BRAND PARTNERSHIPS ASSOCIATE

Position based in Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

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Company description

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Ethical Apparel Africa is a sourcing company that provides international apparel brands with ethical, cost competitive and quality manufacturing solutions in West Africa. Our vision is to demonstrate that ethical manufacturing can and should be done at scale, not just associated with luxury or expensive product. Based in Ghana and Benin, EAA has a dynamic team bringing decades of experience from around the world in product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations and finance. We work with West African factories to build technical and ethical standards to international standards. Our clients are international brands mostly from Europe and the USA interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact.

 

To date EAA has supported three African-owned factories to complete their first exports to 10+ brands in the US, UK, and Australia. By 2027 we aim to support 15 factories and create 5,000 worthwhile jobs. In addition to growing our core business EAA is also launching several new projects in the near to medium term: the development of a "Model Factory": a lean, sustainable and ethical factory that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context; and a Technical Center of Excellence for management skill training, in partnership with GIZ and private-sector partners. This is an exciting time to join EAA as we contribute to the sustainable development of the rapidly growing and high potential apparel industry in West Africa.

 

Position overview

 

The Brand Partnerships team are responsible for identifying new industry clients, securing orders and driving product development to form strong, communicative and mutually beneficial commercial relationships. The Brand Partnerships Associate will be based in Accra (Ghana).

 

Reporting to the Brand Partnerships Manager and working closely with the Technical team, the Brand Partnerships Associate will be responsible for the accounts being manufactured in Ghana and support the wider accounts team on company-wide initiatives. This person will also work closely with local partner factories and build their capacity on an ongoing basis.

 

They will be accountable for the following areas:

 

Responsibilities

 

Order and Critical Path Management

• To prioritise and manage activities according to the Critical Path to make sure all target dates are met and flag any upcoming issue

• To work with the Brand Partnerships Manager and Technical Manager to lead Critical Path meetings internally, share it with the partner factories and the clients to ensure a systematic alignment on deadlines

 

Sample Development

• To work collaboratively with the Technical team in prioritising and producing samples to meet sample requirements and deadlines

• To proactively plan to ensure all trims and fabrics are sourced and ordered for samples and production, staying in close communication with suppliers to pre-empt delays

• To prepare the correct documentation and costing tools to quickly secure orders

• To share progress, flag issues on sample development using the critical path as a basis

• To keep records of product development including suggestions for improving quality and efficiency

 

Inventory and Logistics

• To support the factory merchandiser in organizing incoming raw materials and outgoing orders

• To ensure that samples and order are on time thanks to early ordering and material approvals

• To meticulously chase suppliers and checking packing lists for all Ghana production

• To analyze and maintain stock levels and the online log for sampling and bulk inventory in Ghana

• To actively bring solutions and new ideas to continuously improve systems and tools

 

Account and Factory Relationships / Communication

• To ensure that communication with brand partners is always on time and accurate

• To promote a smooth working relationship with factory partners through clear communication

• To strengthen collaboration with EAA Technical and Social Impact teams

 

Qualifications & Attributes

 

• Bachelor's in product or supply chain oriented areas or any other relevant area

• Successful professional experience or exposure to the industry (2 years experience)

• Attention to detail and a good grasp of costing/finances

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills across cultures

• Energetic with a passion for working in an enterprise with a social mission

• Ambitious big picture thinker who is solution driven, wants to work hard, learn and progress

• Previous successful experience working with local partners

• Strong knowledge of fabrics, trims and garments (woven prefered)

• Understanding of the apparel industry, critical paths, sourcing and product development

 

• Evidence of the following characteristics: Pro-activity, self awareness; resilient and adaptable; persistent and resourceful; able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, apt at both strengthening relationships and resolving problems, poised, active listener; fun to work with; full of integrity; ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment

 

Benefits

 

• Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

• 25 days of annual leave in addition to Ghana national holidays

• Opportunity to join a key department of an award-winning, dynamic, and mission driven organization that welcomes strategic input from all members

 

How to apply

 

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

• Please send a resume and specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the reference in the subject line “A/C ASSO 2019”

• Only completed applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview

 

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com

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