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- Tasks: Manage buying and production for Sportswear & Activewear, ensuring timely delivery and profitability.
- Company: Crew Clothing, a brand rooted in timeless British style and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, uniform allowance, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes stylish sportswear for life's best moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in Sportswear buying and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values collaboration and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”. Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style. These are clothes for life’s best moments. We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way. From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our name – Crew.
Purpose
As a buyer, you will have responsibility for the buying and production of the Sportswear & Activewear department, working in partnership with Design, Merchandising and Technical. This role manages the process to ensure that the collections, once designed, are appropriately developed, costed, and commercially assorted to deliver the best collection to Stores, E-commerce and Wholesale partners in a timely manner.
Responsibilities
- 95% on time delivery through all channels.
- Direct management of sport buying, while reporting into Head of Buying.
- Delivery of profitability of the assortment, adhering to intake margin targets set by Head of Buying.
- Ability and confidence to work directly with HOB and Designer on new season development.
- Maintaining and improving the product to ensure that it reaches the brand essence of Crew Clothing.
- Delivery of balanced assortment to different grading of stores / marketplaces / e-commerce and wholesale partners.
- Delivery of range sign offs to Heads of and Directors.
- Work closely with design team to ensure product is signed off and agreed.
- Work in partnership with merchandising in developing correct range mix & price architecture, given history, competitor analysis & new sales insight.
- Monitor and support Design’s product development through to final design sign off and SMS review.
- Work with Head of Buying to set the supplier strategy, evaluate key suppliers, strengths and weaknesses and evolve / rationalise accordingly within business parameters.
- Identify key suppliers for both volume and quick response business to increase margin, and ensure OTB demands / repeats can be delivered on time in season, when necessary.
- Manage and negotiate prices with all suppliers on set areas, ensuring seasonal strategy is met; prepare documents for sign off with head of Buying and business owner.
- Proactively problem solve any margin issues with key partners.
- Work with the technical team to ensure that all products developed and produced meet the brand essence and core fits are maintained.
- Understand the Crew customer and their aspirations, monthly visiting of stores with cross‑functional partners and ensure competitor knowledge is always up to date.
- Manage the VRP throughout the process, ensuring accurate and up to date information.
- Ensure any required changes to product are presented to Directors with clear information of issues and actions proposed.
- Ensure signed off samples are lodged and stored clearly in the product library for reference, and available for relevant meeting.
- Approve print and product lab dips with Design, in line with the Crew brand essence.
- Approve bulk fabric and trim submissions, in line with business CP.
- Ensure suppliers are aware of the timeline at the start of the season.
- Manage team updates on product critical path – ensuring POs are correct on the system and reflect latest intake.
- Trade the department – understand trade, so you can react in season and cut / infill where you’ve had success and failure.
- Ensure that all marketing & e‑commerce collateral is correct and up to date in accordance to business CP.
- Ensure 100% on time delivery of accurate salesman, product & shoot samples.
- Support team in weekly critical path reviews and offer guidance to junior members if the team.
People Management
- Lead by example and communicate with clarity and consistency.
- Ensure team is fully functioning and that cross‑functional relationships are maintained.
- Train and develop individual team members to improve their individual capabilities and deliver functional expertise.
Key Skills and Experience
- Experience in Sportswear and Activewear Buying with clear track record of delivering margin improvement.
- Extensive experience of initiating and developing direct sourcing relationships in product.
- Knowledge of supplier negotiation and have a proven track record of travelling alone to various sources across the globe.
- Technical expertise in garment fabrication, construction and production.
- Market knowledge of clothing including competitor price architecture.
- Strong commercial judgement.
- Self‑motivated individual, capable of driving change at pace.
- Good understanding of supply base and respectful way of working.
- Passion for product.
What We Can Offer You
- Staff discount
- Uniform allowance
- Pension scheme
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Training and career development
- Supportive and rewarding culture
Applicants must have a wealth of Sportswear and Activewear experience.
Buyer - Sportswear employer: Crew Clothing Head Office
Contact Detail:
Crew Clothing Head Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Sportswear
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sportswear industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for sportswear! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights about trends, competitors, and what makes Crew Clothing special. Let them see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with their latest collections and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to show you understand their brand essence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Crew team. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Sportswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sportswear: When writing your application, let your love for sportswear shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the industry. We want to see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with our brand essence.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience in sportswear buying and any successful projects you've managed. This helps us see how you fit into our Crew culture and values.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Crew!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office
✨Know Your Sportswear Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sportswear and activewear. Familiarise yourself with Crew Clothing's brand essence and how it reflects in their collections. Being able to discuss specific products and how they align with customer aspirations will show your passion and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved margins. This role requires strong commercial judgement, so be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges in supplier relationships and what strategies you employed to achieve results.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with design, merchandising, and technical teams, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively in a team setting. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and lead by example, as these are key traits that Crew Clothing values.
✨Be Ready to Problem Solve
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled margin issues or product development challenges in the past. Show that you can think on your feet and provide clear, actionable solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to contribute to the team's success.
