * Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing and product development processes. **Seasonal Collection Support** * Collaborate with Design, Buying, Merchandising, and Procurement teams to support seasonal collection development. * Translate trend insights and sustainability goals into market-ready product assortments. **Market Intelligence \& Sustainability Trends** * Monitor industry trends, customer preferences, regulatory developments, and innovations in sustainable materials. * Recommend new product opportunities that strengthen Mahindra's sustainable merchandise portfolio and market differentiation. *** ** * ** *** **Key Skills \& Competencies** * Strong expertise in **recycled, regenerated, and waste-recovered product development**. * Deep knowledge of **sustainable fibers, fabrics, yarns, and lifestyle merchandise sourcing**. * Experience in **vendor development and strategic sourcing**. * Understanding of circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, and responsible sourcing practices. * Excellent supplier relationship management and negotiation skills. * Commercial acumen with the ability to balance sustainability, quality, and business objectives. **Education Qualification** - -------------------------- **Experience \& Qualifications** * 5--7 years of experience in sustainable product development, sourcing, merchandising, procurement, or related roles within lifestyle merchandise, apparel, accessories, or consumer products. * Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Textile Technology, Apparel Manufacturing, Sustainability, Product Development, Supply Chain, or related field. * Experience working with recycled, regenerated, and environmentally responsible materials is essential. * Exposure to sustainability certifications, vendor audits, and responsible sourcing programs will be an advantage.