WHO WE ARE
Known best as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports reigns supreme as one of the biggest and best global Sports Fashion brands across footwear and apparel.
Founded in 1981 in Greater Manchester, UK, JD Group has achieved remarkable growth through rapid global expansion and is now one of the world's leading sports fashion retailers. With over 3,400 stores worldwide and more than 70 stores across Australia and New Zealand, we continue to inspire the emerging generation through the universal culture of Sport, Music and Fashion.
Working at JD Sports is a state of mind, an attitude and way of challenging the norm. We do not conform; we create our own path and are elite within our field. At JD Sports, we don't follow trends, we help shape them.
We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded sports fashion buyer to join our Buying team and play a key role in building compelling assortments that connect with our consumer and drive business growth.
THE ROLE
This is more than a traditional buying role. We're looking for someone who can think strategically about product, consumer behaviour and market opportunity. Someone who can interpret global sports fashion trends and identify what will resonate commercially with the JD consumer in Australia and New Zealand.
Working alongside global sportswear brands, you'll help build compelling assortments, influence exclusive product opportunities and identify future trends before they hit the market.
You'll join a high-performing Buying team during a period of growth, helping shape assortments across some of the biggest brands in sports fashion.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
As an Apparel Buyer, you'll work closely with Buyers, Planning, Merchandise, Marketing and Brand Partners to ensure we have the right product, in the right locations, at the right time. Responsibilities include:
Driving strategic assortment decisions by location based on consumer demand, sales performance and commercial opportunity
Identifying emerging global and local sports fashion trends and translating them into consumer-relevant assortments
Reviewing and interpreting international product ranges and determining what is commercially relevant for the ANZ market
Supporting the development of exclusive product opportunities and collaborations with key brand partners
Building and presenting seasonal ranges for sign-off
Managing product life cycles and critical paths across multiple brands and categories
Analysing weekly, monthly and quarterly sales performance to identify growth opportunities and drive category performance
Monitoring competitor activity, promotional strategies and market trends
Reviewing pricing architecture across multiple brands and categories
Preparing and presenting product performance reporting and trade insights
Negotiating with suppliers and brand partners to achieve favourable commercial outcomes
Identifying opportunities for trend-driven product injections and shorter lead-time opportunities
Working cross-functionally with Merchandise, Logistics, Digital and Marketing teams to ensure successful product launches
Attending brand appointments, industry events and market presentations
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
You'll be responsible for helping deliver:
Increased sales growth across your category
Improved sales density and reduced markdown and aged stock performance
Strong commercial assortments aligned to customer demand
Successful execution of exclusive product opportunities
Meaningful differentiation versus competitors in the marketplace
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for sports fashion and product.
Experience
Past experience (3+ years’) working as a Buyer within an international sports fashion, fashion or retail environment
Experience buying apparel and understanding fabrications, product construction and seasonal trends
Experience working with global sportswear, outdoor or lifestyle brands
Strong merchandising and financial planning capability
Experience analysing reporting and identifying commercial opportunities
Strong understanding of current sports fashion, streetwear and youth culture trends
Experience developing and managing exclusive product opportunities
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders
Experience coaching, mentoring or developing team members
Highly proficient across Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office
What Will Set You Apart
Experience buying across Menswear and/or Kidswear categories
Understanding of international buying processes and global assortments
Ability to identify trends and opportunities before they become mainstream
A strategic mindset that balances creativity with commercial outcomes
Sportswear experience is highly regarded, although not essential
We're particularly interested in buyers who can bring broader commercial thinking to the category and help influence future product direction, not simply execute existing buying plans.
WHY JD SPORTS?
Join one of the fastest-growing global sports fashion retailers and work with some of the world's most renowned brands
Influence assortments and product strategy across Australia and New Zealand
Generous staff discount for you, friends and family
Birthday leave
One month paid parental leave
Pre-Pay Day lunches
Employee Assistance Program
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Brand new CBD offices
Monthly culture committee events and team celebrations
If you're passionate about sports fashion, understand the consumer and love turning trends into commercial results, we'd love to hear from you.
We are passionate about connecting with driven and skilled individuals who are invested in their development, so that together we can evolve our brand's success, alongside evolving your career.
JD values diversity and inclusion and champions a culture where everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated.
Apply now and take the next step in your buying career with JD Sports.
Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.
