Apparel Buyer ANZ - Internal Vacancy

From the initial interview to your onboarding, we'll be with you every step of the way, providing constructive feedback and the chance to demonstrate your talent. Regardless of who gets the position, we want everyone who participates in this process to leave with a greater awareness of their strengths and a clear development plan for their professional growth.

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.

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.

What we offer?

• Annual Gross Salary Range: AUD$110,000 – AUD$130,000
• International Relocation included.
• Staff Discount 35% Off - Enjoy a generous discount across our brands which can be used for you, friends, and family.
• Work from Home – Enjoy the flexibility of working from home one day per week.
• Birthday Leave - Celebrate your big day with paid time of for your special day!
• Tailored Learning Journeys - Access development pathways and LMS modules designed to build your professional, leadership and cross-functional skills.
• Wellness Initiatives - Regular activities and campaigns to support your mental wellbeing.
• Monthly Safety Connects - Dedicated time to check in on your psychosocial safety and store environment.
• Employee Assistance Program + Health App - 24/7 confidential support for you and your family.
• REST Superannuation - Support for your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Referral Bonus Program - Bring great people into the team and earn rewards.
• Parental Leave – One month paid parental leave for the primary caregiver.
• Culture Committee – Monthly events that bring our team together to celebrate milestones, special occasions, and strengthen connection.

Global Mobility

If you are applying from a country outside of “Working Country”, we will need to ensure that you have the necessary right to work in “Working Country” before you can start the position. Any support required from an immigration perspective is not guaranteed and will be subject to cost approval by the Group. 

Additionally, support with any relocation to “Working Country” and settling-in services will be at the discretion of the Group on a case-by-case basis.

What You'll Gain:

• Professional Self-Knowledge: You'll participate in an assessment that provides an objective and structured view of your key competencies. Discover strengths you might not have known you possessed and better understand your areas for improvement.
• Structured Professional Feedback: Receive detailed feedback based on specific competencies. It's not just an opinion; it's an analysis designed to help you grow.
• Clarity on Next-Level Competencies: Participation will help you understand exactly what skills and behaviors the company looks for in roles with greater responsibility. You'll know what to focus on for your future development, whether for this or other opportunities.
• Practical Experience in Selection Processes: This is a fantastic opportunity to practice and improve your interview and assessment skills in a safe and familiar environment. The next time you face a process, internal or external, you'll be much better prepared.
• Foundation for a Personal Development Plan (PDP): The assessment results and feedback are the perfect starting point for you, along with your manager, to design a powerful and focused Personal Development Plan (PDP). The company is committed to supporting you in that plan.
• Visibility and Networking: By participating, you'll gain visibility with other company leaders, providing a way for them to recognize your talent and ambition to grow.

We encourage you to apply and discover all that JD Group has to offer! Your growth is our success!