Buyer's Assistant (FTC)

Ackermans; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackermans in South Africa is seeking a proactive Buyer’s Assistant to support our Apparel Team. Your passion for fashion, retail knowledge and strong admin skills will set you apart.

You will manage buying administration, prepare documents for plans and range reviews, coordinate sample flow, and communicate with suppliers and internal teams to keep deliveries on time. This 6-month fixed-term contract starts in November 2026 and is based in Wes-Kaap, with exposure to PLM tools and Microsoft

Qualifications

• Matric is required.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Retail/Fashion/Administration is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience in Buyer’s Assistant or Admin in a corporate retail/buying environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute administration for buying: tenders, discussion documents, capture of POs, style cards and sample management.
• Provide general assistance to Buyers for merchandise prep, range reviews and supplier coordination.
• Communicate and follow up with internal and external customers and key relationships.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship building

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Retail knowledge

Prioritisation

Deadline driven

Time management

Detail accuracy

PLM tools

Education

Matric (Essential)

Tertiary Retail/Fashion/Admin

Tools

PLM tools

Microsoft Office

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:

1. 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

2. To provide general assistance to the Buyer/s with:

• 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

3. To communicate and follow-up effectively with all relevant internal and external customers/role/key relationships

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, organising 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.