SUMMARY:

SENIOR MERCHANDISER

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES SALES & NEW BUSINESS Manage and grow existing key retail accounts while identifying and securing new retail opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with retail Buyers and customers. Present product ranges and manage seasonal assortments across retail partners. Prepare accurate costing to ensure profitability and maintain margins. Achieve agreed sales budgets and targets. Coordinate product development and negotiate concepts to maximise customer orders. Present additional product options and opportunities to customers where applicable. Receive, interpret and action customer briefs accurately. FABRIC PROCUREMENT Source new fabrics for customer orders, including from strategic fabric banks. Check bulk fabric samples on arrival, ensuring the correct weight and fabric base align with approved standards. Obtain and provide mill approvals for bulk production. Confirm fabric shipment dates and follow up on outstanding deliveries. Approve fabric shading in line with quality requirements. TRIMS PROCUREMENT Oversee Trims Coordinators to ensure trims are ordered accurately, timeously and at the best possible cost. Monitor outstanding trim requirements and proactively address potential production delays. Ensure trim requirements align with customer specifications and production schedules. ADMINISTRATION & ORDER MANAGEMENT Receive customer briefs and load orders onto the relevant system. Convert customer briefs into accurate production jobs. Obtain artworks and colour confirmations from Buyers. Verify fits and seals prior to dispatch. Complete rating adjustments where required. Maintain accurate and up-to-date schedules for allocated areas. Follow up with customers and Buyers regarding outstanding purchase orders. Ensure daily system updates and workflow accuracy. Maintain accurate documentation and filing throughout the merchandising process. REQUIREMENTS Grade 12 \/ Matric. Relevant qualification in Clothing, Fashion, Merchandising, Textile, Supply Chain or a related field would be advantageous. Strong experience within the clothing manufacturing industry is essential. Proven experience as a Senior Merchandiser \/ Merchandiser within clothing manufacturing. Strong experience working with retail Buyers and key retail accounts . Experience managing the full merchandising process from brief through to production and delivery. Strong understanding of fabric and trims procurement . Experience with costing, margins and pricing. Strong understanding of garment construction and production processes. Experience overseeing or mentoring junior merchandising staff would be advantageous. Strong Microsoft Excel and computer skills. Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills. Strong organisational and administrative abilities. Highly detail-oriented and deadline driven. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.