Junior Buyer at Fanatics… · Manchester

Junior Buyer

Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital, in-venue, and retail, Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the world's most iconic sports properties.

At Fanatics, we bring our BOLD Leadership Principles to life every day—building championship teams, obsessing over fans, acting with limitless entrepreneurial spirit, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.

As we continue to scale our global platform, the Junior Buyer will play a critical role in planning, selecting, and purchasing product ranges to deliver commercial sales and profitability targets.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Buying Director, the Junior Buyer supports the end-to-end buying process, partnering with Merchandising, Logistics, eCommerce, and Finance teams to deliver product ranges that are commercially strong and aligned to brand strategy. This is a step-up opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Buyer ready to take greater ownership of categories, supplier relationships, and range planning. The Junior Buyer delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.

HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT

Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.

Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)

• Partner closely with Merchandising, Logistics, eCommerce, and Finance teams to ensure seamless product delivery to market, maintaining clear communication and alignment across functions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers, collaborating to secure the best terms, cost prices, and service levels.

• Support the Buying Director in cross-functional planning and assortment review processes, contributing to a high-performing buying team culture.

Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)

• Analyse consumer trends and trading performance to make informed buying decisions that resonate with fans and drive engagement.

• Take ownership of specific categories and products, ensuring they meet commercial objectives and reflect the needs and expectations of the fan base.

• Contribute fresh ideas for product development and innovation, bringing creativity and a fan-first perspective to range planning.

• Support the delivery of compelling, well-curated assortments across digital and retail channels that elevate the fan experience.

Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)

• Identify opportunities to improve range performance through data-driven analysis of sales, margin, and product trends, translating insights into actionable recommendations.

• Contribute to Promotion and Markdown planning, applying commercial thinking to optimise sell-through and minimise risk.

• Bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach to challenges across the buying process, from range building to critical path management.

• Explore new ways of working and tools — including AI and digital capabilities — to improve buying efficiency and decision quality.

Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)

• Support and manage the critical path process, ensuring products are delivered on time and to specification for a successful launch.

• Prepare and present regular reports and analysis on sales, margin, and product performance, maintaining a high standard of accuracy and detail.

• Manage range plans, line sheets, and assortment reviews with strong organisational rigour, handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Take clear accountability for agreed categories and workstreams, driving them through to completion with minimal oversight.

AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY

We are building a future-ready organization. This role is expected to:

• Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes

• Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance

• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working

• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer or a strong background in retail buying, with a solid understanding of merchandising principles.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret sales, margin, and product performance data and translate findings into clear recommendations.

• Proven experience in supplier management and negotiation, with the ability to build productive, long-term external relationships.

• Working knowledge of range planning and selection, critical path and delivery scheduling, Promotion and Markdown planning, and the WSSI process.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Proficiency in Excel; experience with Oracle, BI systems, or other buying/product data management systems is desirable.

• A proactive, ownership-driven mindset with strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively across departments and seniority levels; people management experience is an advantage.

WORK LOCATION

Hybrid: The primary place of performance of this role is the Company's office located in Manchester subject to the Company's current hybrid work policy. This role currently requires in-office presence 3 days per week.

At Fanatics, we operate with a BOLD mindset—We Build Championship Teams, we're Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined & Relentless Mindset. If you're ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.