At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menswear sourcing and sales strategies while collaborating with teams to drive product development.
- Company: Join Next Sourcing, a dynamic subsidiary of Next PLC, known for innovation in apparel.
- Benefits: Exciting career growth, competitive salary, and opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to progress from Assistant Buyer or Merchandiser roles.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fashion industry by driving new product opportunities and sales.
- Qualifications: Strong background in product development, sourcing, and commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
If you have a flair for product, outstanding commercial awareness, and menswear sourcing knowledge, then this opportunity might be of interest. We are looking for a Sales and Sourcing Manager for Next Sourcing - Menswear department. This is a great development opportunity, and the chance to work within a fantastic team.
Next Sourcing stands as a fully owned subsidiary of Next PLC, known for its commitment to excellence in the apparel and footwear industry. We are driven by innovation and are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and exceptional experiences to our customers. We are excited to welcome a passionate and experienced sales and sourcing manager to our growing NS Menswear department. This role will report into the Head of Sales & Sourcing (Menswear & Home) at Next Sourcing.
What You’ll Take On
- Collaboration: Work with sourcing teams in the territories on clear strategies, in advance of the season, to bring the best offer to our menswear buying teams. This includes identifying key opportunities for each product area and working on comprehensive offers that ensure strong product development, competitive pricing, and quick response times.
- Performance Monitoring: Monitor Next Sourcing sales performance and provide guidance, motivation, and support to the teams in territories to improve results. This involves tracking and analysing sales targets, identifying areas for improvement, and reporting progress to senior management.
- Opportunity Identification: Constantly identify new product opportunities and areas for potential growth. Sell these ideas to the buying teams, work towards converting these opportunities into orders, and drive new sales opportunities for the company.
- Product Development: Be heavily involved in product development, driving new opportunities from concept and sourcing through to ready-to-buy products.
- Critical Path Management: Manage the Next Sourcing critical path, ensuring products are designed and delivered according to key dates such as range reviews and selections.
- Sales and Influence: Sell product offers to the product teams with conviction, using your influence to help evolve their ranges. Drive sales for the company by ensuring alignment with each product department needs.
- Negotiations: Assist with price negotiations, delivery negotiations, and small quantity order negotiations as necessary. Deliver competitive prices, timely deliveries, and excellent service to our customers.
- Troubleshooting: Act as a link between Next Sourcing and teams in territories, assisting with troubleshooting where needed to ensure Next Sourcing remains the first choice for customers.
- Travel Requirements: Travel will be required for seasonal territory visits, trade shows, and inspiration trips.
This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to progress and really accelerate their development.
What You’ll Bring
You will need a strong product development background with extensive sourcing knowledge. Experience in buying or merchandising would be preferable. You should demonstrate exceptional commercial awareness and a comprehensive understanding of trends, along with a solid grasp of product development and manufacture. The ability to work effectively within your department's team while being highly personable and engaging across the business is essential. You should be experienced and capable of presenting new concepts and suggestions to encourage new sales opportunities, as well as selling product offerings to key stakeholders with conviction.
Additionally, you will need the drive and enthusiasm to follow tasks through to completion, along with strong problem-solving skills. Experience gained within buying, merchandising, and sourcing from suppliers would be highly beneficial. Great opportunity for an experienced Assistant Buyer or Merchandiser looking for Grade 2 progression.
Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.
Sales and Sourcing Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester employer: Next Careers
Next Sourcing is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Menswear department. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to engage in product development and strategic sourcing while being part of a supportive team culture. Located within the thriving Next PLC framework, this role not only promises career growth but also the chance to contribute to high-quality product offerings that resonate with customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales and Sourcing Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester
✨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 Next Careers!
✨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 Next Careers.
✨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 Next Careers.
✨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 Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales and Sourcing Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester
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 Next Careers.
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 Next Careers!
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 Next Careers. 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 Next Careers
✨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!
