Retail Buying Assistant

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Hands-on experience in retail buying

Mentorship from industry professionals

Exposure to fashion retail industry

Networking opportunities

Potential for future employment

Vibrant and creative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Retail Buying Assistant for a hybrid internship in Sandton, Gauteng. You will support Buyers and Merchandisers with admin tasks, conduct market research, track samples, and assist with supplier communications and buying processes.

The role offers exposure to fashion retail buying and merchandising, mentorship from industry professionals, and potential for future opportunities within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed degree/diploma in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• Strong interest in fashion and retail trends.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Hybrid work availability with presence in Sandton, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Assist Buyers and Merchandisers with daily admin tasks.
• Conduct market research on fashion trends and competitors.
• Track and manage product samples for review.
• Support ordering and allocation of new merchandise.
• Communicate with suppliers on orders and deliveries.
• Maintain records of assortments, pricing, and inventory.
• Prepare reports and presentations on sales and buying plans.
• Assist in buying meetings and showroom visits.
• Perform remote data entry and analysis for buying activities.
• Ensure brand standards and product quality in Sandton.

Skills

Market research

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Degree or diploma in Fashion/Merchandising

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading fashion retailer, is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Retail Buying Assistant to support their buying team in Sandton, Gauteng . This internship offers an invaluable opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in the world of fashion retail buying and merchandising. The Buying Assistant will assist with administrative tasks, conduct market research, track inventory, and provide support for sample management and supplier communications. This hybrid role combines on‑site work to engage with the team and physical products with remote flexibility for research and data analysis. We are seeking a motivated individual with a keen interest in fashion, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach. This is an excellent stepping stone for a career in retail buying or merchandising. Join our dynamic team in Sandton and contribute to shaping our product assortment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Buyers and Merchandisers with day-to-day administrative tasks.
• Conduct market research on fashion trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Track and manage product samples, ensuring they are organized and available for review.
• Support the ordering and allocation process for new merchandise.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, delivery schedules, and sample requests.
• Maintain accurate records of product assortments, pricing, and inventory levels.
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations on sales performance and buying plans.
• Help organize and participate in buying meetings and showroom visits.
• Perform remote data entry and analysis related to buying activities.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards and product quality guidelines throughout the buying process in Sandton .

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree or diploma in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
• A strong passion for fashion and an understanding of retail trends.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Comfortable using technology for remote tasks and data management.
• Proactive attitude and eagerness to learn.
• Availability for a hybrid work schedule, with required presence in Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Paid internship opportunity.
• Valuable hands‑on experience in retail buying and merchandising.
• Mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
• Exposure to the fashion retail industry and product development.
• Networking opportunities within the retail sector.
• Potential for future employment based on internship performance.
• Work in a vibrant and creative environment.