We are seeking a motivated, fashion-passionate, and commercially minded Assistant Buyer to join our Ladieswear Apparel team.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in the fashion retail industry, preferably within ladieswear apparel. We are looking for an individual who is eager to learn and build a long-term career in fashion buying. Buying administration experience is advantageous but not essential — we are open to developing the right candidate and will provide guidance, mentorship, and exposure across the full buying function.

You will support the Buying Team across the entire product lifecycle, helping to deliver compelling, customer-focused ranges that excite our customers while achieving departmental and business objectives. This role operates within a fast-paced, deadline-driven retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Buying Support & Range Coordination

• Assist the Buyer with range preparation, coordination, and presentations
• Support the end-to-end merchandise buying process
• Prepare data and materials for range and post-range reviews
• Coordinate and assist with range execution in alignment with business objectives
• Support the Buyer during supplier negotiations and cost discussions

Market & Trend Involvement

• Conduct trend research and competitor analysis
• Analyse local and international market activity
• Interpret trends and adapt them to different target markets
• Contribute trend insights to range development

Supplier Relations & Product Management

• Support supplier communication and relationship building
• Coordinate product samples, fit sessions, approvals, quality checks, and feedback
• Assist with the approval and order management processes
• Manage, organise, and control sample stock
• Maintain documentation relating to supplier terms, delivery schedules, and compliance

Commercial & Performance Support

• Monitor sales trends and stock performance to support range decisions
• Support pricing analysis and margin tracking
• Prepare competitor price and product comparisons
• Assist with post-range analysis and reporting

Internal Collaboration

• Liaise with cross-functional teams including Design, Planning, Marketing, E-commerce, Supply Chain, Quality, and Merchandising
• Ensure effective communication to meet timelines and product expectations

Administrative & Process Management

• Maintain and manage critical paths
• Update and maintain accurate buying documentation and product information
• Support forecasting and purchase order tracking
• Assist with reporting and data analysis as required

Experience & Qualifications Required

• Matric / Grade 12 certificate
• 1–3 years’ experience in the fashion retail industry (buying administration experience advantageous but not essential)
• Exposure to clothing retail processes, ideally fashion apparel
• Basic understanding of the retail cycle and merchandise buying principles
• Good understanding of fashion trends, silhouettes, fabrics, garment construction, and fit
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel essential)

Advantageous

• Relevant qualification in Fashion, Retail, or Buying preferred
• Exposure to PLM or ERP systems
• Experience assisting in product development or trend research

Skills & Competencies

• Strong passion for fashion and trend awareness
• Ability to interpret trends and adapt them to different target markets
• Desire to develop negotiation and commercial decision-making skills
• Commercial curiosity and interest in retail performance
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Numerically confident with sound analytical ability
• Quick learner with a proactive and solution-focused mindset
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Collaborative team player
• Adaptable and proactive, with a willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities when required to meet critical deadlines and support team success in a dynamic retail environment

Why Join Us?

• Hands-on exposure to merchandise buying and trend forecasting
• Work within a dynamic and fast-paced fashion retail environment
• Be part of a passionate, creative, and supportive team
• Develop core commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills within a leading retail group

Employment Equity

The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements of the role. Preference will be given to candidates who enhance the diversity of the team in line with our Employment Equity Plan.