At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of purchasing fitness equipment and develop exciting product ranges.
- Company: Join the UK's leading fitness equipment retailer with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous discounts, and 29 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fitness industry while building your retail career.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying fitness equipment and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Job Description
Fitness Superstore is the UKs leading specialist fitness and gym equipment retailer, supplying both home and commercial customers with market-leading brands across cardio, strength, and accessories.
We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and professional Buyer, with proven experience of purchasing fitness and gym equipment, to join our Head Office Buying Team, playing a key role in the continued growth and development of our product ranges.
Reporting to the Head of Product Development & Procurement, this role is ideal for someone looking to build a career in retail buying within a specialist fitness and gym equipment business.
- What we are offering the Buyer
- Competitive, negotiable salary depending on experience.
- Pension scheme.
- 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 17:00, with a fully paid 30-minute lunch break each day.
- Generous staff discount on our full range of fitness and gym equipment (following probation).
- 29 days holiday per year (including bank holidays).
- Free on-site car parking.
- Personal use of in-store equipment after hours.
- Working within a small, friendly team.
- A Buyer at Fitness Superstore will
- Work closely with the Head of Product Development & Procurement to develop and delivery category strategies across key product areas including treadmills, strength equipment, weights, and accessories for both home and commercial customers.
- Take full ownership of selected categories, managing the product lifecycle from range planning and supplier selection through to end-of-line management.
- Source, select, and negotiate with UK and international suppliers to secure the best possible cost prices, terms, and service levels, ensuring strong margins and commercial competitiveness.
- Raise, manage, and track purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of stock into our warehouse, and proactively resolving any supply issues.
- Monitor sales, margin, and stock performance, using data and reports to drive commercial decisions, promotional activity, and range reviews.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date product data, including specifications, pricing, and supplier details, across our internal systems.
- Liaise with UK and international suppliers on lead times, order confirmations, delivery dates, and any issues that may affect availability, taking a proactive approach to risk and problem resolution.
- Work closely with the warehouse, e-commerce, marketing, and customer service teams to ensure successful product launches, promotions, and ongoing availability.
- Support the development of new products, ensuring all data, images, and technical specifications are accurate and complete for both commercial and home users.
- Contribute to regular competitor and market analysis to identify new opportunities, gaps in the range, and areas for improvement.
Working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 17:00.
- The successful Buyer will have
- Proven experience in a Buyer role within retail, e-commerce, or a similar commercial environment, with demonstrable experience of purchasing fitness and gym equipment (for example treadmills, strength equipment, weights, or accessories).
- Strong negotiation skills, with a track record of building effective supplier relationships and delivering improved cost prices, margins, and terms.
- Excellent numerical and analytical skills, confident working with data, reports, and spreadsheets to inform decisions.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when handling product, pricing, and stock information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across internal teams and external suppliers.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple categories, tasks, and deadlines with a proactive and organised approach.
- Good IT skills, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- A commercial mindset with a clear focus on sales, margin, and customer experience.
- A strong interest in fitness, sport or gym equipment, and ideally hands-on experience of buying in this sector.
How to apply
If you are a professional Buyer with experience of purchasing fitness and gym equipment, looking to take ownership of exciting product categories within a specialist fitness retailer, we would love to hear from you.
Buyer in Kettering employer: BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD
Fitness Superstore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. As a home-based Supply Chain Specialist, you'll enjoy the flexibility of remote work while being part of a leading team in the fitness industry, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being and career advancement makes us a rewarding place to build your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Kettering
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at BODYPOWER SPORTS LTD
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
