Merchandiser

Job Description

At Truworths, you'll find a dynamic business environment where our staff is constantly challenged to reinvent the way we do business in order to keep us at the forefront of the South African fashion industry. Take a walk through our stores or offices and you'll encounter an infectious love of fashion and a tangible will to succeed among the people who make up our business – both of which are key to keeping us at least one step ahead of the competition. Truworths is seeking an experienced Merchandiser.### Key Responsibilities

• Proactively establishes and builds productive and professional relationships with all buying departments, by sharing and imparting knowledge.

• Do regular store visits, both Truworths and Competitors, to look at your product delivered and identify missed opportunities

• Have a clear understanding on product sought and is able to suggest options (i.e. innovative options to achieve the product at the best price for the buyer)

• Demonstrates a “trader instinct” in evaluation and taking advantage of opportunities

• Be the lead point of contact for the relevant buying departments

• Oversees and ensures accurate input and flow of order enquiries into the Sync system

• Oversees and ensure briefs are executed accurately and correctly e.g.: a) Ensure briefing and order placement are within our published critical path timelines b) Obtaining detailed and completed briefs from the buyer c) Ensure specs are accompanied d) Checks and finalises cost card before quoting e) Sync system updated and completed correctly

• Understand the cost of styles and manage Buyers expectations in terms of target costs requested

• Oversees and ensures adherence to the Critical Path and lead times and follow-up on orders.

• Analyse Merchant briefing requests / apply ratings/ analyse dyelots and MOQ from Mills

• Oversees and ensures that costings are fully and accurately updated

• Negotiate best prices with outwork service providers i.e. panel prints, embroidery, washes etc.

• Re-style and monitor stock fabrics and bring them to an acceptable level. Turn stock fabrics into turnover

• Oversees and ensures team consistently follows processes and meet relevant Critical Path deadlines for all orders

• Oversees and ensures that all information to the Fabric and Trim Buyers are accurate, so that all components can be placed timeously

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency in meeting deadlines and operates effectively under pressurised time constraints

• Ensures that status of orders is clearly and promptly communicated to all parties involved: a) Oversees and ensures that the liaison with the Buying Departments for all approvals and timeous communication is achieved b) Accurate and timeous communication from all Buyers requests into procurement and production c) Accurate and timeous communication into Buying Divisions on all aspects regarding orders or briefs

• Discuss style and delivery changes with Planning and re-quote Buying department if required

• Oversees and provides effective liaison between Buyers, Manufacturing QA and production on all sample submissions and any required approvals

• Deals with all customer delivery issues in collaboration with production, planning and Manufacturing QA.

Qualifications and Experience

• Work experience in Merchandising

• Minimum of 5 to 8 years’ experience as a Senior Merchandiser

• Worked as a Senior Merchandiser for an established clothing manufacturer either in a design warehouse or factory

• Computer literate with above average Excel experience and knowledge

Competencies

Essential Competencies: • Team management • Ability to make decisions • Managing relationships Advantageous Competencies: • Retail knowledge • Strong administrative skills • Ability to plan and organise Behavioural: • Good communication skills; • Team orientation • Attention to detail • Team player