Assistant Buyer

JD Sports Fashion; Bury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports fashion retailer is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support buyers with market knowledge, product selection, and sales initiatives. The ideal candidate will understand current sports fashion trends and possess strong organizational skills. This role offers opportunities for personal development and staff discount benefits.

Benefits

Development linked to the role

Opportunities to work across multi-brands

Staff discount on JD Group brands

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in branded buying or merchandising is advantageous but not essential.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced buying office environment.

Responsibilities

• Visit relevant markets and JD stores to support the buyer.
• Assist the buyer in preparing and presenting ranges for sign off.
• Propose initiatives to drive sales in the relevant department.

Skills

Strong understanding of sports fashion trends

Retail experience

Organisational skills

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Company Overview

Established in 1981 with a single store in the North‑West of England, the JD Group is a leading omni‑channel retailer of sports fashion, outdoors and gyms. JD Sports Fashion PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a FTSE100 company. We operate over 60,000 colleagues and more than 3,400 stores across 32 markets worldwide and are committed to being a people‑led, innovative and customer‑focused organisation.

Assistant Buyer – JD

Location: JD Sports Fashion plc, Edinburgh House, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR

Responsibilities

• Visit relevant markets and JD stores to support the buyer and increase market/competition knowledge
• Assist the buyer by attending all appointments, with involvement in selection and editing of product
• Assist the buyer in preparing and presenting ranges for sign off with the relevant functions
• Prepare and present performance in trade meetings
• Propose initiatives to drive sales in the relevant department by reviewing sales and constantly looking for opportunities (e.g. repeat buys)
• Complete and present planograms for the relevant category to the buyer
• Maintain regular dialogue with key brands to build relationships
• Research and be aware of new brands on the market to propose opportunities for the relevant category
• Drive social media/marketing content via marketing and multichannel teams to ensure category features across all channels
• Manage samples

Core Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of our store base and website
• Strong awareness of product file to a line level detail
• Awareness of incoming stock and ability to manage the file in the buyer's absence
• Confidence in building relationships with brands and internal departments
• Acts as the lead partner between the buyer and marketing/multichannel departments, driving change and growth within social media
• Proactive and confident in suggesting changes
• Confidence to challenge and influence at all levels

Skills / Experience / Knowledge

• Relevant branded buying or merchandising experience is advantageous but not essential
• Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends at a high‑street and premium level price point
• Retail experience
• Computer literate – knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint advantageous but not essential
• Organisational skills are essential
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced buying office environment

What we will offer you

• Development linked to your role with the business
• An opportunity to work across multi‑brands both in the UK and internationally
• Staff discount on JD Group and other brands within the organisation
• Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work

Thank you for your time #JD