At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for apparel, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at JD Sports, a leader in sports fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, extra holiday, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and innovation in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports fashion buying and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Key Measures of Success (KPIs)
- Sales and gross margin vs plan
- Stock turn, weeks of cover, intake vs OTB (open‑to‑buy)
- Markdown rate and terminal stock
- Availability / sell‑through / lost sales
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 - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
At JD Sports, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and empowers our employees to thrive. As a Buying Manager in the vibrant sports fashion sector, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal development, offers competitive benefits like staff discounts and gym memberships, and fosters collaboration across teams to drive innovation. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our success and where you can grow your career while making a positive difference every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Naylor's Equestrian Llp!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Naylor's Equestrian Llp.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Naylor's Equestrian Llp.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Naylor's Equestrian Llp!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Naylor's Equestrian Llp.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Naylor's Equestrian Llp!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Naylor's Equestrian Llp. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
