Senior Merchandiser

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Merchandiser (Clothing) to join a leading fashion supplier based in Dunkeld, JHB.

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will play a key role in liaising with buyers, coordinating with design and QA teams, and managing product lifecycles from development to delivery.

Key Responsibilities:
Buyer & Sales Support:

• Handle all buyer queries and ensure prompt, accurate communication.
• Assist with line showings and follow-up on sales meetings.
• Attend line showings, take notes, and support Coordinators with style briefs.
• Send style briefs accurately and within set deadlines.

• Verify purchase orders (POs) against allocated indents.
• Maintain constant communication with Coordinators regarding buyer costings and fabric styling.
• Liaise with Design teams on design requirements, amendments, tech packs, technical drawings (TDs), and CADs.
• Assist in the sample approval process.
• Check photo samples against CADs and TDs, attaching relevant photo sample cards.
• Verify lab dips and trims against original swatches.

• Prepare approval documentation with original swatches attached.
• Communicate approval comments to suppliers and file lab dips/trims post-approval.
• Assist Coordinators in costing styles across different fabric types, finishes, and levels of complexity.
• Confirm delivery dates and assist in maintaining costing/style files.

• Action QA comments efficiently and accurately.
• Participate in fittings and technical discussions with the QA team.
• Assist in compiling QA, PPS (Pre-Production Samples), and Shipping Sample reports.
• Ensure PPS reports are sent, received, and actioned by suppliers.
• Check samples against indent system, CADs, and TDs.
• Submit reports to QA and verify all measurements and comments.

• Clearly communicate QA reports and graded specifications to suppliers.
• Provide full commentary on all failed QA samples.
• Keep the indent system accurately updated.
• File all QA reports and graded specifications.
• Prepare sealed samples and paperwork for QA rail and submit QA packs to the warehouse.

• Follow up with the warehouse for BPS (Bulk Production Samples) a week before delivery.
• Check final samples against indent, CAD, and TDs.
• Verify all documentation (order number, RSP, delivery date, etc.) and submit for final checks.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a fashion merchandising or production environment.
• Strong understanding of the fashion supply chain, QA processes, and buyer expectations.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and administrative skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with CADs, tech packs, and fashion trims/fabrics.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.