At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for clothing, sourcing innovative and customer-focused products.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape exciting clothing ranges.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor and support junior team members.
- Why this job: Make an impact on fashion while promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail buying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for clothing.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially minded Buyer with a passion for creating customer-focused ranges in clothing? This is your opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team where your decisions will shape one of our most exciting categories. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, understands the high street customer, and brings a sharp eye for product, value, and innovation. Whether you come from a retailer or supplier background, if you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead the buying strategy for Clothing, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll do
- In this role, you’ll take ownership of the buying and selling strategy for clothing, ensuring the range is both compelling and customer-led.
- You’ll be responsible for sourcing and selecting products that strike the right balance between quality, value, and innovation, always keeping customer relevance at the forefront.
- Your decisions will be shaped by financial, market, and customer data, helping to identify opportunities for growth and cost efficiency.
- Working closely with Merchandising, Technical, and Design teams, you’ll optimise product development and delivery while managing supplier relationships and driving improvements across the supply base.
- You’ll also play a key role in influencing stakeholders and contributing to strategic planning across the wider Clothing team.
- Sustainability and ethical sourcing will be central to your approach, and you’ll monitor performance, respond to trading conditions, and adapt plans to maximise commercial success.
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members will be part of your remit, as will staying close to market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform future direction.
Who you are
- You’re a confident and experienced Buyer with a proven track record in retail buying and supplier negotiation.
- Commercially astute, you know how to interpret data and translate insights into actionable plans.
- Your passion for product and customer experience is evident, particularly within the clothing category.
- You’re skilled at building relationships and influencing across functions and levels, and you bring a proactive, resilient approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Collaboration is second nature to you, and you thrive in environments where teamwork and support are key to success.
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in commercial buying within a retail environment.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Advanced analytical ability with financial and market data.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing category plans.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- A proactive, positive, and agile approach to working, with a passion for continuous learning and development.
- Commitment to legal, ethical, and sustainability standards.
Buyer - Clothing in Coventry employer: Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's is an excellent employer for those passionate about fashion and design, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dynamic team, employees can thrive while contributing to innovative womenswear collections that resonate with customers. Located in a supportive environment, Sainsbury's prioritises employee well-being and development, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the fashion industry.