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Merchandise Coordinator
Location
Durban
Company
Jonsson Workwear
Salary
Undisclosed
Job Type
Not specified
Closing date
📢 Job Overview
Jonsson Workwear is seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Merchandise Coordinator to support product development, project coordination, and merchandise management activities. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in fashion retail, clothing management, apparel manufacturing, or product development who enjoy working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will assist with coordinating product-related projects, monitoring development timelines, supporting garment sample processes, and ensuring products move efficiently through various stages of development while maintaining quality and accuracy.
📝 Job Description
As a Merchandise Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the product development and merchandise management functions within the business.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Coordinate merchandise and product development projects from concept through completion.
✅ Assist with managing product timelines and critical project deadlines.
✅ Support garment sample development and manufacturing processes.
✅ Work closely with design, production, sourcing, and merchandising teams.
✅ Monitor project progress and provide updates to stakeholders.
✅ Maintain accurate product information and documentation.
✅ Assist with product lifecycle management activities and system updates.
✅ Ensure product development milestones are achieved within agreed timeframes.
✅ Prepare reports, presentations, and project documentation using Microsoft Office tools.
✅ Support continuous improvement initiatives across merchandise and product development processes.
✅ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure efficient communication and workflow management.
✅ Contribute to maintaining high-quality standards throughout the product development lifecycle.
🎯 Minimum Requirements
Educational Requirements
✔ Qualification in Fashion Retail, Clothing Management, Apparel Production, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
Experience Requirements
✔ Proven experience in project coordination or project management within a related industry.
✔ Exposure to garment manufacturing, apparel production, or sample development processes will be advantageous.
✔ Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
✔ Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems will be beneficial.
Technical Skills
✔ Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
✔ Strong administrative and reporting capabilities.
✔ Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
✔ Strong organisational and time-management skills.
🌟 Desired Personal Attributes
🔹 Passion for design, apparel, and product development.
🔹 Energetic, proactive, and results-driven attitude.
🔹 Strong influencing and communication skills.
🔹 Excellent attention to detail.
🔹 Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
🔹 Strong collaboration and teamwork abilities.
🔹 Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
🔹 Comfortable working in a dynamic and continuously evolving environment.
🔹 Committed to delivering high-quality results.
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💰 Salary Estimate & Industry Information
Although Jonsson Workwear has not disclosed a salary range, Merchandise Coordinators in South Africa typically earn between R18,000 and R35,000 per month, depending on qualifications, industry experience, company size, and technical expertise.
South Africa's clothing manufacturing, fashion retail, and apparel production industries continue to evolve as businesses focus on product innovation, supply chain efficiency, and quality control. Merchandise Coordinators play a critical role in ensuring products move smoothly from concept and design through manufacturing and retail distribution.
🎤 Interview Tips, Expected Questions & Answers
Interview Tips
1. Understand the Product Development Process
Be prepared to discuss how products move from design concepts to finished garments.
2. Highlight Project Coordination Experience
Provide examples of managing deadlines, stakeholders, and multiple priorities.
3. Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Employers value candidates who can manage product information accurately.
4. Showcase Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with Excel, reporting tools, and PLM systems.
5. Emphasise Team Collaboration
Product development requires strong teamwork across multiple departments.
🔑 Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Q1: Why are you interested in a Merchandise Coordinator role?
Example Answer:
"I enjoy coordinating projects, working with product development teams, and ensuring that products progress efficiently through every stage of development."
Q2: How do you manage multiple deadlines?
Example Answer:
"I prioritise tasks, maintain detailed schedules, communicate proactively with stakeholders, and regularly review progress to ensure deadlines are met."
Q3: What experience do you have in the fashion or clothing industry?
Example Answer:
"I have worked in environments involving product development, merchandise coordination, and apparel-related processes where attention to detail was essential."
Q4: How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
Example Answer:
"I use structured systems, double-check information, maintain organised records, and review data before submission."
Q5: What software tools are you comfortable using?
Example Answer:
"I am proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and have experience learning and working with specialised business systems."
📄 CV Revamp & Job Application Tips
A professionally prepared CV can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.
