Manager - PD & Sourcing (Sustainable Merchandise)

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.