Merchandiser - Nairobi & Mombasa

About the role

Centric Brands, a lifestyle brand collective covering apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty, is looking for a Merchandiser to manage day-to-day merchandising with Kenya-based suppliers and factories. The role covers order execution, sample approvals, production tracking, quality compliance and on-time shipment, with regular on-site factory visits in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Key responsibilities

• Follow up purchase orders, order confirmations, quantities and delivery dates, and coordinate with factories so production meets confirmed customer delivery dates; escalate delays to the Egypt team.
• Coordinate proto, fit, SMS, PPS, TOP and other samples, follow up on comments and corrective actions, and ensure approved samples are ready before production milestones.
• Maintain accurate WIP reports, verify milestones such as bulk fabric and trims readiness, cutting, sewing, finishing and inspection, and report order status to the Egypt team.
• Visit apparel factories in Nairobi and Mombasa regularly to check progress, resolve issues and share visit reports with the regional team.
• Follow up on fabric, trims, garment construction, measurements, labeling and packaging, and coordinate with QC teams on inspections and shipment readiness.
• Submit weekly WIP reports, keep records of approvals and shipments, and use the company tracking systems.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in merchandising.
• Degree in Textile, Apparel, Merchandising, Business or a related field.
• Experience in apparel merchandising, sourcing or garment manufacturing, and working with apparel factories.
• Fluent in English.
• Willing to work primarily on-site at factories and travel regularly between Nairobi and Mombasa (typically 2-3 days each).

Required skills

• Strong Excel, reporting, communication and follow-up skills.
• Understanding of garment production, sampling, fabric and trims, quality and shipment procedures.