CV Improvement Tips
1. Highlight Relevant Industry Experience
Include apparel, fashion, product development, manufacturing, merchandising, or project coordination experience.
2. Quantify Achievements
Provide measurable results where possible.
Examples:
✔ Coordinated multiple product launches.
✔ Improved project completion timelines.
✔ Assisted with successful garment development projects.
3. Optimise Your CV for ATS Systems
Include keywords such as:
✔ Merchandise Coordinator
✔ Product Development
✔ Fashion Merchandising
✔ Apparel Manufacturing
✔ Project Coordination
✔ Product Lifecycle Management
✔ Garment Production
✔ Supply Chain
✔ Retail Operations
4. Showcase Technical Skills
List proficiency in Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and relevant systems.
5. Keep Formatting Professional
Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
6. Tailor Every Application
Align your CV with the requirements listed in the advert.
7. Proofread Carefully
Eliminate spelling and grammar mistakes.
8. Include Relevant Qualifications
Ensure all education and certifications are clearly listed.
📧 Applicants who would like assistance improving or updating their CV can contact:
info@jobskwazulu.co.za
A professionally optimised CV can improve ATS rankings and increase interview opportunities.
🧩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a qualification required?
Yes. A qualification in Fashion Retail, Clothing Management, or a related field is required.
2. Is garment manufacturing experience necessary?
It is not mandatory but exposure to garment sample manufacturing is advantageous.
3. Will I work with multiple departments?
Yes. Merchandise Coordinators collaborate with design, production, sourcing, and merchandising teams.
4. Is project management experience important?
Yes. Previous project coordination or project management experience is highly beneficial.
5. Are Microsoft Office skills required?
Yes. Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is essential.
6. Is experience with PLM systems required?
It is advantageous but not listed as mandatory.
📈 Career Path & Growth Opportunities
1. Senior Merchandise Coordinator
Senior Merchandise Coordinators oversee larger product portfolios and manage more complex projects across multiple categories.
Estimated Salary: R28,000 – R45,000 per month.
2. Product Development Specialist
This role focuses on product innovation, technical development, supplier coordination, and quality management.
Estimated Salary: R30,000 – R50,000 per month.
3. Merchandise Manager
Merchandise Managers oversee product planning, inventory strategies, and commercial product performance.
Estimated Salary: R40,000 – R70,000 per month.
4. Product Development Manager
These professionals manage entire product development teams and oversee product lifecycle strategies.
Estimated Salary: R50,000 – R90,000 per month.
5. Head of Merchandise or Buying Manager
Senior leaders in this field drive product strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial growth.
Estimated Salary: R80,000 – R150,000+ per month.
The fashion and apparel industry offers excellent long-term career opportunities for professionals with strong project coordination, product development, and commercial management skills.
📊 Industry Insights & Job Market Overview
Job Title: Merchandise Coordinator
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Industry: Fashion Retail, Clothing Manufacturing & Product Development
South Africa's clothing, fashion retail, and apparel manufacturing industry remains an important contributor to employment and economic growth. As brands focus on improving product quality, innovation, and supply chain efficiency, there is growing demand for skilled Merchandise Coordinators who can manage product development processes and support successful product launches. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can coordinate projects, manage timelines, and work effectively across multiple departments.
🔍 To find similar jobs, these are terms you can search:
Merchandise Coordinator Jobs, Fashion Merchandising Careers, Product Development Coordinator Vacancies, Apparel Manufacturing Jobs, Clothing Industry Jobs Durban, Merchandise Planning Careers, Fashion Retail Jobs Near Me, Product Lifecycle Management Jobs, Fashion Project Coordinator Jobs, Garment Production Careers.
📨 How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through Jonsson Workwear's official recruitment platform.
Before applying, ensure:
✅ Your CV is fully updated.
✅ Relevant qualifications are clearly listed.
✅ Product development and project coordination experience is highlighted.
✅ Technical skills and software proficiency are included.
⚠️ In line with Jonsson Workwear's Employment Equity commitment, applications from designated groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged.
🔄 Share This Job Post With a Friend
Know someone interested in fashion, apparel manufacturing, merchandising, or product development careers? Share this opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested.