Trevor Mkhize

Dynamic Sales Executive with a deep-rooted passion for fashion retail and a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and expanding market presence. Over 10 years of experience in successfully selling fashion ranges to top retail chains, cultivating strong client relationships, and driving account growth. Expert in range building, order processing, and strategic budgeting, with a proactive approach to identifying new business opportunities and maximizing client potential.

Eager to bring energy and expertise to a rapidly growing business, contributing to significant sales achievements.

Brand Manager at Bata South Africa (2024-07 – Present)

• Distribute Bata branded school shoes into major retailers and wholesalers.
• Manage the brand portfolio for Toughees, BFirst, and College school shoe ranges.
• Develop new product ranges within the department and implement overarching brand strategies.
• Strategically drive sales through various retail channels and informal traders.
• Contribute to the development and execution of comprehensive marketing plans.
• Foster positive and productive relationships with key account customers.

Marketing and Account Manager at SA KNITS (2011-07 – 2024-06)

• Marketed and sold fashion ranges to prominent fashion retail chain stores across South Africa.
• Effectively serviced key accounts including MR PRICE GROUP, PICK N PAY, and MILADYS.
• Cultivated and maintained robust business relationships with major retail partners.
• Established, achieved, and consistently aimed to exceed demanding sales targets.
• Presented strategic proposals and commercial deals to top management and board-level executives.
• Sourced optimal raw materials and identified suitable manufacturing partners.
• Developed detailed technical packs and coordinated all aspects of production and delivery schedules.
• Liaised continuously with factories to ensure timely and successful delivery of all orders.
• Negotiated pricing and managed order details from inception through to completion.
• Monitored project timelines and ensured strict adherence to deadlines.
• Undertook international travel to build supplier networks and source new product ranges.
• Gained extensive expertise in knitwear, a highly technical and specialized apparel category.
• Collaborated with world-leading knitwear factories, enhancing production knowledge and quality standards.

Assist Buyer at Edgars (EDCON) (2010-03 – 2011-06)

• Managed the buying portfolio for the KIDS ACTIVE APPAREL RANGE, encompassing brands such as Nike, Puma, Reebok, Adidas, and the in-house brand Pro-action.
• Curated a commercially viable and fashionable sportswear range for children's apparel.
• Researched local and international fashion trends to align buying requirements with emerging market demands, presenting weekly performance analyses of best and worst sellers to management.
• Maintained professional and collaborative relationships with all suppliers.
• Contributed to seasonal performance reviews and pre-season range planning meetings.
• Arranged merchandise for advertising campaigns and actively participated in Marketing Brand Key meetings.
• Conducted competitor shopping to maintain market awareness and identify competitive strategies.
• Visited company stores to ensure merchandise was presented according to established company standards.
• Generated supplier orders, oversaw sample approvals, and performed quality control checks on fit samples, fabric selection, and artwork.
• Gained valuable experience managing a branded product portfolio, including international brands.

Menswear Buyer at Mr Price Group (2008-04 – 2010-02)

• Oversaw the buying responsibilities for the OAKRIDGE SMART range, focusing on the moderate menswear smart casual segment.
• Spearheaded the planning and purchasing strategy for the entire department range.
• Managed all product categories within the department, including shirts, trousers, knitwear, jackets, and smart polo shirts.
• Presented comprehensive range reviews and sales performance post-mortems every three months.
• Routinely negotiated pricing structures with suppliers and liaised with both local and international vendors.
• Issued supplier orders, meticulously managed incoming samples, and oversaw the approval of seals.
• Developed into a proficient negotiator with a proven track record.
• Cultivated a keen eye for identifying emerging trends relevant to the local market.
• Successfully expanded the product offering in key categories previously not covered by the department.
• Contributed to the department becoming the fastest-growing segment within Mr Price menswear, achieving highly competitive RLC ratings.

National Diploma in Fashion Design – Durban University of Technology (2002-01 – 2005-12)

Matriculated – Grosvenor Boy's High (2001-01 – 2001-12)