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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to curate an exciting sports product range for our customers.
- Company: Join the innovative team at Very, dedicated to enhancing family life.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a £6,500 benefits allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying performance sportswear and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us. We’re the team behind digital retailer Very. Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do. And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you’re high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you’ll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go. If you love making a difference, you’ll love making it sparkle for millions of Very customers.
About the team. We’re looking for a Buying Manager to join our Sports Buying Team. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with some of the world’s biggest brands, across multiple sports disciplines as well as sport-style fashion. As part of The Very Sports Team, you will lead the team to deliver a product offer that our customers will love - whilst also implementing the overall department strategy.
About the role. We have an exciting opportunity for an established sports Buying Manager who has experience and established relationships within the sports industry. You’ll report into the Head of Buying for Sports and Branded Men’s Fashion and manage a team that covers sport-style fashion, football, run, train, outdoor, swim, golf and racket sports. Day to day you will be monitoring department performance and work with merchandising and/or marketing teams to react accordingly. Meet with your supply base regularly to maintain strategic relationships, collaborate on joint business plans, review in-season performance and negotiate any identify opportunities and any actions needed to maintain good stock health, full price mix and intake margins. In this role the candidate will lead on annual trading terms and managing supplier income for the department so experience in this is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Manage, motivate, train, and develop a team of buyers, fostering commercial acumen
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, merchandising, DCX, studio and logistics to align product launches and promotions with overall sports department goals
- Sourcing & Negotiation: Identify new suppliers, negotiate terms, and maintain strong vendor relationships
- Commercial awareness: Awareness of the market is key, keeping track of competitor activity, market trends and price positioning
- Able to deputise for the Head of Buying in key meetings
- Formulating Range Frameworks/Brand Plans alongside merchandising functions
About you. Experience buying performance sportswear. Excellent leadership and communication abilities. You will be highly organised, analytical and commercially minded. You can pre-empt potential challenges that may impact team or trading and take steps to minimise them before they arise. Strong presentation skills: clearly articulate sign offs and category performance to Senior Leadership Team.
Some of our benefits:
- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment
- £6,500 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays
- LinkedIn learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
How to apply. Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.
What happens next? Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely. You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position: 1st stage - An informal 30-45 minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have. 2nd Stage – A one-hour formal task based interview where you can expect both competency and technical questions.
As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Equal opportunities We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Buying Manager - Sports employer: Very Group
Contact Detail:
Very Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Sports
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Very's values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Buying Manager. Practice articulating your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Sports
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports: When you're writing your application, let your love for sports shine through! Share any relevant experiences or achievements that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge in the sports industry. We want to see how you can bring that passion to our team!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in buying performance sportswear and any leadership roles you've held. This helps us see how you fit into our vision at Very!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Very Group
✨Know Your Sports Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends in the sports industry. Familiarise yourself with competitors and their product offerings. This knowledge will not only impress the hiring team but also show that you’re genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop others, as this is crucial for the Buying Manager position. Use specific scenarios where your leadership made a tangible impact.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since negotiation is key in this role, come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Discuss your strategies and how they benefited your previous employers. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how they measure success in the Buying Manager position. This will help you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too!
