Retail Buying Administration and Procurement Support Role

Ackermans is seeking a resilient and hard-working Buyer’s Assistant to join the Buying Department at the Ackermans Support Centre in Cape Town. This full-time opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and is passionate about supporting the buying function.

The purpose of the role is to provide effective and accurate administrative and general assistance to Buyers. This includes executing procurement-related administration, managing samples, maintaining systems, and communicating with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth buying operations.

This role plays a critical part in supporting the Clothing Retail Cycle and Buying process while ensuring accurate processing, monitoring, and follow-ups to meet deadlines.

About the Role

The Buyer’s Assistant is responsible for ensuring that all administrative processes within the buying department are executed accurately and efficiently. The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise tasks in a deadline-driven environment.

The successful candidate must be able to operate independently, particularly when the Buyer is travelling, and demonstrate initiative and adaptability in managing changing priorities.

This position is well suited to a candidate who is proactive, assertive, and capable of maintaining strong professional relationships across departments and with suppliers.

Knowledge and Skills Required

The ideal candidate must communicate effectively both within and outside the Company.

Strong relationship-building skills are required to maintain positive partnerships with key stakeholders.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.

An understanding of the Clothing Retail Cycle and Buying process is required.

The candidate must be able to prioritise effectively and demonstrate assertiveness when necessary.

The role requires someone who is proactive, deadline-driven, and flexible to adapt to change.

Sound planning, organising, and time-management skills are essential.

The successful candidate must be fast and accurate when processing and checking detailed information.

The ability to be hands-on and provide support when the Buyer is travelling is important.

Qualifications Required

Matric is essential.

A relevant tertiary qualification in Retail, Fashion, Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Experience Required

A minimum of 1 year previous experience in a Buyer’s Assistant or Administrative role is required.

Experience in a Retail or Buying environment is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Administration

The Buyer’s Assistant executes all administration relating to the procurement process.

All systems must be updated with required information accurately and timeously.

Purchase orders must be captured and monitored consistently.

Style cards must be updated and maintained.

All filing systems must be continuously updated and maintained.

The role includes assisting with managing on-time delivery by following up on all samples.

Sample Management

The Buyer’s Assistant effectively manages all samples that are received and sent.

Samples and sample rails must be continuously organised and maintained.

The role requires providing ongoing assistance with all tasks related to handling samples.

Support must be provided to marketing processes by supplying relevant samples for shoots and campaigns.

Communication and Follow-Up

The Buyer’s Assistant communicates and follows up effectively with all relevant internal and external customers.

This includes assisting with managing on-time delivery by following up on Red-seal samples, Green-seal samples, Fit samples, and Marketing samples.

The role requires effective communication and the ability to formulate trusting partnerships with key stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based at the Ackermans Support Centre in Cape Town within the Buying Department.

The role requires working within a fast-paced retail environment where attention to detail, accuracy, and responsiveness are essential.

Employment Details

Position: Buyer’s Assistant
Department: Buying
Location: Ackermans Support Centre, Cape Town
Employment Type: Full-time

Apply for Buyer’s Assistant – Ackermans

Candidates who meet the above requirements and have experience in retail buying administration are encouraged to apply.

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