ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms provides world-class ecosystems across Africa, contributing to the continent’s industrialization agenda and enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. We are driven by the pursuit of green growth; our ambition is to unlock the continent’s industrial potential while neutralizing our carbons emissions and climate impact.

Job Objective and Overview

As a Merchandiser you will be responsible for managing the production, procurement, and promotion of clothing and accessories. You will play a pivotal role in coordinating with suppliers, buyers, and designers to ensure that the right products are available at the right time to meet consumer demand.

• Role: Merchandiser
• Industry: Textile
• Department: Garmenting
• Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Collaborate with designers and product development teams to translate design concepts into viable apparel products, considering factors such as fabric selection, construction techniques, and cost implications.

Sourcing and Procurement:

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to source materials, components, and finished goods required for apparel production.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, terms, and production schedules to ensure timely delivery and quality standards are met.

Production Planning:

• Coordinate production schedules, monitor production progress, and resolve any issues or delays that may arise during the manufacturing process.

Quality Control:

• Implement quality control procedures to inspect and evaluate apparel samples and production batches, ensuring compliance with design specifications, fit requirements, and quality standards.

Inventory Management:

• Manage inventory levels, track stock levels, and monitor sell-through rates to optimize product availability and minimize excess inventory.

Cost Management:

• Monitor production costs, analyze cost breakdowns, and identify opportunities to optimize costs while maintaining product quality and profitability.

Merchandising and Presentation:

• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop merchandising plans, product presentations, and promotional strategies that drive sales and enhance the customer shopping experience.

Market Analysis:

• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitive opportunities in the apparel market.

Sales Analysis:

• Analyze sales performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate reports to evaluate merchandising effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Skills/Requirements:

• Minimum 7 years' Experience in Knit Manufacturing Garments factory.
• Must have handled clients from US/EU/UK
• Product development, Costing sheet preparation.
• Must be able to manage a team of 3-4 people for bulk order follow up right from T&A To shipments.
• Well versed with fabric technicalities
• Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, apparel production, business, or a related field is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, textiles, garment construction, and fashion trends.
• Strong analytical and numerical abilities to interpret sales data, track production metrics, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with suppliers, buyers, designers, and cross-functional teams effectively.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to negotiate pricing, terms, and production schedules with suppliers and vendors.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in product specifications, quality standards, and inventory management.
• Effective project management skills to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions to ensure production and delivery timelines are met.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other software tools for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• French Language will be an added benefit.