At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the PAC category, driving sales and growth through strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Balfe's Bikes, a leader in premium cycling products.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, generous discounts, and excellent facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail environment with top brands.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in retail buying and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Autonomy to shape category direction and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 37000 £ per year.
40 Hours per week
Salary £34,000- £36,000
Location: Gatwick Office
Reporting to: Head of Buying
Drive Category Performance. Shape Strategy. Deliver Growth.
At Balfe's Bikes, we partner with leading premium cycling brands across every discipline — from entry-level riders to elite athletes. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a commercially astute Buyer – Parts, Clothing & Accessories (PAC) to take full ownership of category performance and strategic direction.
This is a high-impact role for an experienced retail Buyer who thrives on accountability, commercial ownership and delivering measurable growth.
The Impact You'll Make
- Delivering sales, margin and stock turn targets
- Developing and executing a forward-looking category strategy
- Driving profitable growth through data-led ranging, pricing and promotional mechanics
- Securing best-in-class commercial terms and supplier partnerships
- Optimising supplier base and supply chain efficiencies
- Managing product lifecycle to maximise ROI and minimise aged stock
- Identifying new brand opportunities and competitive market gaps
You will operate with significant autonomy, influencing senior stakeholders and shaping the future direction of the category across retail and ecommerce channels.
What Sets You Apart
- Proven track record of delivering category growth and margin improvement in a high street or multi-channel retail environment
- Strong commercial negotiation experience with major brands and suppliers
- Deep understanding of pricing architecture, stock management and promotional ROI
- Advanced analytical capability with confident use of Excel and performance reporting
- Ability to translate data into strategic action
- Resilient, decisive and comfortable operating in a fast-paced trading environment
- Experience in performance-led or specialist retail (cycling or sporting goods advantageous)
Why Join Balfe's Bikes?
- Work alongside premium brands and industry partners
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Generous staff discount on premium cycling products
- Excellent facilities including showers and secure bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
Buyer - Parts, Clothing & Accessories (PAC): Balfe\'s Bikes in Crawley employer: Manor Royal Business District
Contact Detail:
Manor Royal Business District Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Parts, Clothing & Accessories (PAC): Balfe\'s Bikes in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the cycling industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Balfe's Bikes and their competitors. Understand their product lines and market position. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for cycling, so be ready to discuss how you can drive category performance!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to secure the best commercial terms. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨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 about joining our team at Balfe's Bikes.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Parts, Clothing & Accessories (PAC): Balfe\'s Bikes in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Buyer role at Balfe's Bikes. Highlight your experience in retail buying, especially in parts, clothing, and accessories. We want to see how you've driven category performance and growth in your previous roles!
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Share specific examples of how you’ve delivered sales and margin improvements. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success, do it!
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to mention your analytical skills. Talk about how you've used data to inform your buying decisions and strategy. We’re looking for someone who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey with Balfe's Bikes started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manor Royal Business District
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like sales, margin, and stock turn targets. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive category performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations with suppliers or brands. Highlight how you secured better commercial terms or improved supplier partnerships. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the accountability that comes with the role.
✨Understand the Market
Research Balfe's Bikes and their competitors. Familiarise yourself with current trends in the cycling industry, especially around parts, clothing, and accessories. Being able to discuss market gaps and new brand opportunities will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment. Think about past challenges you've faced in retail and how you turned them into opportunities for growth. This will showcase your resilience and strategic thinking.