Associate Buyer

Ralph Lauren; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion company located in Greater London is seeking an experienced Buying Associate to support their Menswear team. In this role, you will manage the end-to-end process of product selection and purchase orders, ensuring alignment with departmental strategy. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft packages is essential for success in this dynamic environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Must manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Own end to end process of product selection.
• Manage purchase orders from entry to delivery.
• Build relationships with cross-functional partners.

Skills

Highly organized

Attention to detail

Ability to manage timelines

Team player

Product trend awareness

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Effective communication

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

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.

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 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.