Jobs at Cape Union Mart

Purpose:

• Handles administrative tasks to support the raw materials trims and garment accessories across our apparel ranges. This role is critical to ensure timely availability of all trims, labels, fastenings, and branding components needed for production.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing & Procurement Support:

• Assist in sourcing and procuring a full range of garment trims including labels, buttons, zippers, threads, elastics, tapes, hangtags, packaging, and branded items.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotes, lead times, and minimum order quantities (MOQs) to support cost-effective and timely procurement.
• Ensure trims meet the required specifications for quality, compliance, durability, and design intent.
• Support sustainability initiatives by sourcing environmentally responsible trim options.

Supplier & Relationship Management:

• Maintain a reliable network of both local and international trims suppliers.
• Develop and strengthen supplier relationships to ensure reliable service, competitive pricing, and quality compliance.
• Liaise regularly with suppliers to follow up on quotations, sample submissions, and order confirmations.

Order & Delivery Coordination:

• Raise and manage purchase orders for trims and fabrics in accordance with procurement policies.
• Track orders from placement to delivery and ensure timely arrival to factories or internal departments.
• Monitor order progress against the production timeline and address any delays or issues proactively.
• Work closely with the quality control and sourcing teams to resolve any product or delivery discrepancies.

Sample & Approval Management:

• Manage all aspects of trim sampling including requesting, receiving, cataloguing, and organizing.
• Track sample development and approvals to ensure they align with the critical path and seasonal timelines.
• Maintain swatch libraries and accurate records of approved components.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with design, production, technical, and quality teams to ensure the correct usage and fit-for-purpose trims.
• Facilitate effective internal communication regarding sample status, order updates, and delivery timelines.
• Act as a key point of contact between the trims buying team and cross-functional departments.

Reporting & Administration:

• Maintain up-to-date trims and fabric databases and assist with the preparation of reports, cost comparisons, and development trackers.
• Assist in preparing for supplier meetings, taking minutes, and ensuring follow-up on action items.
• Support invoice reconciliation and the resolution of order discrepancies in coordination with finance and procurement teams.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and recommend cost-saving opportunities or improvements in sourcing and procurement processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline trims buying and sampling workflows.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion, Clothing Technology, or related field.
• Experience in buying, procurement, or administrative roles within retail, leisure, or is advantageous.
• Familiarity with purchasing, inventory management, and supplier coordination.

Skills:

• Basic knowledge of materials (fabrics, trims) used in clothing design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement/inventory software.
• Strong organisational, communication, and time-management skills.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attention to detail, proactive attitude, problem-solving, ability to manage competing priorities.

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Purpose:

• The Garment Technologist is responsible for ensuring that garments are designed, developed, and produced to the highest quality standards. They collaborate with design, production, and merchandising teams to ensure that garments meet technical specifications, are produced efficiently, and are comfortable, functional, and durable. The role involves following the entire garment lifecycle, from initial design to finished product, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Specification Development:

• Create and manage detailed technical specifications (tech packs) for each garment, including measurements, construction methods, fabric types, trims, and finish details.
• Ensure that all specifications align with design concepts, brand guidelines, and manufacturing requirements.

Garment Fitting and Testing:

• Conduct garment fittings to assess fit, function, and comfort.
• Work closely with designers and pattern makers to adjust techpacks based on fit and functional requirements.
• Oversee the testing of garments for durability, fabric behaviour, and overall performance to ensure they meet the required standards.

Quality Control:

• Develop and implement quality control procedures throughout the production process.
• Ensure that garments meet company and industry quality standards, including fabric performance, stitching, and finishing.
• Identify potential production issues or defects and work with the manufacturing team to address them before final production.

Production and Manufacturing Support:

• Provide technical support to the production team to resolve any issues related to garment construction, markers, or materials during production.
• Ensure smooth communication between design, production, and quality control teams to align on garment specifications and quality standards.
• ensure adherence to timelines, quality standards, and production parameters during sample approval process.

Compliance and Sustainability:

• Ensure all garments meet relevant industry regulations, including safety standards, and comply with environmental and sustainability guidelines.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of all garment specifications, production samples, and quality assessments.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on garment development progress, quality control outcomes, and production challenges.

Qualification & Experience:

• Degree or diploma in Fashion Design, Textile Science, Garment Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Garment Technologist or in a similar technical role within a garment manufacturing or design environment.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, and garment fitting techniques.
• Experience in fabric and material sourcing, as well as understanding fabric testing and performance.

Skills:

• Solid understanding of garment specifications, including size grading, construction techniques, and finishing methods.
• Strong knowledge of garment fitting, pattern making, and grading.
• Experience with quality control and testing procedures to assess the durability and performance of garments.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with design, production, and supplier teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical production practices.

