Design Department Supervisor

University of Fort Hare; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Clothing Graphic Designer to collaborate with the Merchandise team on print costing and production oversight. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the fashion industry, strong creative skills, and be confident in liaising with international suppliers. This role demands excellent organizational and communication skills to ensure timely production processes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Clothing Graphic Designer in the fashion/apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of garment prints and graphics.
• Experience liaising with international suppliers, particularly in China.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Merchandise team to cost tender prints.
• Plan and oversee production with printers and vendors.
• Manage monthly sampling and production schedules.

Skills

Creative skills

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification preferred

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Merchandise team to cost tender prints based on colours or techniques
• Direct the Design Assistant on which prints to send and to whom, based on factory capabilities
• Negotiate with printers to secure competitive costs
• Liaise with printers to ensure accurate sampling of prints and techniques
• Plan and oversee production with printers, embroiderers, pleaters, wash houses, and outsourced vendors
• Work closely with production teams to manage timelines for CMT deliveries
• Identify opportunities to expedite print processes to support production
• Source and onboard new vendors (printers, embroiderers, pleaters) as needed
• Manage monthly sampling and production schedules
• Review strike-offs and coordinate approvals with the merchandise assistant and buyers
• Follow up on pending approvals to avoid production delays
• Request fabric from assistants in the event of re-strikes
• Troubleshoot print issues related to fabric bases, such as sublimation or cracking
• Oversee print testing payments and manage bulk claim submissions

Trims

• Source and cost imported trims for merchandising tenders
• Approve trim samples in correct colours and sizing
• Negotiate costing and place orders
• Advise on trim application methods and guide machinists accordingly

Design Department Coordination

• Maintain print schedules and ensure no CADs are missed
• Follow up with merchandisers on missing turn-ons
• Track daily progress of the design team and delegate tasks based on priorities
• Respond quickly to urgent CAD review requests

Requirements

• Matric
• Relevant tertiary qualification preferred
• Proven experience as a Clothing Graphic Designer in the fashion / apparel industry
• Strong creative skills with a deep understanding of garment prints and graphics
• Excellent administrative skills to manage bulk print and production workflows
• Confident in liaising with international suppliers, particularly in China, for special developments
• Highly organized, proactive, and a strong communicator with team leadership experience