Cape Union Mart
Job Description
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
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