SUMMARY:
Brand & Commercial Manager (Textile & Retail) Durban
POSITION INFO:
Our Textile Retail client is currently looking for a Brand & Commercial Manager (Textile\/ Retail) based in Durban South Role Purpose The Brand & Commercial Manager is responsible for the end-to-end commercial management, execution and growth. The role ensures that brand strategy is translated into the right product, availability, sales execution, customer experience and profitable growth. This is broader than a conventional marketing-only Brand Manager position and requires strong coordination across fabrics\/product, production, planning, sales, logistics, marketing, e-commerce and key stakeholders. The Brands Sales Coordinators will report into this role. ROLE PURPOSE The Brand & Commercial Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end commercial management, execution and growth of the brands brands. The successful candidate will translate brand strategy into effective product planning, sales execution, stock availability, customer experience and profitable growth. This is a commercially focused management position rather than a traditional marketing-only Brand Manager role. It requires strong coordination across product development, fabrics, Production, Planning, Sales, Logistics, Marketing, E-commerce and other key stakeholders. The role will also oversee and develop the Brands Sales Coordinators. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Relevant qualification in Marketing, Business Management, Retail Management, Textiles, Fashion, Product Management, Commerce or a related field preferred. Approximately 5-8 years' relevant experience in brand management, product management, retail, textile manufacturing, homeware, soft furnishings or a related commercial environment. Proven commercial understanding of product performance, sales growth, customer requirements and profitability. Experience working across product development, supply chain and sales functions strongly preferred. Strong understanding of product ranges, specifications, stock availability and customer demand. Experience coordinating with Production, Planning, Warehouse and Logistics teams advantageous. E-commerce and digital trading exposure advantageous. Previous people-management, supervisory or team-leadership experience advantageous. Strong analytical, reporting and commercial decision-making skills. Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional dependencies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Brand Strategy & Commercial Growth Develop and implement annual commercial and growth plans for the company brands in collaboration with the Head of Retail. Identify opportunities for product development, category expansion, customer growth and new sales channels. Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer demand. Maintain and strengthen brand positioning across relevant markets and channels. Drive sustainable revenue growth and profitability. Commercial & Sales Performance Monitor and analyse brand sales performance across customers, products and sales channels. Track revenue, margins, product performance and commercial opportunities. Identify potential commercial risks and implement appropriate corrective actions. Work closely with Sales teams to drive customer retention, sales growth and improved performance. Prepare structured commercial reports and recommendations for the Head of Retail. Product & Fabric Coordination Coordinate product ranges, fabric requirements, specifications and new product opportunities. Work with relevant departments to ensure product decisions align with market demand and commercial objectives. Monitor product availability and identify opportunities to improve product offerings. Ensure products support the positioning and commercial objectives of each brand. Production, Planning & Supply Chain Coordination Maintain visibility of customer demand, production schedules, capacity constraints and stock availability. Liaise with Production, Planning and Supply Chain teams to support customer commitments. Identify production and supply risks that could affect product availability or delivery timelines. Escalate operational constraints and coordinate solutions across relevant departments. Support effective planning and execution of product availability requirements. Logistics & Delivery Performance Coordinate with Planning, Warehouse and Logistics teams to support stock availability and timely delivery. Monitor delivery risks and outstanding customer commitments. Support On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance. Assist in resolving operational issues affecting customer service and order fulfilment. E-commerce & Digital Trading Manage the commercial development and operational effectiveness of the brands' e-commerce presence. Oversee online product information, pricing, promotions, stock availability and customer experience. Monitor online sales performance and identify opportunities for digital growth. Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure effective online brand presentation and execution. Marketing & Brand Execution Coordinate marketing campaigns, product launches, promotions and digital activities. Ensure consistent brand presentation across retail, wholesale and digital channels. Work with Marketing and Sales teams to support brand awareness and commercial performance. Monitor campaign execution and evaluate commercial outcomes. Stakeholder & Team Management Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders. Lead, support and develop the Brands Sales Coordinators. Establish clear responsibilities, service standards and performance expectations. Monitor team performance and support continuous improvement. Ensure customer and order-related issues are proactively managed and escalated when necessary. Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments. KEY COMPETENCIES Commercial acumen and strategic thinking. Brand and product management. Understanding of textiles, fabrics and product ranges. Sales performance analysis and profitability management. Cross-functional coordination. Customer and stakeholder relationship management. Planning, organisation and execution. E-commerce and digital trading awareness. Leadership and team development. Problem-solving and decision-making. Project management. Strong communication and reporting skills. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities. Proactive approach, accountability and ownership. Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
