JOB DESCRIPTION

Merchandiser

Position based in Ghana (West Africa)

Company description

Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA) is a trailblazer in the West African apparel sector, offering international brands a gateway to ethical, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing. Working across both our own factories plus another 4 partner factories, we are a manufacturer of apparel products, exporting on average $5m of product a year. By 2030 our vision is to directly create 10,000 jobs, over 70% for women and source / manufacture annual exports of $100M.

Our commitment to ethical practices is not confined to high-end products; we're proving that large-scale manufacturing can uphold these values too. From our base in Ghana, our seasoned team excels in product development, quality assurance, and more, ensuring a positive social impact with a worker wellbeing centric approach.

Our garment manufacturing company specializes in both heavy and light weight garments including fleece, sweats, nightwear, underwear, shirts, schoolwear, dancewear, and even pet products. We work with mainly large scale brands in the USA and have strict quality and compliance requirements.

At EAA, we're not just operating factories; we're revolutionizing an industry starting it right from the beginning in West Africa. Collaborating with governments and development agencies, we're fostering an ecosystem ripe for industrial growth, setting a new precedent for ethical manufacturing on a global scale.

Position overview

Join our dynamic team in Ghana, West Africa, and take on the role of Merchandiser in the thriving clothing manufacturing industry. This is your chance to make a tangible impact and spearhead industry development on an exciting new frontier. Reporting directly to the Merchandising Manager, you'll collaborate closely with our exceptional EAA teams in Ghana.

As the Merchandiser, you will closely work with the Technical and Sourcing teams, your responsibilities include product development and account management embracing innovation and new technology. More specifically they will be accountable for the following:

Sample Development

Work with EAA Partner factories to understand workforce, machinery available, past production and understand best fit for new products.
Once new clients and orders are identified, liaise with the Product Development Manager and Technical Managers to complete costing/ sampling to pursue these opportunities
Complete costing tools accurately and quickly, with a goal of delivering costings back to clients within 3 days of enquiry.
Complete a risk assessment sheet on all new product in conjunction with the Technical team and share with the rest of the team to address any challenges
Follow sample TNAs and take full responsibility in sending the samples to customers on time.
Work closely with the Raw Materials (RM) Sourcing Manager to ensure sampling materials reach the factories that are sampling in time.
Provide a complete package to the factories with tech packs, RM and any relevant client manuals in order to help factories finish the samples on time.
Take ownership and ensure first right time submissions to the customer to save time and money.
Share progress, flag issues on sample development and bring new ideas to improve the style or to improve production feasibility.
Plan proactively for the new season sampling and production orders.
Guide and support the Technical team in prioritizing and producing samples in an efficient manner.

Critical Path and Order Management

Lead on the Critical Path meetings and support the team in meeting weekly deadlines relevant to the Accounts.
Proactively plan for and entirely own the Critical Path, alerting and escalating ahead of time when dates look unlikely and analyzing root cause of delays.
Work closely with the RM Sourcing Manager and ensure the RM approvals are closed with the customers and RM ordered based on TNA dates. Ensure RM arrives in the factory on time for production.
Follow up on the fabric and apparel testing and ensure the product safety to the end customers.
Ensure that Pre production meetings happen in the factory with the factory team and tech team on the stipulated time.
Work with the technical team to stay closely informed on production status and any updates that are relevant to be shared with the client.
Ensure that the CP is updated on a weekly basis and shared with the client and with the factory for all active orders.
Work with Finance to keep the Brand P&L for all of the Accounts updated.
Proactively update and analyze the Brand P&L to optimize profit performance on all of the Accounts.
Work with the logistics team to ensure smooth flow and cost of raw materials in and finished goods out in line with critical path and P&L

Relationship, Communication and Support

Regularly visit and engage with factory partners on product development, production and growth plans. Promote smooth working relationships with factory management.
Strengthen collaboration across EAA departments in particular with the Technical team, working together from product development to final inspection.
Help factories to develop strong relationships with new clients through timely, accurate and strategic communications. Support factories to understand their business priorities well and how we can adapt and improve to offer excellent customer service.
Based on Partner Factory’ needs, conduct tailored training to equip factory executive and merchandising teams with the right strategy and tools (sample development, critical path management, communication with clients, raw material sourcing, logistics and shipping containers).

Qualifications & Attributes

Fluent in English
Proven track record of similar position in the industry for 5-8 years including experience in using ERP systems
Strong understanding of the Apparel Industry, critical paths, sourcing and product development especially for heavy and light weight garments
Excellent proficiency in computer applications, particularly in Excel and report writing.
Understanding of logistics processes
Preferred experience of working within a developing country/region
Attention to detail and ability to analyze data
Strong negotiation skills and exceptional communication and presentation skills across cultures
Strong critical thinking skills, coupled with a relentless pursuit of growth and learning.
Capability to work autonomously on self-directed projects, exhibiting an entrepreneurial and solution-oriented mindset and drive.
Demonstrated attributes including proactiveness, self-awareness, resilience, adaptability, persistence, resourcefulness, and an ability to thrive under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Benefits

Full time employment contract
Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile
Annual flight and rent allowance
Health and repatriation insurance in Africa and home country if different
25 days of annual leave in addition to Ghana national holidays, 30 days of sick leave
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

Commencement Date: May 2024
Applications will be assessed continuously.
Please submit your resume along with a tailored cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com, ensuring the reference "Merch 24" is clearly stated in the subject line.
Note that only complete applications with the correct reference will be reviewed, and only the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.
EAA is dedicated to equal opportunities in employment, welcoming talents from Africa and beyond. We strongly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com