Merchandiser designer

FINE THREADS APPAREL CO; Durban; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic fashion company in Durban is seeking a passionate Clothing Merchandiser to develop collections and manage buyer relationships. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in clothing merchandising and a strong understanding of the fashion production process. This role offers competitive salary, growth potential, and exposure to major retail buyers.

Benefits

Competitive salary with growth potential

Opportunity to work across the supply chain

Exposure to major local and international retail buyers

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in clothing merchandising or fashion design.
• Strong understanding of the fashion production process.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Excel, and tech packs.
• A keen eye for style, color, and commercial viability.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design teams to develop seasonal collections.
• Assist in creating marketing campaigns and visual presentations for buyers.
• Coordinate with local and international factories on sample development and production.
• Present collections to retail buyers and key accounts.
• Negotiate costings, minimums, and delivery dates.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Fashion production understanding

Adobe Creative Suite proficiency

Multitasking ability

Education

5+ years in clothing merchandising or fashion design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Excel

Job description

About Us:

Fine Threads Apparel is a dynamic and fast-growing fashion company specializing in the production and supply of high-quality garments to local and international retail chains. With in-house production and export capabilities, we’re known for our trend-forward collections, fast turnaround times, and strong industry partnerships.

Job Description:

We’re seeking a passionate and driven Clothing Merchandiser to join our team. This is a multifaceted role ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity, marketing, and operations. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing and marketing collections,building seasonal as well as catagorical ranges, coordinating with factories, and managing relationships with buyers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development & Design:

• Collaborate with design teams to develop seasonal collections

• Stay ahead of market trends and translate them into commercially viable styles

• Oversee sampling and fit approvals

• Marketing & Brand Strategy:

• Assist in creating marketing campaigns and visual presentations for buyers

• Develop mood boards and range plans to support sales initiatives

• Ensure alignment of product direction with brand identity

• Production & Factory Liaison:

• Coordinate with local and international factories on sample development and bulk production

• Manage critical paths and ensure production timelines are met

• Troubleshoot production issues and maintain quality standards

• Buyer & Client Interaction:

• Present collections to retail buyers and key accounts

• Negotiate costings, minimums, and delivery dates

• Maintain strong relationships with existing buyers and develop new business

Requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience in clothing merchandising or fashion design

• Strong understanding of the fashion production process

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Excel, and tech packs

• A keen eye for style, color, and commercial viability

• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment

Bonus:

• Experience working with both locally manufactured and imported garments

• Background in trend forecasting, brand development, or wholesale fashion

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a collaborative, innovative fashion team

• Opportunity to work across all aspects of the supply chain

• Competitive salary with growth potential

• Exposure to major South African and international retail buyers

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To Apply:

Email your CV and portfolio (if applicable) to [e-mail] with the subject line “Clothing Merchandiser Application”.