Merchant Assistant at Truworths

Key Responsibilities    

• Populates cost card and ensure that costings are fully and accurately updated to the point of Price Proposal. Inform Merchandiser once done. It is critical to ensure that deadline due dates are met
• Take note of styling changes at cost negotiation stage between Merchandiser and Buyer, and make sure that the BOM is reflective of what has been confirmed
• Diligently follows up on print and embroidery costings to ensure that they are submitted within the set deadlines
• Once receiving the initial order, sends the Fabric Buyer the approved costing and contract to ensure that the bulk fabric order can be placed within set deadlines
• Source Special Trims , send to vendors to obtain the most cost-effective price and submit for Buyer approval
• Ensures that the costings and contracts are sent to the Trims Buyer to order the bulk trims so that bulk trim orders can be placed within set deadlines
• Issue Print Panel and Embroidery Strike-Offs, send to Vendors and submit for Buyer Approval

PRE-PRODUCTION

• Efficiently compiles and issue the 1st Fit sample pack to the sample room. Ensuring all necessary information, fabric and trims are available for the sample room to execute as per the brief
• Check Fit comments - issue re-rates (discuss with Merchandiser). Notify Fabric and Trim Buyers of any changes
• Effectively and efficiently ensures that off bulk fabric and trims have been delivered in time to issue pre-production sample packs to the sample room
• Ensure that pre-production samples are correct and sent timeously for sealing
• Critical to be aware of any changes that impacts on the Margin negatively. This must be escalated to the Merchandiser immediately to see how we can improve the Margin if possible
• Constant liaison with vendors, buyers and internal stake-holders on day-to-day issues
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency in meeting deadlines and operates effectively under pressurised time constraints

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

• Assisting the Merchandiser in receiving and compiling new customer briefs
• Challenges the efficiency and effectiveness of systems and proposes modifications
• Maintains a neat and efficient workstation and filing system
• Effectively and efficiently follows up on strike offs, approvals and sample submissions
• Effectively and efficiently handles adhoc queries

Qualifications and Experience  

• 1-2 years’ experience as a merchandise assistant in a clothing design centre environment.
• Matric