At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for apparel, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports fashion while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports fashion buying and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Role Purpose: Supporting the Head of Buying in delivering the set strategy to deliver a profitable, customer-relevant, and commercially competitive product range within an agreed category/brand area. The Buying Manager builds and manages supplier relationships, and leads the day-to-day range, margin, stock, and cost decisions to achieve sales, profit and inventory KPIs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute category range architecture across core, seasonal, and innovation, including clear entry and exit strategies aligned to brand and customer objectives.
- Lead the build and delivery of compelling product ranges across core, seasonal and trend-led categories.
- Present ranges with confidence to Directors and senior stakeholders, acting as a key liaison between Heads of and wider cross-functional teams.
- Lead, manage and develop a team of varying seniority, providing clear direction, coaching and progression opportunities to drive high performance.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the customer, competitor landscape and wider market trends; leverage external networks across brands and industry contacts to inform strategy and identify new opportunities.
- Use insight and market knowledge to shape category direction and influence broader brand strategy.
- Own product selection decisions and range sign-off within delegated authority, ensuring commercial alignment.
- Drive pricing strategy, including recommendations on initial pricing and markdown proposals.
- Partner closely with trading and allocation teams to optimise availability and minimise lost sales.
- Identify and drive operational improvements within the buying function, championing efficiency, process development and commercial accuracy.
- Build strong relationships with brand partners to unlock opportunities and ensure competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising & Planning, Marketing, Ecommerce, Studio/Creative, Retail Operations and Supply Chain to ensure effective execution.
- Provide clear briefs, critical paths and timelines to support product launches, campaigns and go-live readiness.
- Identify opportunities to improve ways of working within the buying function, driving efficiency, commercial accuracy and process consistency.
Key Measures of Success (KPIs):
- Sales and gross margin vs plan
- Stock turn, weeks of cover, intake vs OTB (open-to-buy)
- Markdown rate and terminal stock
- Availability / sell-through / lost sales
Skills & Experience Required:
- Proven experience in Sports Fashion Buying at a management level
- Extensive network within the industry and well connected with strong brand relationships
- Experience leading, coaching and developing a buying team (e.g., Buyers, Senior Buyers)
- Ability to delegate effectively, set priorities and manage team capacity in a fast-paced environment
- Confident in representing the buying function in cross-functional and senior stakeholder meetings
What We Offer:
- Incremental Holiday Allowance
- Staff Discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores and online
- Exclusive Colleague Bike Discount scheme
- Discounted Gym membership
- Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work
- Access to Apprenticeships and accredited qualifications
Buying Manager - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds employer: JD GROUP
As a Buying Manager in Apparel, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions diversity and empowers every employee to excel. Our commitment to personal development is reflected in our extensive training opportunities, while our collaborative culture ensures you can build strong relationships across teams and with brand partners. Enjoy unique benefits such as incremental holiday allowance, staff discounts, and access to discounted gym memberships, all designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like JD GROUP!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including JD GROUP.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for JD GROUP.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at JD GROUP!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at JD GROUP.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to JD GROUP!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at JD GROUP. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD GROUP
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
