JD Kids & Equipment Buying Manager

About the Company

Sport Vision is the leader of sports retail in the Balkans. We operate in 13 countries , have over 600 stores across the region, and have over 6000 employees, headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia. We are a strategic partner with leading sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, North Face, Asics, Columbia, Salomon, Under Armour, and others, and a key account for more than 50 sports brands.

We’re Hiring: JD Kids & Equipment Buying Manager

Location: Belgrade, Serbia

About the Role

The JD Kids & Equipment Buying Manager is responsible for managing and developing the buying strategy for the Kids & Equipment category within the JD franchise, ensuring an optimal product assortment, strong supplier partnerships, competitive purchasing conditions, and product availability. The role focuses on maximising sales and profitability through effective category management, strategic sourcing, demand planning, and inventory optimisation.

What You’ll Do

• Category Strategy and Buying: Develop and implement category-specific buying strategies aligned with business objectives, market trends, and customer preferences. Define, evaluate, and select products to optimise the assortment, drive sales, and maximise profitability.
• Supplier Management and Negotiations: Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers, build strategic partnerships, negotiate commercial terms, and ensure competitive pricing, product quality, and a reliable supply chain.
• Purchasing and Order Management: Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, including supplier selection, negotiations, order placement, contract management, and commercial administration, ensuring timely and efficient procurement.
• Demand and Inventory Planning: Collaborate with sales teams to forecast demand, plan stock levels, optimise inventory turnover, and minimise excess and obsolete stock while supporting sales targets.
• Supplier Performance and Cost Optimisation: Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and regular evaluations, identify opportunities for cost savings, and improve purchasing efficiency through supplier consolidation, volume discounts, and other optimisation initiatives.
• Market and Business Analysis: Analyse purchasing trends, monitor market developments and competitor activities, and prepare regular reports and dashboards to provide key performance insights and support business decisions.
• Process Improvement and Compliance: Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, ensure compliance with relevant legislation and company policies, and promote ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and supply chain reliability.
• Team Development and Collaboration: Share knowledge, provide guidance and support to team members, and work closely with relevant departments to ensure alignment of purchasing activities with overall business objectives.

What You’ll Bring

• A university degree (VII level of education) and a minimum of 3 years of experience in similar positions.
• Advanced proficiency in English and advanced knowledge of the MS Office suite.
• A valid Category B driving licence.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate activities and resources effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to establish and maintain successful business relationships.
• A results-oriented mindset, with a focus on business improvement, efficiency, and achieving commercial objectives.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to respond effectively to changes in a dynamic business environment.
• A customer-oriented approach and commitment to delivering the best customer experience.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Izvor: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4486833693/

Nivo: senior