Senior Specialist Local Sourcing Merchandising Coordinator - Em South

Adidas; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled local sourcing manager to oversee the development and coordination of locally manufactured apparel. This role involves working closely with category managers to ensure that products meet both global standards and local requirements. You'll be responsible for creating and maintaining tech packs, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely production. If you have a passion for fashion and a proactive approach to sourcing, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in apparel manufacturing is essential.
• Degree or diploma in fashion design and garment construction required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and source the locally manufactured range to meet global standards.
• Manage fit sessions and present seasonal ranges to stakeholders.

Skills

Apparel Manufacturing Experience

Fashion Design

Garment Construction

Fabric Knowledge

CAD Software

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Advanced MS Excel

Strong Presentation Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Fashion Design

Diploma in Garment Construction

Tools

MS Office

3D CAD Software

Job description

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization :

Development, sourcing, and co-ordination of the locally manufactured range to meet global standards and local requirements including seasonal deadlines.

Key Responsibilities :

• Work closely with the local Category Manager to define which global inline articles will be sourced locally
• Developing and sourcing the defined range
• Create, develop, and maintain tech packs in line with global and local requirements, including specifications, labels, and packaging
• New Article Creation (NAC)– upload all models and liaise with global BU for approval. Manage the E2E process, ensuring all articles filter through the system correctly for ranging and for sales & purchasing order capture.
• The briefing of tech packs to suppliers and manage the acquisition of costs, samples, strike-offs, and 3D CADs in line with required specifications and timelines
• 3D CAD accuracy and upload of CAD’s to NOVA
• Monitor and maintain supplier pre-production trackers to ensure timely and quality production
• Manage all local samples (SMS,FIT, PPS, shipment), including strike-off and trims, to ensure they fully meet the brief, fit, and quality standards, with the support of the QC team
• Manage fit sessions and present range to relevant stakeholders on a seasonal basis
• Proactively drive range enhancements that meet local needs by working closely with suppliers to deliver these improvements as cost-effectively as possible
• Seasonal analysis of product assortment; cost & GIM
• Coordinate the branding of global products during seasonal brand activations
• Responsible for the End to End process for all in season local article requests for brand activations and or SMU articles
• Supporting the integration of new manufacturers, printers, or third-party vendors during onboarding
• Supporting LO functions linked to global system sourcing
• Responsible for updating Score Cards on seasonal range build, including NAC, samples, strikes, 3D CADs, quality control, and providing ad hoc reporting as needed
• Continuously seek improvements in systems and processes to optimize the performance of the local sourcing department

Key Relationships :

• Manager Local Sourcing EM South (Line Manager)
• CTC Director; Category Managers; MOPS
• Global BU’s – NAC; Label & packaging; GBS
• Manufactures & Printers
• Quality Controller
• DTC Team
• Brand Events Managers
• Sales and Customer service team

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• 3-5 years experience in an apparel manufacturing environment
• Degree and or Diploma in Fashion design & Garment construction
• Fabric knowledge
• CAD / Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• MS Office software; advanced MS excel skills critical
• Strong presentation / communications and influencing skills
• To be proactive in your approach and drive change where applicable
• Experience in working under pressure to meet deadlines and conflicting priorities