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Roles & Responsibilities: 
Design & Concept Development

• Research current trends, fabrics, and techniques to support seasonal design direction.
• Contribute creative ideas during brainstorming and concept presentations.
• Trend research reports: using WGSN

Technical Design & Product Development

• Responsible for receiving tech packs from buying team and allocating to seasons file
• Produce technical CAD drawings using Adobe Illustrator
• Produce Design sheet with CAD drawings, trim details, and fabric details.
• Brief the trims team on buttons, zips, and special trims for product requirements.
• Source first-fit fabrics and trims for sample garments.
• Match colour swatches to ensure correct thread and trim coordination.
• Track garments through sample development, fittings, and pre-production approvals.
• Assist in fittings: take detailed notes
• Update and refine design sheets after fittings, with all correct information and status of sample. (ex – first fit, second fit or PP sheets)

Materials & Trim Management

• Add details and track trim status after briefing on tracking sheet
• Allocate correct fabric qualities to styles to issue to sample room
• Document new fabric developments or trim developments.
• Match thread colours to swatches for styles.
• Trim and fabric development files up to date.

Cross-Functional Support & Administration

• Schedule and coordinate design team meetings
• Manage SAGE and financial administration tasks for senior designer

Extras

• Collab with sample room in tracking samples & keeping trims in order
• Sample libraries up to date.
• Pattern report.

Qualification & Experience: 

• Degree/Diploma in Fashion Design or Clothing Management
• 1-2 years experience in a similar role

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Purpose:

• The Designer in a Retail Leisure Design Centre is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and creating innovative and functional design solutions for retail and the brands we service. The Designer works closely with retail buyers and other creative, technical teams and other creative and technical teams to ensure that design projects meet both aesthetic and functional objectives while staying within budget and time constraints.

Key Responsibilities:

 Conceptual Design Development:

• Create innovative and functional design concepts for retail.
• Develop design briefs based on client requirements, project specifications, and the overall brand direction.
• Research industry trends, materials, and technologies to ensure designs are modern, relevant, and forward-thinking.
• Collaborate with the design team and other departments (e.g., project management, sourcing) to ensure design vision aligns with the overall project goals.

Design Presentation & Proposals:

• Prepare design presentations and proposals for clients, clearly illustrating ideas through sketches, renderings, mood boards.
• Present design concepts to clients and stakeholders, receiving feedback and refining ideas to ensure client satisfaction.
• Communicate design solutions in a visually compelling and accessible manner to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.

Technical Drawings & Documentation:

• Produce accurate technical drawings specifications for manufacturing and construction based on the approved design concepts.
• Ensure all design documents are clear and detailed, providing precise measurements, material choices, and colour schemes for production teams.
• Work with CAD software and other design tools to create detailed, professional drawings that align with the technical requirements of the project.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Work closely with patternmakers, garment technologist, sourcing teams and other team members to ensure designs are implemented accurately and efficiently.
• Collaborate with other departments such as sourcing, production, and logistics to ensure the successful execution of designs from concept to completion.
• Track the progress of ongoing projects, ensuring that designs are being executed according to plan and making adjustments when necessary.

Material Selection & Sourcing:

• Select and specify materials, finishes, and colours that complement the design and are suitable for the intended retail or leisure environment.
• Liaise with sourcing team to source materials and products that align with the design vision and budget
• Ensure that the materials chosen are not only visually appealing but also practical, durable, and cost-effective.

Client Interaction & Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring effective communication throughout the design process.
• Understand client needs and provide tailored design solutions that align with their brand, target audience, and business goals.
• Provide professional advice on design-related matters, including material choices and visual aesthetics.

Innovation & Trend Awareness:

• Stay up-to-date with design trends, emerging technologies, and innovations within the retail and leisure design industry.
• Experiment with new design techniques and materials to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to projects.
• Regularly attend design conferences, workshops, and events to enhance skills and keep the design work cutting-edge and relevant.

Budget and Time Management:

• Manage design project timelines, ensuring that all designs are delivered on time and within the agreed budget.
• Work within set financial constraints, providing cost-effective design solutions without compromising on creativity or quality.
• Ensure that all design elements are considered in terms of budget, scope, and timeline during the planning phase.

Qualification and Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design.
• Certification in CAD, 3D designs software, or relevant design tools is beneficial.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in retail or Leisure design, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.
• Experience with both conceptual design and technical drawing, along with a solid understanding of material selection, pattern making and project management.

Skills:

• Proficiency in design software, including CAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and 3D visualization tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and the ability to translate designs into technical specifications for production.
• Creative, with a strong ability to think outside the box and develop innovative design concepts.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, visually impactful designs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, able to adapt to changes in client requirements or project specifications.
• Ability to work under pressure

Behavioural Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills to meet deadlines and manage priorities.
• Willingness to stay current with trends in retail, leisure, and interior design.

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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)