Trainee Merchandiser - Green Thread

Cape Union Mart Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group is seeking a Trainee Merchandiser in Cape Town. This entry-level position involves supporting the Senior Merchandiser with daily tasks such as product costing and critical path management. A qualified graduate will gain practical work experience, collaborate with various teams, and engage in market research. The role offers an excellent opportunity for growth in a dynamic retail environment, promoting diversity and transformation in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Internship at a Retail Group/manufacturer is essential.
• Previous experience as a Merchandiser in fashion retail is ideal.
• Experience in inventory management and sales analysis is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Create job estimates and maintain accurate records of product costings.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate with production teams.
• Stay updated on fashion trends and conduct market analysis.
• Collaborate with design and production to align product availability.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Understanding of garment construction

Excellent communication skills

Creative thinking

Strong planning and organizational skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Textile Science, Fashion, Merchandising

Degree in Retail Management or Business (preferred)

Job description

Purpose

Trainee merchandiser – is an entry level position supervised and mentored by Senior Merchandiser. The Trainee Merchandiser provides support to the Senior Merchandiser with regards to daily activities, including critical path management, product costing, communication with buyers and monitoring status of fabric and trims. This is an opportunity for a suitably qualified graduate to gain relevant and practical work experience.

Costings

Key Responsibilities

• Sync – job creation, estimate costing, updated costings and final costings
• Accurate BOM updates according to briefs, fits and pp seals.
• Maintain accurate records for old and new product costings on the merch tracker.
• Understanding labour, SMVs and MR. Ensure costing is accurate as per PP seal.

Inventory

• Monitor Stock levels and coordinate with the production and teams to ensure raw material and trim availability.
• Work with the Senior Merchandiser to manage lead times and stock replenishment to avoid stockouts or overstock situations.

Market Research And Trend Analysis

• Stay updated on fashion trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
• Conduct competitor analysis and research into market demand to guide purchasing and stock decisions.

Collaboration and Other Teams

• Work closely with the design, production, and planning teams to ensure that product availability aligns with customer requirements.
• Attend meetings with Buyers, Designer and Sourcing team.
• Maintaining updated POs for all orders based on delivery, unit, costing and order changes. Ensure all PO’s received are accurate.
• Follow and understand the critical Path, update retail and internal production teams on status of each order.
• Coordinate media sample requirements of retail team to achieve media deadlines.
• Coordinate fabric sampling requirements for sample room.
• Creation of seasonal story boards of retail briefings and update changes through development process.
• Effectively communicating with customers, suppliers, manufacturing and internal team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Textile Science, Fashion, Merchandising, or a related field.
• A degree or diploma in Retail Management, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Internship concluded at a Retail Group / manufacturer.
• Previous experience as a Merchandiser or in a similar retail role, ideally in a fashion or leisure design setting.
• Experience in inventory management, sales analysis, and visual merchandising is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of market trends and customer preferences in the retail and

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Practical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics and trims.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, especially during peak retails seasons.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in product assortment and merchandising strategies.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with ability to manage multi-task.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Service orientated.

Please note:

The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.