Senior Category Buyer

Posted Monday 6 April 2026 at 2:00 pm About Us: Universal Store is one of Australia’s leading fashion retailers, known for delivering the latest trends and an unmatched customer experience. Founded in 1999 in the quiet suburbs of Brisbane, we’ve grown to more than 107 stores nationwide, supported by a thriving online presence. We partner with iconic global brands while proudly designing and delivering our own in‑house labels — Perfect Stranger, Common Need, Luck & Trouble, and NeoVision. No matter the style, our mission remains the same: elevate every outfit and deliver customer service that goes above and beyond. The Opportunity: As a Senior Category Buyer, you’ll lead the creation of product ranges that inspire our customers and reflect our brand. You’ll blend trend awareness, customer insight and commercial thinking to build ranges that feel fresh, exciting and uniquely ours. You’ll work closely with suppliers, build strong partnerships, and guide the team with clear direction and a collaborative mindset. With a positive, forward‑thinking approach, you’ll help drive our ethical and sustainability goals and push our product offering to new heights. We’re looking for someone who comes in each day ready to create, lead and make an impact. Key Responsibilities: Listen to the customer by using feedback, sales insights and trend data to guide smarter, more relevant product decisions. Stay ahead of the market through regular trend, competitor and international research that brings fresh ideas into the range. Curate product assortments that feel unique to our brand, balancing trend relevance with strong commercial results. Shape category strategies and distribution plans so product reaches the right stores at the right time. Embed ethical sourcing and sustainability standards into each buy, ensuring suppliers meet expectations and driving improvements across the supply chain. Manage inventory, OTB and purchasing budgets with accuracy, planning ahead for core and seasonal demand. Build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, negotiating confidently and working toward shared outcomes. Support and mentor the buying team by sharing knowledge, offering guidance and contributing to a positive, high‑performing environment. Experience We're Looking For: 3+ years' experience as a Category Buyer within a streetwear or fashion retail environment. A strong understanding of the Universal Store customer, youth fashion trends and the wider streetwear retail market. Strong numeracy and analytical capability, supported by proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data‑driven decision making. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Buying, Fashion, Business or a related field (desired) Demonstrated behavioural strengths such as adaptability, achievement drive, relationship building, problem solving, attention to detail, and the Universal Spirit mindset. What W e O ffer : A vibrant, collaborative workplace culture with a supportive and growth‑driven leadership team Hybrid working arrangements, with flexibility to work from home and our Support Office A modern, purpose‑built Support Office with generous facilities and free on‑site parking Exclusive staff discounts across our brands, plus access to partner deals and offers through Flare Salary sacrificing and novated leasing options Paid parental leave Wellbeing support through Sonder and regular wellness initiatives Regular social events and team activities Our Values Care for Everyone Here to Help Make it Work Better than Good Contribute Apply Now Ready to take the next step? Apply with your Resume and a brief cover letter outlining your buying experience.