Senior Merchandiser (Textile)

SUMMARY:
Senior Merchandiser (Textile) - Durban

POSITION INFO:
Our client, Retail and Textile Manufacturing Client is currently seeking an experienced Senior Merchandiser (Textile) based in Durban South. Specialising in textile manufacturing and home linen industry The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Key Account Manager in managing and growing key retail accounts, with a strong focus on product costings, pricing, profit margins, buyer relationships, product development and end-to-end order management. This position requires an individual with extensive experience working with chain-store buyers and planners, strong commercial acumen and the ability to coordinate multiple internal departments to ensure customer requirements are met. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in textiles, home textiles, linen, apparel or retail-supply manufacturing, with proven experience managing the complete merchandising and product lifecycle. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 5 years' experience in merchandising, sales merchandising or product development within textiles, home textiles, linen, apparel or a retail-supply\/manufacturing environment. Proven experience dealing directly with chain-store buyers, planners and key retail accounts. Strong practical experience in product costing, pricing calculations and profit margin management. Sound understanding of fabrics, materials, textile products and manufacturing processes. Experience coordinating product development, sampling, sourcing, production and order fulfilment. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders across different departments. Advanced practical proficiency in Microsoft Excel, particularly costing spreadsheets, sales reports and order tracking. Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship management skills. Relevant Diploma or Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, Textile Technology, Merchandising or a related field would be advantageous. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Product Costing, Pricing & Margin Management Prepare and manage detailed product costings, ensuring accuracy across all cost components. Calculate fabric and material costs, manufacturing expenses, packaging, freight and associated operational costs. Determine commercially viable selling prices and profit margins. Monitor costing changes and assess their impact on product profitability. Ensure pricing structures remain competitive while protecting company margins. Maintain accurate costing documentation and commercial records. Key Account & Buyer Relationship Management Support the Key Account Manager in managing and developing relationships with major retail chain stores. Attend meetings with retail buyers, planners and other customer stakeholders. Interpret customer briefs and translate requirements into commercially viable product solutions. Present products, ranges, quotations and commercial proposals. Participate in pricing discussions and negotiations where required. Build and maintain professional relationships with buyers, planners, suppliers and service providers. Manage customer expectations, address queries and resolve escalations. Product Development & Merchandising Coordinate the development of new products and textile ranges according to customer specifications. Interpret product briefs and communicate requirements to relevant internal departments. Liaise with sourcing and fabric teams regarding material availability and suitability. Coordinate product samples, specifications, approvals and pre-production requirements. Ensure products meet customer quality, design and commercial expectations. Support product presentations, range reviews and new product launches. Identify opportunities for additional products, ranges and customer growth . Order Management & Production Coordination Manage the complete order lifecycle from quotation and order confirmation through to final delivery. Monitor critical order dates, production schedules and delivery commitments. Coordinate with Fabric, Procurement, Production, Planning, Quality, Warehouse and Logistics departments. Identify potential delays, material shortages and production constraints. Proactively resolve operational challenges and escalate risks where necessary. Ensure customer orders are delivered on time and Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.