At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buying strategy and manage stock levels for a leading football teamwear company.
- Company: Direct Soccer, the UK's top custom football teamwear specialist.
- Benefits: Mentorship, training, team events, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company and make an impact in the sports industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in e-commerce buying, data-driven decision-making, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Founded in 1997 by Joyce and Bryce Gibson, Direct Soccer is the UK’s leading specialist in custom football teamwear. A family-owned business, we support grassroots clubs across the country with the fastest fulfilment in the industry. We’re proud to be the number one UK partner for adidas, Mitre, and Joma, and in the top-tier for Nike. We’re a fast-growing SME known for embracing bold ideas and using technology to work smarter. From our AI-driven inventory planning to Scotland’s first AutoStore robotic warehouse, we continually invest in innovative solutions that make us more efficient, scalable, and future-ready. Our bespoke website is the most advanced in the teamwear industry, enabling full kit customisation online without customer service involvement. We’re exploring new AI applications across our operations, giving you exposure to cutting-edge tools and strategic innovation initiatives. Our commitment to innovation has been widely recognised. At the Courier Business Awards 2025, we were shortlisted in several categories, including Innovation & Technology, and proudly won Medium to Large Business and Overall Business of the Year. Our culture is down-to-earth and hard-working, shaped by multigenerational family leadership who lead by example. You’ll be trusted, challenged, and given genuine ownership from day one.
What You’ll Be Working On
- Strategy and Planning: Drive the overall buying strategy, aligned with the company’s growth targets. Create and execute seasonal buying plans, controlling all future buys based on customer insight, sales data, and market trends. Shape product assortment and pricing strategy through data-led decision making, using tools such as Power BI.
- Stock Management: Manage stock levels and demand forecasting to ensure the right products are available at the right time. Develop and manage product lifecycle and retirement strategies through proactive planning.
- Commercial and Performance Analysis: Analyse sales performance, best-sellers, and slow-moving stock to inform buying decisions and improve profitability. Identify commercial risks and opportunities across the range using sales, margin, and stock data.
- Supplier and Brand Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with brand partners to support long-term strategic growth. Track and review supplier performance, identifying opportunities to improve availability, pricing, and range effectiveness. Engage proactively with suppliers on new product launches and future opportunities. Lead, manage, and develop the buying team, setting clear objectives and expectations. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing on promotions and product launches to maximise engagement and revenue. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure buying decisions support wider business objectives.
- Process and Operational Improvement: Demonstrate curiosity and take initiative to review purchasing processes, identifying improvement opportunities, thoroughly investigating root causes and solutions, and taking full ownership to implement change from end-to-end.
- Market and Industry Insight: Stay ahead of industry trends, new product releases, pricing changes, and market movements.
Who We’re Looking For
- Highly experienced in e-commerce buying or inventory management.
- Experience leading seasonal planning and managing high-value purchasing decisions.
- Data-driven with strong commercial judgement, able to make independent decisions.
- Experience in the sports or teamwear industry.
- Collaborative, organised, and proactive in approach.
- A positive and methodical leader, calm under pressure and driven to deliver results.
The Benefits of Working at Direct Soccer
- Mentorship from Directors - Learn directly from senior leaders.
- Training on Industry Tools - Gain hands‑on experience with the systems and software used across the business.
- Supportive Team Culture - Join a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where your ideas are valued.
- Monthly Work Events - Enjoy regular team socials and activities.
- Career Development - Opportunities to grow and shape your future.
Additional benefits include employee discounts, on‑site parking, and a company pension.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Direct Soccer is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Head of Product and Buying in Dundee employer: Direct Soccer
Direct Soccer is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and employee growth within a dynamic and supportive work culture. As a family-owned SME, we prioritise the development of our team members through training opportunities and cutting-edge technology, ensuring you are equipped to thrive in your role. With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, along with benefits like on-site parking, we create an environment where every employee can contribute meaningfully and feel valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product and Buying in Dundee
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Direct Soccer are looking for when hiring for a Head of Product and Buying.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Direct Soccer for the Head of Product and Buying, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Direct Soccer as a Head of Product and Buying, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Direct Soccer’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head of Product and Buying.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product and Buying in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Direct Soccer, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Direct Soccer's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Direct Soccer. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Direct Soccer
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Direct Soccer uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Direct Soccer. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
