We call it MIS

Supply

Any business supplying fabric, trims, goods or services, to the industry.

Importing

Any business that imports garments from overseas.

Manufacture

Any business that manufactures garments within New Zealand.

We will discuss the jobs that are available in each sector, salary expectations, and just what skills and attributes employers are looking for. We understand how important it is to gain the right skills and qualifications and to 'get your foot in the door,' but let’s make sure it is the right door!

Supply

The supply sector covers companies who supply the industry services and or goods. Service companies include; freight, customs clearance, and computer software companies. Goods suppliers include companies that sell anything from fabrics and buttons to shoulder pads, laces and zips. It is a growing sector of the industry and fluctuates in size to meet the needs of the industry.

Within this sector it is advantageous but not essential to have industry experience.

Some of the entry level roles available include:

• Sales support
• Administration
• Customer Services
• Assistant Buyer
• Sampling Coordinator
• Warehouse Assistant

How do you actually get into this sector of the industry?

It is dependant upon the role but one possibility is to start off in the clerical / administrative area and then work your way up into sales / buying. If your strength lies in the administrative side and you are good with numbers, a foot in the door through the import shipping or freight side could be a good option.

It is advantageous to have some knowledge with regards to how the industry works overall and an understanding of how it all fits together, for example, manufacturing importing etc. Fashion graduates, who have knowledge of textiles and garment construction, are often sought after by fabric wholesalers.

Remuneration is dependent on the role but as a guide these entry-level roles start within the range of between $28,000 - $32,000.

A great sector of the industry to get involved in if you would like a career in sales or administration.

Import

Importing companies are the 'middle man,' between manufacturers and retail. They usually supply the bulk end of the market, due to minimum requirements that have to be met by the overseas manufacturers.  

The more complex a garment is the more likely manufacturing can go wrong, and that's a good enough reason for a Retailer to use an importer or agency.

The Importing companies work closely with the manufacturers and retailers to put product together, and once styles are selected and quantities decided, the Importer will organize the overseas manufacturers to produce the garments.

This sector of the market has grown rapidly. Importing companies have a sales / production type of environment where product is manufactured by 'remote control,' in countries such as China and India. The Import sector has opened up a great deal of opportunities for those who have good computer skills and have learnt offshore specs.

Jobs Available / Remuneration

Entry level roles available tend to be in the following areas;

• Production Coordinator
• Merchandise Assistant (junior)
• Garment Tech
• Sales Support

Qualifications

There are hard and fast rules - a fashion degree or diploma is essential!

Manufacture

A manufacturing company is any business that manufactures garments within New Zealand. Manufacturing can be divided up into four main sectors within the industry.

1) Bulk Manufacturers / CMTs

These companies don't actually do any of the designing themselves, and either manufacture within New Zealand, or do a combination of local and offshore manufacturing.

Entry level jobs available in this sector tend to be in the production dispatch/warehousing or office support area for instance;

• machinist
• cutters assistant
• office support
• production assistant
• warehouse / dispatch

2) Bulk Manufacturers / Importers

These companies travel overseas to source design trends, interpret them for the New Zealand market, and sell their products to retail or mail order companies. Garments are either manufactured within New Zealand or offshore. Their clients are companies such as Glassons, The Warehouse, EziBuy and Max Fashions.

Entry level jobs available in this sector are in production, product development and merchandising; -office support -production assistant -merchandise assistant -quality control assistant -specifications.

3) Independent labels

These companies both design product and manufacture for the independent retail market, but don't actually have any retail stores themselves. Companies produce labels such as Vamp, Suzanne Gregory, Verge, Blase and Ashley Fogel.

Entry level jobs available include roles in the design area, production, technical, distribution and office support;

• design assistant
• pattern making (junior)
• CAD operator
• production assistant
• warehouse - dispatch
• sales support and customer service

4) Designer labels - niche market

These companies do the lot from the initial design, right through to manufacturing and distributing the product through their own retail stores, also distributing their product to independent stores that stock a variety of different labels e.g. Hartleys, Identity.

Jobs available are similar to those available with the Independent labels. Most of these companies tend to be owner / operators and the owner is usually also the designer.

What do I need to get into the industry?

Specific Fashion Industry qualifications are becoming more and more sought after and in some areas essential. Personality and attitude are the keys to ensure that you will stand out from the other graduates. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the ability to do what it takes are invaluable in getting your foot in the door!