BUYING MANAGER (PARTS, ACCESSORIES & CLOTHING)

Location: Sigma Sports, Hampton Wick

Reporting to: Head of Purchasing

Contract Type: 40 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Job Overview:

The Buying Manager will play a critical role in overseeing the purchasing strategy of our premium cycling products. The role will involve strategic sourcing, supplier management, pricing, and the overall end to end buying process, ensuring we meet customer expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in high-end retail buying, ideally with experience in seasonal trends and exceptional negotiation skills.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Buying & Product Selection:

• Develop and implement buying strategies for a diverse and premium cycling product range, ensuring alignment with market trends, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Select and procure high-quality products, ensuring the right mix of stock for the brand’s diverse customer base, across both physical stores and online platforms.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing and merchandising teams to create compelling product assortments and promotional plans.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet quality standards, delivery timelines, and pricing expectations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to secure the best possible deals while ensuring the highest quality standards for our customers.
• Source new suppliers and negotiate agreements to introduce innovative and exclusive products to the business.

Stock Management & Financial Control:

• Support in managing stock levels across multiple sales channels to ensure optimal stock availability, avoiding stockouts or overstock situations.
• Monitor sales trends, forecast demand, adjust and build buying plans to maximise stock turns and minimise excess inventory.
• Oversee budget management, ensuring all buying activities are within the allocated budget and that financial targets are met.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing buying team, ensuring they are motivated, aligned with business goals, and continuously improving.
• Provide guidance on the buying process, product knowledge, and industry trends to enhance team performance.

Market Insights & Trend Analysis:

• Stay ahead of industry trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity, using insights to guide buying decisions.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities for growth.

Reporting & Performance Tracking:

• Regularly analyse and report on buying performance, providing insights into sales, margin, and stock performance to senior leadership.
• Use data to refine buying strategies and make informed decisions on future stock purchases.

 

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Key Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a buying or procurement role within a high-end retail or cycling environment. Experience managing omni-channel buying is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in managing high-value product portfolios and negotiating with suppliers.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of retail buying, forecasting, and stock management.
• Ability to analyse data and trends to make informed decisions.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to think critically, strategically and holistically, competently communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical skills working with large data sets, predominantly in Excel, and other visualisation tools.

Education:

• Degree level qualification, in Business, Retail Management, or a related field is preferred but not essential.
• Personal Attributes:
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
• Results-driven and focused on delivering a seamless customer experience.
• Leadership qualities with a strong ability to engage, mentor and develop a team.
• Ability to communicate with conviction.

 

Benefits: 

• Generous staff discounts across a wide range of premium cycling products.
• Industry leading Holiday allowance
• Access to a dynamic environment with state-of-the-art workshops, bespoke bike fitting services, and expert advice.
• Company Pension Scheme
• In house Cycle to Work scheme. 

 

If you're passionate about cycling and customer service, and you're ready to be part of an exciting, growing network of retail stores, apply today!

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter to luke.davison@sigmasports.com