Assistant Buyer - Footwear

JD Group Plc; Bury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading omni-channel retailer is looking for a motivated individual to support buyers in product selection and management. This role involves visiting markets, collaborating with key brands, and leveraging social media to enhance visibility in the sports fashion sector. A strong understanding of current trends and solid organisational skills are essential. The company offers professional development opportunities and employee benefits, including staff discounts across various brands. Join their dynamic environment and contribute to their growth.

Benefits

Staff discount on JD Group brands

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in buying or merchandising is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong understanding of sports fashion trends at various price points.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Visit markets and stores to support Buyers and increase market knowledge.
• Assist in product selection and presentations.
• Drive sales proposals and manage planograms.
• Build relationships with brands and teams.
• Manage social media and marketing content.

Skills

Branded buying or merchandising experience

Knowledge of sports fashion trends

Computer literacy

Organisational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Job description

Job Description

Posted Thursday 8 January 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Monday 9 February 2026 at 00:59

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world.

JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.

We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Visit relevant markets and JD Stores to support Buyer and increase market/competition knowledge
• Assist Buyer by attending all appointments, with involvement in selection and editing of product
• Assist Buyer in the preparation of presenting ranges for sign off with the relevant functions
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings
• Proposals to assist driving sales in your relevant department by reviewing sales and constantly looking for opportunities (i.e repeat buys)
• Complete and present to buyer the planograms for relevant category
• Regular dialogue with key brands to build relationships
• Research and be aware of new brands on the market to propose opportunities for 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 Buyer absence
• Confidence in building relationships with brands and internal departments within the business
• Acts as the lead partner between the Buyer and marketing/multichannel departments driving change and growth within social media
• Proactive and confidence in suggesting changes
• Confidence to challenge and influence at all levels

Skills/Experience/Knowledge needed

• 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
• Computer literate – Knowledge of Word, Excel and Power point 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 UK and Internationally
• We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.