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JOB DESCRIPTION

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Position based in Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

Company description

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 Manager will be based in Accra (Ghana) with occasional travel to Benin.

Reporting to the Senior Partnerships Manager and working closely with the Technical team, the Brand Partnerships Manager will be responsible for ensuring strategic growth and deepening partnership across EAA client accounts. This person will take ownership of the accounts being manufactured in Ghana and support the wider accounts team on company-wide initiatives. This person will also work closely with partner factories and build their capacity on an ongoing basis.

 

The following shall constitute the “Responsibilities”:

 

Order and Critical Path Management

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

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

  • To proactively plan for the Critical Path, alerting and escalating ahead of time when dates look unlikely

  • To use the Critical Path to report and explain delays, analyze root causes of delays, and propose solutions

 

Sample Development

  • To work collaboratively with the Technical team in prioritising and producing samples in an efficient manner, ensuring the EAA team, factories, and clients are all clear on 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 complete the correct documentation and costing tools accurately to send prices to clients quickly in order to secure orders

  • To share progress, flag issues on sample development and bring new ideas to improve style or sample using the critical path as a basis

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

 

Inventory & Logistics

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

  • To always 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 strengthen and grow the relationships with our brand partners through ensuring communication is on time and accurate

  • To use your communication and relationship skills to get to know your accounts so we can provide the best possible service and always look for new opportunities, making strategic suggestions to grow accounts

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

  • To be willing to have difficult conversations or negotiations always striving for the best outcome

  • To strengthen collaboration within EAA teams : (1) Technical team - from the product development to the mass production shipment and (2) Social Impact team - before, during and after social audits and assessments

Qualifications and attributes required

  • Bachelor's in product or supply chain oriented areas

  • A proven track record of similar position in the industry with 5 years experience

  • Previous successful experience working at a factory

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

  • In depth understanding of the Apparel Industry, critical paths, sourcing and product development

  • 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

  • Willingness to travel economically

  • 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

  • Fluent in English

Benefits

 

  • Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

  • Annual flight allowance

  • Accommodation and transportation

  • Health and repatriation insurance

  • 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 MN GH 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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