At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for kids' apparel, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join JD, a trendsetting company that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that celebrates authenticity and drives operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the kids' fashion industry while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven 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
About JD Group
This is JD. Born in 1981. Built for Now. At JD, we don’t just sell sneakers and outdoor gear, we set trends, break boundaries, and build communities. Whether you're on the shop floor, behind the scenes, or driving innovation, every role here plays a part in shaping the future of our industry.
We’re fast-paced, fearless, and unapologetically ambitious. We celebrate authenticity, thrive on collaboration, and never stop pushing forward, if you’re ready to bring your energy, ideas, and personality to a team that values them. This is your moment.
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
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.
As a part of our successful and continually evolving company, you’ll be encouraged to embrace and uphold our strategic priorities: putting people first, at the forefront of digital innovation, staying deeply attuned to our customers, and pursuing operational excellence. We are always exploring new avenues for growth, and we welcome individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact every day.
We know our employees work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing 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 - Kids Apparel in Bury employer: JD Sports
At JD Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and collaboration in a vibrant work environment. Located in Bury, our Head Office offers a dynamic culture where every team member is empowered to contribute their unique ideas and grow professionally, supported by extensive personal development opportunities and a range of attractive benefits including generous holiday allowances and exclusive discounts. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values authenticity and is committed to making a positive impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Kids 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 job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for kids' apparel! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your insights on trends and what excites you about the market. Your enthusiasm can set you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching JD Group's latest collections and strategies. Being able to discuss their products and how you can contribute will impress the team and show you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the JD family!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Kids Apparel in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for kids' apparel and the buying process shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the industry and the products you'll be working with.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in sports fashion buying and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at JD!
Be Specific:In your cover letter, be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the key responsibilities of the role. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships and drive sales – this will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
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 shows you’re serious about joining the JD family!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Sports
✨Know Your Product Range
Before the interview, dive deep into JD's current kids' apparel range. Familiarise yourself with their core, seasonal, and trend-led categories. Being able to discuss specific products and how they align with customer needs will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Industry Connections
Highlight your extensive network within the sports fashion industry during the interview. Be ready to discuss how these relationships can benefit JD, especially in terms of supplier partnerships and market insights. This will demonstrate your value as a 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. Share how you’ve driven efficiency and commercial accuracy in past roles to illustrate your teamwork skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Prepare to talk about your approach to developing category range architecture and pricing strategies. Think about how you would leverage market knowledge to shape product selection decisions. This will show that you’re not just a manager but a strategic thinker who can drive results.
