Sein Kang
Seoul,South Korea
Summary
Results-driven global apparel design and production professional with cross-functional expertise in design, production, and vendor management, bringing a strong work ethic and track record of adding value across fast-paced teams.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Merchandiser (Knit)
D&D Limited
12.2021 - Current
- Sourced materials and produced women's knit tops, dresses, and toppers to meet market demand.
- Assisted procurement with inventory management and collaborated to improve product selection; facilitated supplier-store communication.
- Led vendor negotiations to secure cost-effective pricing without sacrificing quality.
- Coordinated development to production stages, ensuring timely delivery and quality compliance.
- Analyzed market trends to source fabrics and trims, optimizing seasonal pricing strategies.
- Reviewed samples with QA and TD teams to ensure quality and prevent production issues.
Senior Merchandiser (Knit)
Lee & Co. / Suy
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Assisted in selecting fabric and design for women's knit tops and dresses and supported assembly of knit top dresses and toppers, collaborating to ensure timely completion.
- Supported purchasing for Maurices, Catherine’s, Chico’s, and WHBM, managed inventory and sourcing, and worked to enhance vendor relationships.
- Led sales initiatives across four brands, boosting team performance and collaboration.
- Translated emails between English and Korean, provided clear instructions for follow-up, and responded to buyer inquiries.
- Recommended cost-effective solutions and promoted team collaboration to improve workflow and productivity.
- Conducted monthly reviews of adopted styles to identify and resolve potential issues.
Merchandiser (Knit)
Ascena Global Sourcing Korea
09.2015 - 10.2019
- Supported selection and merchandising of women's knit tops, non-denim bottoms, graphic tees, sweats, and toppers while maintaining inventory.
- Buyer for Maurices.
- Oversaw design and production of fashion knit tops, graphic tees, and sweat toppers, ensuring trend alignment.
- Managed end-to-end development-to-production processes.
- Maintained communication and documentation with buyers in Duluth and NY and vendors in Korea, China, and India.
- Assigned styles to appropriate vendors to optimize product alignment.
- Negotiated competitive pricing with vendors to meet financial targets.
- Monitored bulk production timelines to ensure on-schedule delivery.
- Analyzed competitor trends and presented vendor innovation samples to support market penetration.
- Organized bi-annual development meetings in Korea for strategic planning.
Associate Merchandiser (Knit)
Gap International Sourcing Inc.
08.2011 - 04.2015
- Developed men's and women's knit tops to meet brand standards, supporting production scheduling, quality checks, and design collaboration.
- Assisted with product selection, inventory management, and merchandising execution for Gap and Old Navy.
- Developed men's knit apparel for two years before transitioning to women's knit apparel for one and a half years.
- Partnered with mills and vendors to source fabrics, securing competitive and alternative options.
- Compiled and revised purchase orders to improve procurement accuracy and efficiency.
- Reviewed QA packages, FPP samples, and bulk production samples to identify and mitigate issues early.
- Coordinated correspondence between buyers and seven Korean vendors to ensure project alignment.
- Completed two-month production planning training at Hansae VN factory.
Sales Assistance (Woven & Knit)
Poongin Trading Company
06.2008 - 08.2011
- Designed and crafted women's woven suit outerwear, including knit tops and dresses.
- Supported product selection, inventory management, and customer service for Brooks Brothers, Club Monaco, Ellie Tahari, Anthropologie, and Free People.
- Managed inventory and quality control of woven garments for Brooks Brothers, Club Monaco, and Ellie Tahari for two years.
- Transferred Ellie Tahari orders to local employees for localization at China branch office.
- Transitioned to knit team, managing Anthropologie and Free People orders.
- Oversaw sampling follow-up for woven and knit garments from development through bulk production.
- Placed orders with overseas suppliers.
- Coordinated communication between buyers and overseas agents to ensure project alignment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Culture
The Catholic University of Korea
Seoul, South Korea08-2008
Certificate in English As A Second Language (ESL) - English as Second Language
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR, U.S.A.08-2007
Skills
- End-to-end product lifecycle management
- Bilingual fluency in Korean and English
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Vendor negotiation and relationship management
- Cross-cultural communication
- Trend research and forecasting
- Supply chain and inventory management
- Garment construction and pattern knowledge
- Fabric and materials sourcing
- Quality assurance and QC processes
- Merchandising strategy
Timeline
Senior Merchandiser (Knit)
D&D Limited
12.2021 - Current
Senior Merchandiser (Knit)
Lee & Co. / Suy
11.2019 - 08.2021
Merchandiser (Knit)
Ascena Global Sourcing Korea
09.2015 - 10.2019
Associate Merchandiser (Knit)
Gap International Sourcing Inc.
08.2011 - 04.2015
Sales Assistance (Woven & Knit)
Poongin Trading Company
06.2008 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Culture
The Catholic University of Korea
Certificate in English As A Second Language (ESL) - English as Second Language
Lane Community College