At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for women's apparel and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer committed to inclusivity and empowerment.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of women's fashion while driving your career forward.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports fashion buying and team 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.
- Confidence in representing the buying function in cross‑functional and senior stakeholder meetings.
What We Offer
- Equal opportunity employer; committed to creating a workplace where every colleague is valued, respected and empowered.
- 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 Sports Fashion
As a Buying Manager for Women's Apparel at our Bury Head Office, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. We offer a range of benefits including an incremental holiday allowance, staff discounts, and personal development opportunities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to excel. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture where innovation and efficiency drive our success in delivering a competitive product range.
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 on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you know their brand inside out and can contribute to their buying strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to present your ideas confidently, just like you would in front of senior stakeholders. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨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.
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 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 women's apparel and how your skills match our needs. Be sure to mention your experience in leading teams and managing supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge:We love candidates who are in the know! Share insights about market trends and customer preferences in your application. This shows us that you understand the landscape and can contribute to our strategy.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Sports Fashion
✨Know Your Product Range
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current product range, especially in women's apparel. Familiarise yourself with their core, seasonal, and trend-led categories. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to developing compelling product ranges.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationship Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in building and managing supplier relationships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with suppliers to achieve sales and profit KPIs. This will demonstrate your ability to drive commercial alignment and unlock opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Buying Manager, you'll need to lead and develop a team. Share examples of how you've coached and guided team members in the past. Highlight your ability to delegate effectively and manage team capacity, especially in fast-paced environments, to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research the latest trends in women's apparel and be ready to discuss how these insights can shape category direction. Mention any external networks or industry contacts you have that could inform strategy and identify new opportunities. This shows you're proactive and well-connected in the industry.
