Buyer's Assistant (FTC)

Ackermans; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackermans is seeking a capable Buyers' Assistant to support the Apparel Team in Cape Town. The role focuses on admin, purchase order capture, sample management and close collaboration with Buyers, suppliers and internal teams.

The position requires Matric and a relevant retail/fashion/administration qualification, plus at least 1 year of related experience in a corporate retail buying environment. Fixed-term contract for 6 months starting November 2026.

Qualifications

• Matric (Essential)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Retail/Fashion/Administration or related field (Preferred)
• Previous experience (minimum of 1 year) in a Buyer’s Assistant, Administrative or Intern role in a Corporate Retail/Buying environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide general assistance to the Buyers in the Apparel Team.
• Communicate and follow-up with internal and external customers/relationships.
• Execute administration related to the Buying process (tendering, discussion docs).
• Capture & monitor purchase orders; manage style cards & samples.
• Assist with on-time delivery by following up on samples; prep merchandise documentation.
• Prepare documents for business plans, strategy sessions and range reviews.
• Manage supplier queries, sample management, mark-downs & general administration.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship building

MS Office

Retail cycle knowledge

Prioritisation

Proactive

Planning & time mgmt

Attention to detail

Hands-on support

PLM tools

Education

Matric (Essential)

Tertiary qualification in Retail/Fashion/Administration

Tools

PLM tools

Job description

We are looking for a multi-tasking superstar to support our Buyers in our Apparel Team at Ackermans. Your passion for fashion, retail knowledge and strong admin skills will set you apart!

Key responsibilities:

2. To provide general assistance to the Buyer/s with: 3. To communicate and follow-up effectively with all relevant internal and external customers/role/key relationships

• To execute all administration relating to the Buying process:
• Tendering processes
• Preparation of discussion documents
• Capture & monitor purchase orders
• Style cards & sample management
• Assist with managing on-time delivery by following-up on all samples
• Preparation for all merchandise related activities that require product to be pulled, sorted, ordered and hung
• Preparation of all documents required for business plans, strategy sessions and range reviews.
• Manage Supplier queries, sample management, mark-downs & general administration

Knowledge & skills required:

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates effectively both within, as well as outside the Company
• Builds and maintain relationships
• Is proficient in the latest Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Has an understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle & Buying process
• Can prioritise well and be assertive
• Is proactive, deadline driven and flexible to adapt to change
• Has sound planning, organizing and time management skills
• Is fast and accurate with regards to processing and checking detail
• Is able to be “hands on” when the buyer is travelling and represent the department where necessary.
• Knowledge of retail systems / PLM tools

Qualifications:

• Matric (Essential)
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Retail/Fashion/Administration or related field (Preferred)

Experience required:

Previous experience (minimum of 1 year) in a Buyer’s Assistant, Administrative or Intern role in a Corporate Retail/Buying environment.

Please note this is a 6-month Fixed Term Contract starting in November 2026.