Buyer -Sportswear – London

CVUK; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion retail company is seeking a commercially minded Buyer to take ownership of the Sportswear and Activewear category. The candidate will lead buying strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure on-time delivery. They should have proven experience in the sportswear sector and strong negotiation skills. Responsibilities also include team leadership and aligning product offerings with market trends. This role offers competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Hybrid working

Staff discount & seasonal product allowance

Pension scheme

Training and career development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Sportswear/Activewear buying with a strong commercial track record.
• Expertise in supplier negotiation, sourcing, and garment production.
• Solid understanding of market trends, competitor activity, and price architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the buying strategy and seasonal assortment for Sportswear & Activewear.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate cost prices.
• Oversee critical path ensuring on-time delivery across all channels.

Skills

Experience in Sportswear/Activewear buying

Supplier negotiation

Understanding of market trends

Critical path management

Decision-making

Team leadership and development

Job description

We are seeking a commercially minded, product-focused Buyer to take ownership of the Sportswear and Activewear category. This role will oversee the full product lifecycle - from concept and range planning through supplier management, negotiation, and critical path delivery - ensuring commercial success across retail, ecommerce, and wholesale channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the buying strategy and seasonal assortment for Sportswear & Activewear.
• Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, and Technical teams to bring collections to market.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate cost prices, and deliver on intake margin targets.
• Oversee critical path and ensure 95%+ on‑time delivery across all channels.
• Deliver commercially balanced ranges, aligned to customer demand and competitor insights.
• Ensure product quality, fit, and brand essence are maintained through development and production.
• React to trade performance in‑season, optimising assortment and delivery where needed.
• Provide leadership, training, and support to junior members of the team.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in Sportswear/Activewear buying with a strong commercial track record.
• Expertise in supplier negotiation, sourcing, and garment production.
• Solid understanding of market trends, competitor activity, and price architecture.
• Strong critical path management skills, ensuring smooth delivery of seasonal ranges.
• Confident decision maker with excellent commercial judgement.
• Self‑motivated, resilient, and collaborative, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience leading and developing team members.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid working
• Staff discount & seasonal product allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Supportive, collaborative team culture in a heritage brand.