Jobs at Cape Union Mart

Job Description

• We’re looking for a skilled Footwear Technologist who can bring our footwear ranges to life — from first sketch to final step.
• You’ll be the go-to expert making sure our kicks look good, feel great, and stand up to adventure.

What you will do :

• Collaborate and advise on product development
• Store visits
• Technical specification packages (i.e. size specifications) are documented on PLM for suppliers to use in creating products to be developed for bulk production.
• Conduct fit sessions, wearer trails, and material compliance to perfect the product.
• Do approvals and or rejects for prototypes, pre – production and bulk production
• Provide information for the development of technical footwear manuals
• Troubleshoot production and QC related issues and ensure the approval process adheres to the critical path.
• Ad Hoc Footwear related responsibilities
• Work hand-in-hand with designers and merch teams to develop footwear that’s on-brand and on-trend.
• Ensure every pair meets our high standards for comfort, durability, and quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers and factories to make sure specifications are spot-on and compliance is met.
• Keep an eye on new materials, trends, and tech to keep us ahead of the game.

What You’ll Bring

• In-depth knowledge of patterns, LASTs, outsole moulds and fitting
• Exposure to in-house systems (e.g. Product Life Cycle Management (PLM))
• Experience as a Footwear Technologist or in a similar technical footwear role.
• In-depth knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing.
• Sharp problem-solving skills and an eye for detail.
• Strong communication skills to work across teams and with suppliers.
• A passion for creating footwear people love to wear.

go to method of application »

Position Overview:

• The Raw Materials Manager is responsible for leading the research, development, sourcing, and procurement of fabrics and materials to meet the company's design, quality, sustainability, and cost objectives. This role collaborates closely with design, product development, and production teams to ensure fabric choices align with the brand’s creative vision and commercial goals. The Manager also maintains supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and ensures all materials comply with required standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Fabric Research and Development

• Lead research and development of new fabrics and materials, including sustainable and innovative textiles, to support the company’s product lines.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging materials to integrate cutting-edge fabrics into the product range.
• Collaborate with design teams to identify and develop fabrics that align with the brand’s aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Oversee fabric testing and analysis to ensure compliance with quality, durability, performance, and safety standards.
• Manage prototyping and sampling processes to evaluate new materials and provide feedback for improvement.

Sourcing and Supplier Management

• Identify, select, and onboard fabric suppliers, mills, and manufacturers that meet the company’s quality, ethical, and sustainability standards.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, negotiating favourable terms and pricing.
• Assess supplier capabilities and capacities, ensuring alignment with production schedules and volume requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance regularly, ensuring adherence to quality standards and delivery timelines.

Buying and Procurement

• Manage the procurement process, including issuing purchase orders, tracking shipments, and ensuring timely delivery of materials.
• Optimise inventory levels by forecasting demand, monitoring stock levels, and minimising waste.
• Collaborate with logistics and supply chain teams to streamline fabric sourcing and delivery processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with design, product development, and production teams to ensure fabric choices support design intent and manufacturing feasibility.
• Provide technical expertise to the design team on fabric selection, capabilities, and limitations.
• Liaise with the quality assurance team to address fabric-related issues during production, ensuring quality standards are upheld.
• Support marketing and sales teams with fabric knowledge and insights for product presentations and consumer education.

Sustainability and Compliance

• Drive sustainability initiatives by sourcing eco-friendly materials and ensuring all fabrics meet environmental and social compliance standards.
• Promote sustainable practices within sourcing and buying processes, including waste reduction and carbon footprint minimisation.
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on fabric research, development progress, sourcing activities, procurement outcomes, and value engineering efforts.
• Analyse fabric costs, supplier performance, and market trends to inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on fabric-related opportunities and challenges.

Qualifications:

• Advanced diploma or BTech in Clothing & Textile Technology, Textile Science, Fashion Design, Quality, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5–8 years of experience in fabric research, development, sourcing, buying, and value engineering within the fashion or textile industry.
• In-depth knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, fabric properties, and industry standards.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities, with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in fabric testing methodologies, quality assurance processes, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with sustainable textile practices and certifications (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for supplier visits and trade shows

Key Competencies:

• Innovation: Ability to drive and embrace new ideas, technologies, and materials in fabric development.
• Sustainability Mindset: Passionate about integrating sustainable practices into fabric sourcing and development.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and quality in fabric selection and procurement.
• Leadership: Capable of leading cross-functional teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating contracts and securing favourable terms with suppliers.
   

go to method of application »

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Exceed customer expectations by practicing customer selling techniques.
• Adhere to stock loss controls in store.
• Ensure individual targets are met consistently.
• Ability to maximise and drive sales by identifying opportunities to increase turnover.
• Maintain housekeeping, uphold our visual merchandising standards to optimise sales.
• Create an inspiring environment. Have fun.
• Transact all purchases – receive, verify and processes all payments such as cash, cards, vouchers, coupons and any other acceptable payments.
• Ensure all out going stock/ items/ scripts are scanned and paid for.
• Process all loyalty cards including those of accelerated partners.
• Establish a professional relationship with customers and provide friendly, helpful, courteous assistance and advice to all customers.
• Report customer compliments and complaints to management.
• Attend to all customer stock queries and ensure that they dealt with and resolved.

Behavioural Requirements:  

• Honesty in dealing with cash and finances.
• Building & maintaining relationships
• Innovation & change management
• Thinking adaptability
• Taking ownership
• Problem solving
• Trustworthy and honest
• Time management
• Exceptional customer service

Minimum Requirement.

Essential:

• Matric or Equivalent
• Up to 6 months retail experience 

Special conditions of employment: 

• Clear Credit and Criminal record
• Willing and able to work retail hours.
• South African citizen

Advantageous: 

• 1 year work experience within retail.
• Microsoft – Computer Proficiency
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of current clothing trends/outdoor lifestyle (depending on the brand applying for) Willing and able to work retail hours.

Deadline:7th September,2025

go to method of application »

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assisting in managing all aspects of a store
• Maximizing turnover and profit
• Minimise shrinkage by monitoring stock related risks.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by implementing customer experience strategy.
• Lead Talent selection, training, coaching, retention and recognize initiatives for all team members.
• Innovative visual merchandising to optimize sales.
• Implement all company policies and procedures.
• Maintaining health & safety practices
• Optimize team through creating an inspiring environment.
• Align team members to Company culture and create fun.

Behavioural Requirements:  

• Honesty in dealing with cash or finances.
• Inspirational leadership & passion
• Taking ownership
• Building & maintaining relationships
• Innovation & ability to deal with change management.
• Thinking adaptability

Minimum Requirement. 

• 3 years of Management retail experience
• Matric or Equivalent
• Microsoft – Computer Proficiency
• Clear Criminal record
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

Deadline:7th September,2025

go to method of application »

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Exceed customer expectations by practicing customer selling techniques.
• Adhere to stock loss controls in store.
• Ensure individual targets are met consistently.
• Ability to maximise and drive sales by identifying opportunities to increase turnover.
• Maintain housekeeping, uphold our visual merchandising standards in order to optimise sales.
• Create an inspiring environment.

Behavioural Requirements:   

• Honesty in dealing with cash and finances.
• Building & maintaining relationships
• Innovation & change management
• Thinking adaptability
• Taking ownership

Minimum Requirement. 

• 6 months of retail experience
• Matric or Equivalent
• Clear Criminal record
• Microsoft – Computer Proficiency
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of current clothing trends/outdoor lifestyle (depending on the brand applying for)

Deadline:7th September,2025