Buyer'S Assistant

Changing Lanes Consultancy; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion accessories supplier in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Buyer's Assistant to join their team. You will assist the buyer throughout the buying and selling process, ensure timely delivery, maintain communication with suppliers, and manage product documentation. The ideal candidate has a Grade 12 qualification and at least 2 years' experience in a similar role. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential. This role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience as a Buyer's Assistant.
• In-depth understanding of the critical path.
• Knowledge of buyer's assistant administrative and clerical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the buyer throughout the buying and selling process up to delivery.
• Maintain communication with suppliers and customers for follow-up.
• Ensure accuracy of contracts, PI's, and customer documentation.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer service principles

Team player

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Are you an experienced Buyer's Assistant with a passion for fashion? Do you possess strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail? Do you have an in-depth understanding of the critical path? Our client, a leading Cape Town-based importer and supplier of fashion accessories to major retail chains across South Africa, is seeking an experienced Buyer's Assistant to join their team.

With a strong presence in both wholesale and retail, they offer a wide range of high-quality products including handbags, hats, scarves, and other fashion essentials.

Known for their fast-paced environment and strong focus on customer satisfaction, they work closely with suppliers and buyers to ensure timely delivery and exceptional product standards.

Essential Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• 2+ years' experience as a Buyer's Assistant
• In-depth understanding of the critical path
• Knowledge of buyer's assistant administrative and clerical procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Advantages:

• Experience in the Fashion Industry
• Technical knowledge of fabrics

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the buyer throughout the buying and selling process up to delivery
• Understand the critical path and work according to customer and company processes to ensure timely delivery
• Maintain communication with suppliers and customers to follow up on samples, fabric testing, and provide feedback
• Ensure contracts, PI's, and customer documentation are received, checked for accuracy, and discrepancies flagged
• Arrange and track delivery/collection of parcels and documents with couriers; verify invoices
• Attend meetings and take detailed minutes
• Catalogue and photograph samples; tag with style numbers and details
• Track outgoing samples and ensure returns are logged
• Assist with showroom setup and organization
• Coordinate product testing and share results
• Organize and update order documents and progress
• Order trims, labels, hangers, and swing tickets
• Assist with sample measuring and quality control
• Work with warehouse and buyer on pricing samples and packaging
• Follow up on outstanding samples and approvals
• Join weekly meetings with the buyer
• Participate in comparative shopping and handle rejects

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Microsoft Office and relevant computer skills, especially Excel
• Customer service principles
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• High attention to detail
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Experience in the Fashion Industry is advantageous
• Technical knowledge of fabrics is a plus