At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for women's apparel, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a company that values every voice and promotes career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of women's fashion while leading a passionate team in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports fashion buying and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
Benefits
- 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 - Women's Apparel in Bury employer: JD GROUP
As a Buying Manager for Women's Apparel, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company offers a range of benefits including incremental holiday allowance, staff discounts, and access to personal development opportunities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, you will have the chance to lead a talented team while shaping the future of our product offerings in a competitive market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Women's Apparel in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Buying Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your insights about market trends and customer preferences. This will demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed product ranges and built supplier relationships in the past. Confidence is key, so own your achievements!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Women's Apparel in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Buying Manager role. Highlight your proven experience in Sports Fashion Buying and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to deliver a profitable product range.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about women's apparel and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading teams and managing supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge:We want to see that you understand the customer landscape and market trends. Include examples of how you've leveraged your network and insights to shape category direction in your previous roles. This will show us you’re the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. 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 company's product range, especially in women's apparel. Understand the core, seasonal, and trend-led categories they focus on. This knowledge will help you discuss how you can contribute to building compelling product ranges.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationship Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built and managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight specific instances where your negotiation skills led to better pricing or improved product quality, as this is crucial for the Buying Manager role.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you've partnered with merchandising, marketing, or supply chain teams to achieve common goals, showcasing your teamwork skills.
✨Understand Market Trends
Stay updated on current market trends in women's apparel and be prepared to discuss how these trends could influence the buying strategy. Showing that you can leverage market insights to shape category direction will impress your interviewers.
