TRAFFIC KwaZulu-Natal

Grader and Patternmaker

University of Fort Hare

Job Description

Durban North. Join a well-established and respected player in the apparel manufacturing industry as a skilled and detail-driven Grader and Patternmaker. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong individual who thrives in a fast-paced, production-focused environment and takes pride in delivering precision and quality.

In this role, you'll be at the heart of the product development process - transforming design concepts into production-ready patterns that meet brand standards, manufacturing requirements, and customer expectations. If you're passionate about fit, accuracy, and bringing garments to life, this could be the perfect fit for you.

What you'll be doing:
  • Interpreting design sketches, technical packs, and specifications to create accurate first patterns
  • Developing and adjusting patterns using manual methods or CAD systems (Lectra)
  • Ensuring patterns are production-ready, practical, and aligned with garment construction requirements
  • Refining patterns through sample evaluations and fit sessions
  • Preparing detailed pattern documentation including seam allowances, notches, grainlines, and trims
  • Grading patterns across multiple sizes while maintaining fit, balance, and proportion
  • Producing clear grading charts and documentation for production teams
  • Attending fit sessions and contributing expert input to improve fit and construction
  • Supporting production teams by resolving technical issues and optimising patterns for efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Maintaining organised pattern libraries and accurate version control
  • Continuously improving pattern-making and grading processes
What we're looking for:
  • Matric (Grade 12)
  • Diploma or certificate in Pattern Making, Garment Technology, or Fashion Design
  • 3-5 years' experience in a similar role within a clothing manufacturing environment
  • Experience with knitwear, woven garments, or both
  • Strong CAD pattern-making experience (Lectra preferred)
  • Solid understanding of garment construction, pattern drafting, and grading techniques
  • Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings and troubleshoot fit and construction challenges
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
If you're ready to bring your technical expertise and passion for garment construction into a dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you!

Durban North. An established clothing manufacturer is seeking an experienced Trims Coordinator with a minimum of 3 years' relevant experience to join their team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work closely with Sales Merchandisers, Art Department, and Specialist Coordinator
  • Source basic and special trims, including seasonal tender pricing
  • Liaise with trim suppliers on pricing, orders, deliveries, lab dips, strike-offs, and sampling
  • Coordinate trim artwork approvals with Art Department or Retail Buyers
  • Raise and manage all trim orders on iSync, including reporting and delivery tracking
  • Submit trims to Buyers for approval and follow up to final sign off
  • Receive, check, and issue development and bulk trim samples to QA, ensuring iSync records are updated
  • Compile trim charts and report bulk trim status at weekly production meetings
Requirements
  • Matric
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in trims coordination within a clothing manufacturing or supply environment
  • iSync knowledge essential
  • Computer literate: Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
  • Diploma or Degree in Clothing or Procurement (advantageous)
A great opportunity for a detail-oriented trims professional to join a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Apply:

R Basic Plus Commission (+ car allowance, fuel card, company phone)

Johannesburg. An established and reputable company within the Manufacturing industry is seeking a vibrant, driven External Sales Representative with solid technical sales experience to join their growing team. This role is ideal for a dynamic sales professional who thrives on building relationships and driving growth. If you are target-driven, organised, and passionate about customer service excellence - this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build, maintain and grow strong customer relationships across all account tiers
  • Manage structured visit cycles and plan territory coverage efficiently
  • Drive sales across all product ranges, including new product launches
  • Actively prospect and secure new business opportunities
  • Maintain Gross Profit targets and adhere to pricing policies
  • Keep sample boards updated and professionally presented
  • Submit accurate sales reports and maintain full CRM compliance
  • Take full ownership of the allocated sales territory and identify growth opportunities
  • Experience within manufacturing or distribution of decorative building and framing products advantageous
Morningside, Durban. Ready to turn business data into intelligent action? We're looking for a forward-thinking AI and Business Automation Consultant to help customers unlock real value from their data using Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power BI, and SQL technologies.

This role sits at the intersection of business insight, data, and applied AI. You'll work closely with customers to understand how their businesses operate, then design and deploy practical AI solutions that surface insights, automate processes, and improve decision-making - all within the Microsoft ecosystem.

What You'll Do
  • Design and deploy AI agents integrated with customer data
  • Deliver automation solutions such as financial snapshots, sales analysis, contract visibility, and automated reporting
  • Build Power BI dashboards for operational and management reporting
  • Work with Microsoft SQL Server / Azure SQL to structure data for analytics and AI use
  • Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve visibility through AI
  • Support customer demos and AI-focused value discussions
  • Contribute to scalable AI templates and repeatable automation frameworks
What You Bring
  • Strong understanding of data structures (tables, schemas, relationships)
  • Experience with Microsoft SQL Server and / or Azure SQL
  • Exposure to Microsoft Copilot Studio or similar AI / automation platforms
  • Ability to translate business needs into data-driven solutions
  • Confident communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Advantageous:
  • Power Automate, Power Apps, API integrations, BI / Analytics background, or experience working with SMB environments.
Who You Are
  • A business-first thinker with technical curiosity. Comfortable shaping AI solutions from concept to delivery.
  • Focused on efficiency, measurable value, and building scalable automation solutions that make a real impact.
If you're excited by applied AI, business transformation, and delivering tangible results - we'd love to hear from you.

R Basic Plus Commission (+ car allowance, fuel card, company phone)

Durban. An established and reputable company within the Manufacturing industry is seeking a vibrant, driven External Sales Representativewith solid technical sales experience to join their growing team. This role is ideal for a dynamic sales professional who thrives on building relationships and driving growth. If you are target-driven, organised, and passionate about customer service excellence - this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build, maintain and grow strong customer relationships across all account tiers
  • Manage structured visit cycles and plan territory coverage efficiently
  • Drive sales across all product ranges, including new product launches
  • Actively prospect and secure new business opportunities
  • Maintain Gross Profit targets and adhere to pricing policies
  • Keep sample boards updated and professionally presentedSubmit accurate sales reports and maintain full CRM compliance
  • Take full ownership of the allocated sales territory and identify growth opportunities
  • Experience within manufacturing or distribution of decorative building and framing products advantageous
Durban. An excellent opportunity exists for an experienced Operations Manager to take full responsibility for production, supplier management, profitability, compliance, and on-time delivery across this growing business within the clothing / apparel industry. Solid experience within clothing manufacturing / supplier environment is essential.

This is a senior leadership role best suited to a commercially astute and highly analytical individual with strong gross profit (GP) control, extensive CMT negotiation experience, and a proven track record of delivering orders on time and in full (OTIF) within a fast-paced apparel environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maximise profitability across all operational areas
  • Negotiate CMT and outwork pricing to ensure optimal margins
  • Oversee seasonal costing, including fabric, trims, packaging and CMT
  • Manage production planning and ensure strict critical path adherence
  • Ensure forecasted sales targets are achieved
  • . click apply for full job details

About This Role

Career insights for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic positions

Salary Benchmark
$49,670/year
Source: O*NET (USD)
Key Skills for This Role
Operations Monitoring Operation and Control Quality Control Analysis Active Listening Complex Problem Solving
Common Technologies
3D Systems Geomagic Design X Autodesk AutoCAD Delcam PowerMILL Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook

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