Associate Buyer

Ralph Lauren Corporation; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion company in London is seeking an experienced Buying Associate to support the Menswear team. This role involves managing the end-to-end product selection process and ensuring effective order management. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and a team player with strong communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, and the ability to analyze market trends is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Experience in buying or merchandise management is preferred.
• Ability to build relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Skills in data integrity and systems management.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end product selection process.
• Manage department orders from entry to delivery.
• Participate in in-season trade with actionable insights.

Skills

Highly organized

Attention to detail

Ability to manage timelines

Team player

Product trends awareness

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Effective communication

Job description

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets.

The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Buying Associate to join and contribute to a high-performing Menswear team. The Buying Associate role is a key support to the Buying team in achieving departmental financial plans and ensuring the seasonal strategies are realised from inception through to implementation in store.

Category Ownership

• Own end‑to‑end process of product selection for owned categories, ensuring relevant and financially viable ranges that link back to departmental strategy and brand direction.
• Project unit requirements that will deliver the financial framework and balance KPI’s (intake margin, buy cost/units, AIR, gross margin, sales revenue/units, AUR, sell‑through).
• Analyse business results in preparation for seasonal buy. Develop the ability to draw top line conclusions and actions from analysis.
• Support to prepare all necessary documents and resources for major calendar meetings, including Hindsight, Buy Review and Sign Off.
• Actively participate in the in‑season trade of relevant categories, providing robust, action‑driven analysis on a weekly / monthly basis.

Purchase Order Management

• Autonomous management of department orders from initial unit entry through to delivery into store. Close partnership with key stakeholders to monitor changes post sign‑off, including style updates, MOQs and delivery tracking.
• Meticulous data integrity and system management, with the ability to troubleshoot any issues and identify better ways of working to improve efficiency.

Team and go‑to‑market Input

Build relationships with cross‑functional partners across stores, marketing, merchandising and creative to ensure the department critical path is maintained to the highest standard.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Experience, Skills and Knowledge:

• Highly organized whilst maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage timelines and juggle priorities
• A strong team player with a passionate, results‑driven attitude
• Awareness of product trends and current state of market
• Highly proficient in Microsoft packages including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Effective communication skills at all levels, both written and spoken