Senior Buyer - Sports Retail

About the role

The Senior Buyer oversees the end-to-end buying process for an assigned sports business unit, making sure product choices match market trends, consumer preferences and the company's strategy. The role sources, selects and negotiates with suppliers to get high-quality, commercially viable products at competitive prices, optimising profitability and customer satisfaction. It works closely with the Category Manager and cross-functional teams, using SAP and Power BI to make informed decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead product selection and procurement for assigned categories, building assortments that fit target consumers and brand positioning.
• Research markets and competitors, analysing consumer behaviour and trends to find opportunities and gaps in the range.
• Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers, including cost prices, payment terms, rebates and delivery conditions.
• Manage purchase orders, track them and follow up to ensure on-time, in-full deliveries aligned with seasonal calendars and promotions.
• Analyse sales, stock and purchasing data in SAP and Power BI, monitor inventory and forecast future needs.
• Work with Merchandising, Allocation and Logistics to keep product flow smooth and stock healthy.
• Monitor purchasing performance against budgets and recommend rebuys, cancellations, rephasing or markdown support.
• Assess supplier performance regularly and keep strong supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and prepare clear reports for leadership.
• Support Buyers and Assistant Buyers with expertise and guidance.

Required profile

• 5 years in procurement and 3 years in retail buying.
• Experience in sports retail.
• Solid understanding of retail buying cycles, assortment planning and inventory management.
• Organised and detail-oriented, able to handle multiple brands, seasons and suppliers under pressure.

Required skills

• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical ability, working with data in SAP, Power BI and Excel.
• SAP ERP knowledge required.