Buyers Assistant

Purpose:

Handles administrative tasks to support the raw materials trims and garment accessories across our apparel ranges. This role is critical to ensure timely availability of all trims, labels, fastenings, and branding components needed for production.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing & Procurement Support:

Assist in sourcing and procuring a full range of garment trims including labels, buttons, zippers, threads, elastics, tapes, hangtags, packaging, and branded items.

Request and evaluate supplier quotes, lead times, and minimum order quantities (MOQs) to support cost-effective and timely procurement.

Ensure trims meet the required specifications for quality, compliance, durability, and design intent.

Support sustainability initiatives by sourcing environmentally responsible trim options.

Supplier & Relationship Management:

Maintain a reliable network of both local and international trims suppliers.

Develop and strengthen supplier relationships to ensure reliable service, competitive pricing, and quality compliance.

Liaise regularly with suppliers to follow up on quotations, sample submissions, and order confirmations.

Order & Delivery Coordination:

Raise and manage purchase orders for trims and fabrics in accordance with procurement policies.

Track orders from placement to delivery and ensure timely arrival to factories or internal departments.

Monitor order progress against the production timeline and address any delays or issues proactively.

Work closely with the quality control and sourcing teams to resolve any product or delivery discrepancies.

Sample & Approval Management:

Manage all aspects of trim sampling including requesting, receiving, cataloguing, and organizing.

Track sample development and approvals to ensure they align with the critical path and seasonal timelines.

Maintain swatch libraries and accurate records of approved components.

Collaboration & Communication:

Collaborate with design, production, technical, and quality teams to ensure the correct usage and fit-for-purpose trims.

Facilitate effective internal communication regarding sample status, order updates, and delivery timelines.

Act as a key point of contact between the trims buying team and cross-functional departments.

Reporting & Administration:

Maintain up-to-date trims and fabric databases and assist with the preparation of reports, cost comparisons, and development trackers.

Assist in preparing for supplier meetings, taking minutes, and ensuring follow-up on action items.

Support invoice reconciliation and the resolution of order discrepancies in coordination with finance and procurement teams.

Process Improvement:

Identify and recommend cost-saving opportunities or improvements in sourcing and procurement processes.

Support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline trims buying and sampling workflows.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion, Clothing Technology, or related field.
• Experience in buying, procurement, or administrative roles within retail, leisure, or is advantageous.
• Familiarity with purchasing, inventory management, and supplier coordination.

Skills:

• Basic knowledge of materials (fabrics, trims) used in clothing design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement/inventory software.
• Strong organisational, communication, and time-management skills.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attention to detail, proactive attitude, problem-solving, ability to manage competing priorities.

Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.