Associate Buyer (Accessories - Headwear)

JD Sports is a leading global omnichannel retailer of branded sports and casual wear. Known for its strong brand partnerships and trend-led approach, JD Sports delivers premium sports-fashion products to customers worldwide through an integrated digital and physical retail experience. Do you have an eye for sports and fashion lifestyle accessories trends, with a keen eye on headwear trends across the USA? If so, we are looking for you. We are seeking a passionate Associate Buyer to join our Accessories team with a key focus on Headwear.  

Role Overview

The Associate Buyer – Accessories (Headwear) plays a key support role within the Accessories Buying team, with primary responsibility for headwear across multiple leading brands including Nike, New Era, Adidas, Jordan, and others. This role supports the Buyer in building a commercially successful, trend-relevant assortment that meets customer demand while delivering strong financial performance. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in sports-fashion trends, a commercial mindset, knowledge of retail math /financials and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced buying office.

Key Responsibilities

Product Selection & Ranging

• Support the Buyer in curating a balanced, trend-driven headwear and accessories assortment across multiple brands.

• Conduct market, competitor, and store visits to stay informed on current and emerging trends.

• Research new brands, suppliers, and product opportunities aligned with company strategy and customer preferences

• Maintain strong awareness of competitor activity and consumer demand within the US sports-fashion market.

• Assist in preparing range presentations and materials for internal sign-off meetings.

• Attend trade shows, fashion events, and vendor meetings to identify new products and strengthen brand relationships.

• Analyze sales performance and customer feedback to inform future buying decisions.

• Maintain detailed and accurate product files at line-level detail.

• Monitor incoming stock and manage product files in the Buyer’s absence as required.

Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with new and existing suppliers.

• Monitor vendor performance against quality, delivery, and compliance standards.

• Support order placement, order tracking, and management of delivery or quantity changes.

• Proactively resolve order, delivery, or product issues in partnership with vendors.

• Work with brand partners to assess performance and recommend actions that support profitability and brand credibility in the US market.
   

Inventory Management & Financial Performance

• Assist in the development and execution of seasonal buying plans, including open-to-buy (OTB) and inventory forecasts.

• Propose repeat buys and new opportunities by reviewing departmental performance.

• Support inventory management, markdown strategies, and stock optimization to minimize risk and maximize sell-through.

• Partner with Planning and Allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across channels.

• Analyze sales, margins, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify growth opportunities.

• Prepare trade reporting and present performance data with recommendations and action plans during trade meetings.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing and Multichannel teams to ensure category representation across digital and social platforms.

• Collaborate with Integrated Marketing to brief seasonal assortment plans at category and brand levels.

• Work closely with Visual Merchandising to ensure effective in-store and online product presentation.

• Participate in internal presentations and product training sessions for retail, visual, and allocation teams as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience 

• Retail buying or merchandising experience preferred but not essential.

• Associate degree in merchandising, buying, planning, or a related field advantageous.

• Prior retail experience required.

• Internal JD Sports or Finish Line experience is a pl