Senior Buyer in Bury

Responsible to: Head of Buying/Buying Director

Department: Buying

Location: JD Sports Fashion plc, Hollinsbrook way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Department Head and Buying Director to build forward strategy and ensure implementation.
• Development and mentorship of junior members of the buying team.
• Representing the Buying function on relevant fascia and category (tbc).
• Attending all appointments, with involvement in selection, editing and curation of product.
• Attending all product launches throughout the year as specified.
• Attending all relevant trade shows.
• Market analysis/store visits.
• Analysis and review of trade with the merchandising department to propose and drive actions for the week/seasons ahead ensuring KPI’s and Margin targets are met.
• Vendor negotiation and New brand onboarding.
• Being hyper vigilant on new brands opportunities and trends to diversify and drive department/category sales and ensure market relevancy.
• Budget negotiation and planning within internal teams and external brands.
• Negotiation with brands re distribution agreements.
• Working independently in a creative and trend led environment.
• Managing budgets and OTB on in seasons and forward budgets.
• Present ranges and department strategy with department head to Buying Director and Merchandising Director.
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings.
• Proposals to assist driving sales in your relevant department.
• Stock management in conjunction with brands and merchandising team.
• Cross functional collaboration to bring brands/departmental strategy to life.

Core Competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of our store base and website.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Confidence within own decisions and product selection.
• Comfortable in driving decisions on file and being accountable for all actions.
• Ability to act independently.
• Extensive knowledge of product area and market.
• Ability to look forward and predict trends both current and future.
• Highly numerate and skilled within budget forecasting and planning.
• Strong time management skills ensuring all business critical deadlines are met.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge needed:

• Experienced Buyer or currently in a senior buying role.
• Experience of buying Sports Fashion is advantageous.
• Experience of buying branded goods is essential.
• People development experience advantageous.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends at a high street and premium level price point.
• Be able to exercise a high degree of analytical and numerical skills.
• Fully literate in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel.
• Organisational skills are essential.
• Be able to work under own initiative.
• A creative and trend led individual.

What we will offer you:

• Development linked to your role with the business.
• An opportunity to work across multi-brands both UK and Internationally.