Buyers Assistant

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabenza IT & Recruitment in Durban is seeking a Buyers Assistant to support the buying team with planning, sourcing, and coordinating merchandise. You will help with product selection, range planning, tracking orders, and liaising with suppliers.

The role requires strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. 1–2 years of administrative experience in fashion or a creative industry is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of administrative experience in fashion or creative industry preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer with day-to-day administrative tasks – raising orders and managing samples.
• Prepare pre-packs and communicate order information to suppliers.
• Assist with range reviews and help achieve department budgets.
• Maintain and arrange buyer samples per instructions.
• Track product and order status and liaise with suppliers.
• Assist in key strategic meetings preparation and deadlines.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and supplier accounts.

Skills

Administrative experience

Excel proficiency

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary studies in Clothing/Fashion

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Durban, South Africa | Posted on 30/10/2026

The Buyers Assistant supports the buying team in planning, sourcing, and coordinating merchandise so the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right cost. This role involves assisting with product selection and range planning, tracking orders from placement through to delivery, and following up on delays or discrepancies with suppliers. The assistant maintains accurate vendor records, supports negotiations on pricing and terms, and helps manage the buying calendar so seasonal and promotional ranges land on schedule. They contribute to the overall buying strategy by analysing sales trends, stock levels, and competitor activity, and by flagging opportunities or risks to the buying team. The role requires strong attention to detail, clear communication with internal teams and external suppliers, and the ability to work accurately under deadline pressure in a fast-moving retail environment.

Duties:

• Support the Buyer with day-to-day administrative tasks – from raising orders and managing samples to prepping for range reviews.
  
• Compiling pre-packs and communicating additional order information to suppliers.
  
• Supporting the team in all activities on a daily basis designed to ensure achievement of department budgets.
  
• Maintaining and arranging buyer samples according to predetermined instructions.
  
• Rail maintenance and product tracking.
  
• Assisting Buyers with preparing for key strategic meetings.
  
• Meeting required deadlines as per critical path.
  
• Maintaining good relationships while liaising with suppliers on behalf of buyer.
  
• Keeping abreast of competition by regular visits comp visits and company store visits.
  
• Working with Suppliers and Supplier Accounts.
  

Requirements

• Grade 12
  
• Relevant tertiary studies in Clothing/Fashion or similar.
  
• 1–2 years of administrative experience (fashion or creative industry experience an advantage).
  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – must be able to work on Excel.
  
• A love for fashion, creativity, teamwork, and getting things done!