Senior Buyer

RK BRANDS LTD; Redditch; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established activewear brand is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead the buying process for Men’s and Womenswear. This role involves developing product ranges that align with brand identity and analyzing trading performance. The ideal candidate has over 5 years in buying, excellent negotiation skills, and a strong analytical mindset. Competitive perks include a discretionary bonus, generous holiday allowance, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Discretionary yearly bonus

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + birthday off

Flexible working

35 working hours/week with 1 hour lunch

50% staff discount

Social events

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Free gym membership

£100 gift card upon joining

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering profitable ranges within tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of global sourcing regions.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead range planning in line with brand strategy and customer insights.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers globally.
• Understand departmental OTB and ensure adherence to budgets.
• Stay up to date with fashion trends and consumer behaviour.
• Collaborate with departments to deliver cohesive collections.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Supplier management

Commercial acumen

Education

5+ years of buying experience in fashion/clothing

Tools

Excel

Buying/planning systems (e.g., PLM, ERP)

Job description

We are PASSIONATE. We are AMBITIOUS. We are COMMITTED. We are AYBL.

Ranked the number one fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 2022, AYBL has quickly become one of the most iconic women’s activewear brands worldwide since launching in the UK in 2018. With a mission to unite women through their love for fitness, we are dedicated to providing high quality, affordable activewear which seamlessly combines comfort, confidence and style. From this, our ethos “AYBL to believe, AYBL to achieve” was born.

Built on ambition, we only strive to be the very best. This means we want people who are equally ambitious, know when to take risks and consider themselves the best in their field.

As a brand, we pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion. That means all opportunities are equal opportunities. We value skills, we value individuality and above all, we value passion. Therefore, we will not tolerate discrimination of any sort.

The opportunities right now are limitless. We are looking to hire genuine people who demonstrate authenticity and a unique way of thinking.

As we grow, you’ll grow too.

Main Purpose of the Role

AYBL are looking for an exceptionally talented Senior Buyer to be responsible for leading the end-to-end buying process across both Men’s and Womenswear. This person will ensure that product ranges are commercially viable, on-trend, and aligned with brand identity and business objectives. The Senior Buyer will partner with Design and Merch to build strong supplier relationships, drive margin, manage critical path and analyse trading performance to create profitable, customer-focused ranges.

Responsibilities and duties

• Range Planning & Development
• Lead range planning in line with brand strategy, market trends, and customer insights.
• Source, select, and develop products that maximise sales, profitability, and market competitiveness.
• Responsible for all product and packaging approvals through all stages of critical path to a high standard.
• Ensure the balance of core, fashion, and seasonal pieces across categories.

• Supplier Management & Negotiation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers globally.
• Negotiate cost prices & MOQs to maximise margin.
• Work with our Sourcing team to ensure suppliers comply with ethical, legal, and sustainability standards.
• Commercial & Financial Accountability
• Understand departmental OTB and ensure adherence to budgets.
• Work with merchandising team to monitor category sales, stock levels, and profitability. Make data-driven decisions to optimise performance.
• Market & Trend Analysis
• Stay up to date with fashion trends, competitor activity, and consumer behaviour.
• Use trend forecasting, trade shows, and market research to identify new opportunities.
• Provide creative input to influence product direction.
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Sourcing & Tech to deliver cohesive collections in line with the critical path and planning cycle
• Present buying strategies, ranges, and trade performance to senior management.

Person Specification

• 5+ years of buying experience in the fashion/clothing industry, with at least 2 years at a senior/lead buyer level.
• Strong supplier base and knowledge of global sourcing regions.
• Proven track record of delivering profitable ranges within tight deadlines.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Highly analytical with strong commercial acumen.
• Proficient in range planning, margin management, and budget control.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and production processes.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and buying/planning systems (e.g., PLM, ERP).

Perks

Discretionary yearly bonus

️ 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off

Flexible working

35 working hours per week with 1 hour lunch break

️ 50% staff discount across AYBL Group

Social events

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

️ Free gym membership

£100 gift card upon joining

Employee wellbeing support

Location

Our home is located in Redditch, South Birmingham, with easy access routes to the M5/M42, a 20-minute walk to the train station, as well as many bus routes. Not forgetting Arrow Valley Lake which is a stone’s throw away and a beautiful spot to get those steps in or enjoy your lunch with a view.