Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for Sportswear & Activewear and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Heritage brand with a supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, staff discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sportswear industry while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in sportswear buying and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead and develop junior team members.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a commercially minded, product-focused Buyer to take ownership of the Sportswear and Activewear category. This role will oversee the full product lifecycle - from concept and range planning through supplier management, negotiation, and critical path delivery - ensuring commercial success across retail, ecommerce, and wholesale channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the buying strategy and seasonal assortment for Sportswear & Activewear.
- Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, and Technical teams to bring collections to market.
- Manage supplier relationships, negotiate cost prices, and deliver on intake margin targets.
- Oversee critical path and ensure 95%+ on-time delivery across all channels.
- Deliver commercially balanced ranges, aligned to customer demand and competitor insights.
- Ensure product quality, fit, and brand essence are maintained through development and production.
- React to trade performance in-season, optimising assortment and delivery where needed.
- Provide leadership, training, and support to junior members of the team.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in Sportswear/Activewear buying with a strong commercial track record.
- Expertise in supplier negotiation, sourcing, and garment production.
- Solid understanding of market trends, competitor activity, and price architecture.
- Strong critical path management skills, ensuring smooth delivery of seasonal ranges.
- Confident decision maker with excellent commercial judgement.
- Self-motivated, resilient, and collaborative, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience leading and developing team members.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package.
- Hybrid working.
- Staff discount & seasonal product allowance.
- Pension scheme.
- Training and career development opportunities.
- Supportive, collaborative team culture in a heritage brand.
Buyer -Sportswear - London employer: CVUK
Contact Detail:
CVUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer -Sportswear - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to show off your knowledge of market trends and how you can bring value to the Sportswear category.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate cost prices effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer -Sportswear - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sportswear: When writing your application, let your love for sportswear and activewear shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the industry. We want to see that you're not just a buyer, but someone who truly understands and cares about the products.
Highlight Your Negotiation Skills: Since supplier negotiation is key in this role, make sure to showcase your experience in this area. Use specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage relationships and drive cost efficiencies.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen: We need a commercially minded individual, so don’t forget to include any relevant metrics or achievements that demonstrate your success in driving sales and managing product lifecycles. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved margins or increased sales, shout about it!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically to this role. Reference the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. A personalised application shows us you’re genuinely interested and have put in the effort to understand our needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Sportswear and Activewear category. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key competitors, and successful product lines. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in supplier management. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved margins. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive results.
✨Understand the Full Product Lifecycle
Be ready to discuss your experience with the entire product lifecycle, from concept to delivery. Share insights on how you've managed critical paths and ensured timely launches, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading and developing junior team members, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully mentored others. Talk about your collaborative approach and how you foster a supportive team environment.
