Merchandiser

Position based in Accra, Ghana

 

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 products. Based in Ghana, 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. 

EAA is working to unlock the tremendous potential of the West Africa apparel industry, supporting African-owned factories to grow exports to the US, UK, and Europe. EAA focuses on developing factories in a lean, sustainable, and ethical way that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context. We work closely with government and development agencies to develop an ecosystem for industrial growth -- including the launch of a Centre of Excellence for local skill development and efforts to catalyse investment in an integrated cotton value chain. By 2023 we aim to create 2,500 worthwhile jobs in the apparel sector in West Africa. This is an exciting time to join EAA.

 

Position overview

 

The Merchandising team is responsible for identifying new industry clients, securing orders and driving product development to form strong, communicative and mutually beneficial commercial relationships. The Merchandiser will be based in Accra (Ghana) and will report to the Merchandising Manager.

In close relationship with the Technical and Sourcing teams, they will be responsible for product development and account management to manufacture EAA orders in Ghana. This person will also work closely with our Ghanaian partner factories and build their account management capability on an ongoing basis. More specifically they will be accountable for the following:

 

Order and Critical Path Management

• Prioritise and manage activities according to the Critical Path to make sure all target dates are met and any upcoming issues are flagged proactively with mitigation actions proposed

• Work with the Merchandising Manager & Technical Manager to lead Critical Path meetings internally, share CP with the partner factories and clients to ensure systematic alignment on deadlines

 

Sample Development

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

• 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

• Prepare and support the finalization of costing tools to quickly secure orders

• Lead the weekly sample review meeting with cross functional teams, share progress, flag issues on sample development using the critical path as a basis

• Keep records of product development including risk assessments, suggestions for improving quality and efficiency etc.

• Maintain internal & external sample trackers and sample approval / hit rate charts and share with all parties end of every month

• Work to provide Accurate, Clear and Timely communication with the Customers right from the beginning of every season and be proactive on getting most up to date T/Ps, BOMs, directions etc

• Work alongside the technical team to onboard new 3rd party factories on sample SOPs, customer standards etc

 

Inventory / Material Management & Logistics

• Support factory merchandisers in organizing stock tracking systems for incoming raw materials and documentation for outgoing orders ; train the factory merchandisers to work under EAA systems

• Meticulously chase suppliers and check packing lists for all Ghana production to ensure raw material orders are correct in type and volume

• Liaise with logistics support providers to carefully track ETA dates for all incoming raw material

• Systematically organize and structure the physical stock at the EAA Office keeping accurate online records up to date at all times

• Ensure that approved Trim cards are available before the PP meeting for all new styles and at least 3 days before the PCD date for repeat styles 

• Actively bring solutions and new ideas to continuously improve systems and tools

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Qualifications & Attributes

 

• Fluent in English 

• Proven track record of Factory merchandising position in the industry for at least 3 years 

• Strong understanding of the Apparel Industry, critical paths, sourcing and product development especially for woven products.

• Knowledge and experience working with woven and knit products a plus

• Understanding of logistics processes

• Previous experience of working in Africa a plus

• Attention to detail and ability to analyse data, Microsoft Office literacy especially Excel and preferred PLM experience

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills across cultures and strong negotiation skills 

• 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

• 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

• Annual flight allowance for expatriates

• Medical insurance (including repatriation for expatriates)

• 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 

 

• Starting date - ASAP

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

• Please send a resume and a specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the reference in the subject line “MERCH 22”

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

• EAA is an equal opportunity employer, both men and women are encouraged to apply.

 

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com 

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