Apparel Buyer

About Us

JD Sports, renowned as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', is a premier global sports fashion retailer specializing in footwear and apparel. Established in 1981 in the UK, JD Group has experienced significant global expansion, now operating over 3,400 stores worldwide, including more than 70 across Australia and New Zealand. We aim to inspire the next generation through the dynamic intersection of Sport, Music, and Fashion. At JD Sports, we foster a culture of innovation and individuality, challenging norms and leading trends rather than following them.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute sports fashion buyer to join our Buying team. This role is pivotal in curating compelling product assortments that resonate with our target consumers and drive business expansion. You will be instrumental in shaping product strategies, understanding consumer behavior, and capitalizing on market opportunities. Collaborating with global sportswear brands, you will contribute to building impactful collections, influencing exclusive product deals, and identifying emerging trends ahead of the curve. This is an opportunity to join a high-performing team during a growth phase and significantly influence the product offerings for major sports fashion brands in the ANZ market.

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop strategic assortment plans tailored to specific locations, informed by consumer demand, sales performance, and commercial potential.
• Identify and translate emerging global and local sports fashion trends into assortments that appeal to consumers.
• Evaluate international product ranges to determine commercial viability for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
• Support the creation of exclusive product lines and collaborations with key brand partners.
• Prepare and present seasonal range proposals for approval.
• Oversee product lifecycle management and critical path timelines for various brands and product categories.
• Analyze sales data weekly, monthly, and quarterly to pinpoint growth opportunities and enhance category performance.
• Monitor competitor activities, promotional strategies, and prevailing market trends.
• Review and optimize pricing structures across multiple brands and categories.
• Generate and present reports on product performance and market insights.
• Negotiate with suppliers and brand partners to secure favorable commercial terms.
• Identify opportunities for trend-driven product introductions and shorter lead-time initiatives.
• Collaborate with Merchandise, Logistics, Digital, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless product launches.
• Attend brand meetings, industry events, and market presentations.

What Success Looks Like

• Achieve increased sales growth within your designated category.
• Improve sales density while reducing markdowns and aged stock.
• Develop strong commercial assortments that align with customer demand.
• Successfully execute exclusive product opportunities.
• Create meaningful differentiation from competitors in the market.

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Buyer in the international sports fashion, fashion, or retail sector.
• Proficiency in apparel buying, including an understanding of fabric types, product construction, and seasonal trends.
• Experience working with global sportswear, outdoor, or lifestyle brands.
• Solid merchandising and financial planning skills.
• Proven ability to analyze reports and identify commercial opportunities.
• A strong grasp of current sports fashion, streetwear, and youth culture trends.
• Experience in developing and managing exclusive product initiatives.
• Demonstrated negotiation and stakeholder influence capabilities.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or developing team members is advantageous.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and the broader Office suite.

What Will Set You Apart

• Previous buying experience in Menswear and/or Kidswear categories.
• Familiarity with international buying processes and global assortment strategies.
• A knack for identifying trends and opportunities before they become mainstream.
• A strategic mindset that balances creative vision with commercial objectives.
• Prior sportswear buying experience is highly valued, though not strictly required.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring a broader commercial perspective to the category and influence future product direction, rather than solely executing existing buying plans.

Why JD Sports?

• Become part of one of the fastest-growing global sports fashion retailers, collaborating with world-renowned brands.
• Influence product assortments and strategy across Australia and New Zealand.
• Enjoy a generous staff discount for yourself, friends, and family.
• Receive birthday leave.
• Benefit from one month of paid parental leave.
• Participate in pre-payday lunches.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Work in brand-new CBD offices.
• Engage in monthly culture committee events and team celebrations.

If you are passionate about sports fashion, understand consumer behavior, and excel at translating trends into commercial success, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to connecting with driven, skilled individuals who are invested in their professional growth, enabling us to collectively enhance our brand's success and your career trajectory.

JD values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated. Apply now to advance your buying career with JD Sports.

Please be advised that by applying for this position, you consent to us conducting a Work Rights check to verify your eligibility to work where necessary.