At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for kids' apparel and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join JD, a trendsetting company that values authenticity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to shape the future of retail.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the kids' fashion industry while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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.
Buying Manager - Kids Apparel employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
At JD Group, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and authenticity. Located in Bury, our head office offers a vibrant work environment where you can thrive and grow, with ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. Join us to be part of a team that not only sets trends in the kids' apparel market but also values your unique contributions and ideas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Kids Apparel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand JD's values and be ready to share how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to present yourself confidently and clearly. Think about your key achievements and how they relate to the Buying Manager role – make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the JD team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Kids Apparel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Kids Apparel:When you're writing your application, let your love for kids' fashion shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at JD. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of the market and trends.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing product ranges and supplier relationships. We appreciate candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Confident and Authentic:In your written application, don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know the real you. Use a tone that reflects your character while keeping it professional – we’re all about being bold and ambitious!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at JD!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the kids' apparel market. Understand current trends, key competitors, and what makes JD stand out. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategy.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Be ready to discuss your experience in building and managing supplier relationships. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with partners to drive product ranges and achieve KPIs. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific buying scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough decisions on product selection or pricing strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Buying Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed team members in the past. Highlight any coaching or mentoring experiences to show you're ready to drive high performance.
