Merchandiser (fashion)

SUMMARY:
An exciting opportunity for an experienced MERCHANDISER to join a Durban based Fashion Importer and leading Supplier to the SA fashion retail chains.

POSITION INFO:
Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for driving sales and meeting targets.
• Managing and growing existing business and taking initiative with new business opportunities.
• Building strong relationships with buyers, ensuring excellent service and interaction at all times.
• Trend research, buying and presenting ranges to buyers.
• Taking briefs from buyers and sending out costing enquiries.
• Handling costing negotiations with suppliers and customers.
• Sourcing new developments, updates for existing lines, and new styles for testing.
• Executing development and test sample make up with suppliers.
• Strategically placing orders with suppliers based on styling, capability, price, capacity, delivery, etc.
• Ensuring confirmed orders are placed and handed over to coordination team for follow up.
• Managing coordination team to ensure follow through right up to delivery.
• Overseeing and signing off on all samples received from the factories.
• Ensuring accurate and timeous communication with customers and suppliers on all matters relating to design, costing, approvals, and handling all serious issues or problems.
• Reporting to Management on current styles, orders, pricing, deliveries, sales feedback, etc.
• Potential overseas travel for product and supplier visits.
• Local travel for customer visits etc.

• Solid Merchandising experience in fashion and be ready to hit the ground running.
• Must have a good eye for product (footwear would be an advantage).
• Good experience in the industry working and dealing with key retail customers and buyers.
• A good understanding of Import business and have dealt with China.
• A good understanding of retail merchandise cycles and the supply chain.
• Excellent costing and negotiating skills.
• Skilled in product development and working with buyers and suppliers to engineer product offerings.
• Must have travelled and be comfortable buying and presenting ranges.
• Must be able to manage a team of co-ordinators and drive sales.
• Must be dynamic and be able to handle pressure and problem solve.
• Must be a good communicator and peoples person.
• Must be able to get on well with colleagues in a team environment.
• Must be comfortable with travel, locally and possibly abroad.
• Must have a drivers license and be comfortable to meet with customers.
• Ideal candidate would be energetic, edgy and innovative; love shoes; and be passionate about the fashion supply chain.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.