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- Tasks: Lead sales strategies and nurture relationships with brands to drive growth.
- Company: Join Next Sourcing, a global leader in apparel and footwear sourcing.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong commercial awareness required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a Sales Manager within Next Sourcing Brands to nurture and drive our business with Next Own Brand - The Set. If you have outstanding commercial awareness and apparel & footwear sourcing knowledge, this opportunity might be of interest. This is a great chance to work within a fantastic team.
Next Sourcing is a fully owned subsidiary of Next PLC, operating as its global sourcing office for apparel and footwear. We are committed to excellence across the end‑to‑end sourcing process, from product development through to production, partnering with suppliers to deliver high‑quality products and exceptional value. We have sourcing offices across 9 countries and work with manufacturers based in 11 countries, enabling us to deliver a global perspective and high‑quality products efficiently. We support the Next brand, as well as licensed and direct brands within the wider Next portfolio. This role will be based in the Market Harborough UK office and will report to the Head of Brands Sales and Marketing at Next Sourcing UK.
Relationship Management
Effectively manage and cultivate relationships with The Set Brand, Next Sourcing UK teams, and Next Sourcing overseas teams.
Strategic Collaboration
Collaborate with regional sourcing teams to develop pre‑season strategies delivering competitive, brand‑specific product offers focused on development, pricing and speed. Adopt a commercial, solution‑oriented mindset, drive and measure success across key strategic pillars: protecting and growing key lines, upgrading value via fabric innovation, and balancing factory and design initiatives. Lead a service strategy to optimise margins, lead times and delivery performance.
Performance Monitoring
Monitor Next Sourcing sales performance and provide guidance, motivation and support to teams in territories to improve results. Track and analyse sales targets, identify areas for improvement and report progress to senior management.
Opportunity Identification
Constantly identify new product opportunities and areas for potential growth. Sell these ideas to the brands, work towards converting the opportunities into orders and drive new sales opportunities for the company.
Troubleshooting
Act as a link between the customer and Next Sourcing teams in territories, assisting with troubleshooting where needed by driving solutions to ensure Next Sourcing remains the first choice to the customer.
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.
Critical Path Management
Manage the Next Sourcing critical path alongside the customer’s 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 customer with conviction, using your influence to help evolve their ranges. Drive sales for the company by ensuring alignment with each brand’s needs.
Insights & Strategic Communication
Leverage strong data literacy to uncover the “why” behind performance trends and gaps. Analyse metrics and distil them into high‑level reports that provide a clear pulse on the business. Influence Senior Management by transforming technical data into compelling narratives, guiding leaders through logic, handling feedback with composure and building long‑term trust through sound reasoning and clear communication.
Product Development
Be heavily involved in product development, driving new opportunities from concept and sourcing through to ready‑to‑buy products. Travel will be required for seasonal territory visits.
What You’ll Take On
Understand how the sourcing and factory base operates, from development through to production, including how to challenge costing, effectively negotiate price, lead time, manage capacities across the globe. Build and maintain credibility and get the best out of suppliers. Take ownership with a “leave it with me, I’ll sort it out” approach and build credibility and respect through effective solutions.
Customer & Territory Relationships
Build and maintain credibility with suppliers, manage territories and maintain strong relationships.
Resilience & Problem‑Solving
Solutions‑focused mindset with strong influencing and convincing skills. Remain composed and deliver your ideas with conviction while handling feedback and ideas from others. Always bring solutions, backed by strong influencing skills.
New Opportunities
Work closely with Design and Territories to constantly target new product categories, introduce new offers, market intelligence and innovation.
Trading Initiatives
Drive and monitor progress on QR offer by country and product group and fabric, backing strategy by country and product group.
Team Management
Nurture the Assistants to help them develop, grow, deputise when needed.
What You’ll Bring
Strong product development background with extensive sourcing knowledge. Experience in a similar role managing branded products and nurturing relationships is preferable. Demonstrate exceptional commercial awareness and a comprehensive understanding of trends, along with a solid grasp of product development and manufacture. Work effectively within your department’s team while being highly personable and engaging across the business. Present new concepts and suggestions to encourage new sales opportunities, and sell product offerings to key stakeholders with conviction. Drive the team through tasks to completion with strong problem‑solving skills, remaining agile and available to support in an ever‑changing department with tight deadlines and high demand. Experience in buying, merchandising, brand sourcing or a supplier background is highly beneficial.
Sponsorship
Candidates who would require sponsorship for this role must meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.
About Us
Next is a FTSE‑100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We are the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and the market leader for kidswear. We operate over 500 stores and a global online presence with sales from more than 70 countries.
About The Team
25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria’s Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT) Company performance based bonus Sharesave scheme On‑site nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty Early VIP access to sale stock Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops Restaurants with great food at amazing prices Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services Free on‑site parking Financial Wellbeing – Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing Apprenticeship – Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification Direct to Work – Discount online and in store, collect your items next day for free from your place of work or local store Support Networks – Access Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other Wellhub – Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Application Support
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. If you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, contact us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Sales Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester
✨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 Next Sourcing and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in commercial awareness and sourcing knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in sales or product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Next Sourcing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - Next Sourcing in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your commercial awareness and sourcing knowledge, as these are key for us at Next Sourcing. Use specific examples that showcase your experience in managing relationships and driving sales.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the team. Mention your understanding of the apparel and footwear industry, and how you can contribute to our goals at Next Sourcing.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with solutions, especially when it comes to managing relationships and troubleshooting issues.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of apparel and footwear sourcing. Understand the latest trends, key players in the market, and how Next Sourcing operates globally. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve collaborated with teams or negotiated with suppliers. Being able to demonstrate your interpersonal skills will be crucial for this Sales Manager position.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves performance monitoring and insights, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your strategies. This will show that you can leverage data effectively.
✨Bring Solutions to the Table
Think of potential challenges the company might face and come prepared with solutions. Whether it's about optimising margins or improving delivery performance, showing that you can think critically and offer actionable ideas will set you apart from other candidates.