Job Description

An exciting position has arisen within the Foschini Design Division for a Merchandise Manager. The successful candidate must have at least 10 years' experience in the Design and Manufacturing of Fashion apparel. This person is accountable for the effective management of the Design & Merchandise team, optimizing the brand's profitability and sales targets in line with TFG Design and Manufacturing's strategic objectives, but also coaching the team to drive financial success for TFG.

Key Responsibilities:

Accountable for leading the Design & Merchandise teams for the specific brand providing strategic guidance to those teams, ensuring business process & structure aligns to customer & business key objectives Accountable for the management of the supply chain from concept through to delivery including trend, design and development, merchandising, raw material operational management, pre-production capacity planning and manufacturing Responsible for the efficiency of critical path management through influence and guidance Responsible for customer relationship with the specific retail brand and for driving the strategic direction of the brand in line with TFG Design and Manufacturing objectives and capabilities. To lead and inspire the team to design, produce and deliver quality products that exceed customer expectations within the budgeted parameters

Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate must have at least 10 years' experience in the Design and Manufacturing of apparel, ladies fashion preferable. Experience in managing a team across various job functions. Must have dealt directly with major fashion retailers within the South African market. Experience in dealing with performance management and general conduct within a team is required. Expertise in inventory planning and forecasting to optimize stock levels Strong negotiation and supplier management skills: Experience liaising with vendors, manufacturers and key stakeholders eg.Heads of Function Commercially minded with a good understanding of profitability, pricing strategies and margin management: A strong understanding of consumer behaviour and market dynamics is key

Skills:

Strong communication and leadership skills Ms Excel competent Good planning and organisational skills Highly analytical Commercial acumen

Behaviours:

Communicates effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner Drives engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation Drives results - sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results Ensures accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Interpersonal savvy - openly engages and interacts with others, builds rapport, and establishes positive relationships Manages conflict - effectively navigates and resolves conflict and disagreements in a constructive and productive manner Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives Values differences - recognises, respects, and appreciates the diverse values, beliefs, and perspectives of others

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

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