In Active Brands we are all about accelerating strong and sustainable outdoor sports brands into global leaders. Do you have the passion and skills to strategically manage our purchasing process, ensuring optimal inventory levels, accurate demand forecasts, and seamless collaboration to drive growth and profitability for Bula and Partner Brands? Then this might be the role for you!

The role

As Purchasing Manager at Active Brands, focusing specifically on our Bula and Partner Brands, you will take on a vital one-year temporary role. In this position, you will be responsible for planning and purchasing collections, balancing financial targets, market demand, and production timelines. A crucial part of the role involves analyzing sales data, demand patterns, and market trends to determine optimal inventory levels and reorder points. By considering factors such as lead times, seasonality, and promotional activities, you will help ensure that the collection is replenished in a timely manner to meet customer demand while minimizing excess inventory and stockouts. You will develop and continuously update demand forecasts and provide input on category sales targets, providing insights and recommendations on inventory optimization. Collaboration with the Sales Manager and Head of Design is essential to align targets with product assortment, pricing, and production planning. You will also work closely with the supply chain team and the Shanghai office/suppliers to ensure timely production and delivery of products. You will own key processes of Purchase Orders, ensuring all data is correct and available. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

You will report to the Buying Director and be a part of our Demand & Supply Analytics Team.

Key tasks

• Responsible for Item Master Data accuracy and availability.
• Responsible for generating Purchase Orders according to KPIs and budget.
• Responsible for Inventory Management and Replenishment strategies.
• Monitor inventory levels and analyze sales data, demand patterns, and market trends.
• Develop and continuously update demand forecasts and sales targets for product categories.
• Collaborate with Sales Manager and Head of Design on assortment, pricing, and production planning alignment.
• Coordinate with Sourcing Director and suppliers on production capacities and lead times.

Your profile

The Purchasing Manager is a key link in the product creation and delivery process, working closely with Design, Sales, and Supply Chain. As this is a central role, it is important that you bring relevant experience and expertise to effectively manage purchasing, inventory, and demand forecasting processes. Most likely you have experience from a similar role, with proven skills in data analysis, forecasting, and strategic inventory management. You are commercially driven and can easily identify business opportunities while managing risks related to inventory and supply.

• Solid understanding of purchasing processes, inventory management, and supply chain dynamics.
• Proven analytical skills to interpret sales data, demand patterns, and financial metrics.
• High skills in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with demand forecasting and target setting.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with internal teams and suppliers.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to data accuracy and optimizing workflows.
• Strong business acumen and a goal-oriented approach, seeing the bigger picture.
• Ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving market environment.
• Experience from the sports apparel or fashion industry is beneficial.
• Share our passion for an active lifestyle.

What’s in it for you

In addition to a very exciting and desirable job, we offer you an inspiring and active work environment in our Oslo headquarter, with dedicated co-workers with a strong passion for the brand. As a brand hub business, you will also get exposed to career and development opportunities within Active Brands.

Contact:

Magnus Gjerde, Buying Director | magnus.gjerde@activebrands.com