At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for women's apparel, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, staff discounts, gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive workplace that values every voice and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of women's fashion while leading a passionate team in a vibrant 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
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.
- 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 St Edmunds employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
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 access to personal development opportunities, ensuring you have the support needed to excel in your role. Join us to be part of a diverse team that champions collaboration and innovation, making a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Women's Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 us you know your stuff about women's apparel and how you can contribute to our buying strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to confidently present your ideas and past successes. We want to see how you can lead and inspire a team in the buying function.
✨Tip Number 4
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 joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Women's Apparel in Bury St Edmunds
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 the key responsibilities. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch!
Showcase Your Network:Since building supplier relationships is key, mention any connections you have within the industry. This shows us you’re well-connected and ready to hit the ground running. Don’t be shy about your network!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨Know Your Product Range
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current women's apparel range. 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 brands or suppliers to achieve sales and profit KPIs. This will demonstrate your ability to drive commercial alignment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Buying Manager, you'll need to lead a team. Share stories about how you've coached and developed team members in the past. Highlight your approach to delegation and prioritisation in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for success in the role.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current market trends and competitor strategies in women's apparel. Be ready to discuss how you would leverage this knowledge to shape category direction and influence brand strategy. Showing that you’re proactive about market insights will set you apart from other candidates.
