Buyers Assistant

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Durban North; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary to be discussed

Job summary

Sabenza IT & Recruitment is seeking a Buyers Assistant in Durban North to support the buying team with planning, sourcing, and coordinating merchandise so the right products land on time and at the right cost.

You will assist with product selection, range planning, supplier communication, and maintaining vendor records while contributing to the buying strategy through sales trend analysis and stock monitoring.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and/or relevant tertiary studies in clothing/fashion.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer with day-to-day administrative tasks – from raising orders and managing samples to preparing for range reviews.
• Compile pre-packs and communicate additional order information to suppliers.
• Assist the team in daily activities to ensure department budgets are met.
• Maintain and arrange buyer samples according to instructions.
• Rail maintenance and product tracking.
• Assist Buyers with preparing for key strategic meetings.
• Meet deadlines as per critical path and keep supplier relationships positive.
• Visit suppliers and company stores for competitive intelligence.

Skills

Administrative experience

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12

Relevant tertiary studies in Clothing/Fashion

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

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!

Benefits

• Salary, to be discussed.