At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for kids' apparel and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic retail group with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where your ideas are valued and growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Shape the future of kids' fashion while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports fashion buying and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting To: Head of Buying / Buying Director
Location: Bury Head Office
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.
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.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a workplace where every colleague is valued, respected, and empowered. We celebrate the diversity of our teams and strive to ensure that all colleagues regardless of background, identity, or lived experience can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Buying Manager - Kids Apparel in Bury St Edmunds employer: JD GROUP
As a Buying Manager in Kids Apparel at our Bury Head Office, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer a range of benefits including an incremental holiday allowance, staff discounts, and access to personal development opportunities, ensuring that you can advance your career while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on our product offerings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Kids Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to kids apparel. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation showcasing your previous buying successes, especially in kids apparel. This will help you stand out when meeting potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or directors, be ready to confidently discuss how you can contribute to their buying strategy and team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team in the kids apparel sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Kids Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in Sports Fashion Buying and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about kids' apparel and how your skills match the role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your experience in coaching and developing others. Share specific examples of how you've driven high performance in your previous roles – we want to know how you can inspire our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD GROUP
✨Know Your Product Range
Before the interview, dive deep into the kids' apparel market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key competitors, and what makes a compelling product range. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to developing and executing category range architecture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and developing a buying team. Think of specific examples where you've coached team members or improved performance. Highlighting your ability to delegate effectively and manage priorities will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your network within the industry and your experience in building strong supplier relationships. Be ready to share how these connections have helped you unlock opportunities in the past, as this is crucial for the role of Buying Manager.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with merchandising, marketing, or supply chain teams. Discuss how you’ve ensured effective execution of product launches and campaigns, showcasing your ability to work cross-functionally.
