Fabric Sourcer

Durpro Workforce Solutions; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Durpro Workforce Solutions is seeking a Sourcing Specialist to identify new suppliers and manage international fabric procurement, negotiating pricing, lead times and ensuring on-time delivery of quality textiles. You will coordinate fabric samples and specifications and build strong supplier relationships for fashion production in a dynamic Durban market.

Travel to visit suppliers and mills may be required; strong understanding of fabric types, pricing and specifications is essential to secure

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience in clothing/textile sourcing.
• Experience sourcing fabrics from international/overseas suppliers.
• Experience with imports, shipping and international purchasing.
• Strong understanding of fabric types, quality, pricing, and specifications.
• Willingness to travel internationally to visit suppliers, mills and exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Identify new suppliers and sourcing opportunities
• Liaise and negotiate directly with overseas suppliers
• Obtain and negotiate competitive pricing
• Manage fabric samples, specifications, quality and availability
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders and clearing agents regarding imports and shipments
• Monitor orders, lead times and deliveries
• Keep up to date with fabric, fashion and industry trends
• Identify alternative fabrics and cost-saving opportunities

Skills

Sourcing opportunities

Supplier negotiation

Pricing negotiation

Fabric quality management

Import coordination

Lead time monitoring

Trend awareness

Cost reduction

Education

Matric

Textiles

Procurement

Fashion Design

Job description

The role involves identifying new sourcing opportunities, managing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and lead times, coordinating fabric samples and specifications, and ensuring orders are delivered on time and to the required quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify new suppliers and sourcing opportunities

• Liaise and negotiate directly with overseas suppliers

• Obtain and negotiate competitive pricing

• Manage fabric samples, specifications, quality and availability

• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders and clearing agents regarding imports and shipments

• Monitor orders, lead times and deliveries

• Keep up to date with fabric, fashion and industry trends

• Identify alternative fabrics and cost-saving opportunities

Requirements

• Matric required

• Fashion Design, Clothing Production, Clothing Management, Textiles, Procurement or similar qualification would be advantageous, but not essential

• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience within the clothing/textile industry, specifically fabric sourcing, fabric buying, or textile procurement

• Proven experience sourcing fabrics from international/overseas suppliers

• Experience with imports, shipping and international purchasing is essential

• Strong understanding of fabric types, quality, pricing, and specifications

• Experience negotiating with suppliers on pricing, quantities and lead times

• Existing international supplier relationships would be advantageous

• Source and secure suitable fabrics internationally

• Travel internationally when required to visit suppliers, mills and exhibitions