Production Merchandise Manager; mnths

Johannesburg, South Africa | Posted on 11/24/2025

We are looking for an experienced Production Merchandise Manager to step into a 4-month maternity cover contract. This role requires someone highly organized, detail oriented, and confident managing the full production lifecycle from initial costing to final delivery.

• Lead supplier costing negotiations to secure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Manage and maintain strong supplier relationships across all categories.
• Oversee production quality, ensuring all garments meet brand standards and technical specifications.
• Drive the international approval process, ensuring timely sample reviews, comments, and sign offs.
• Approve all products, fit samples, and pre-production samples in line with brand guidelines.
• Work closely with in house QC to ensure fit consistency, fabric standards, trims, and overall product quality.

• Manage shipment bookings, tracking and delivery timelines to avoid delays.
• Ensure all payments, booking requests and documentation are actioned timeously.
• Support the admin team to ensure all purchase orders, amendments and critical documentation are executed accurately and on time.

• Partner with the buying team to bring product from design concept through to the final inventory stage.
• Manage multiple categories including mens, ladies and kidswear.
• Respond to in season trade needs by pulling forward production or topping up units where needed.

• 5 plus years’ experience in production merchandising or production management.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end production timelines, critical paths, costing, approvals, and quality.
• Branded apparel experience is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple categories and multiple suppliers simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.