Apparel Buyer

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 80 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

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

• Birthday Leave and Paid Parental Leave benefits

• Generous staff discounts for you, friends and family

• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives

• Brand-new CBD offices in the heart of Sydney

• Monthly culture events, team celebrations and pre-payday lunches

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.  

If you live and breathe sports fashion, understand the consumer and love turning trends into commercial results, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and take the next step in your buying career.

Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.