Associate Buyer

Ralph Lauren Corporation; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fashion brand in Watford is seeking an Associate Buyer to support the Buying & Planning Team. The ideal candidate has experience in the retail sector with a strong strategic mindset, proficient in Excel, and a passion for Diversity & Inclusion. Responsibilities include managing seasonal assortments and tracking business performance to meet financial and brand objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Associate Buyer or in a similar role.
• Skills in tracking business performance and making data-driven decisions.
• Ability to present and prepare seasonal investment reviews.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buying & Planning Team with operations to optimize Womenswear assortment.
• Manage buy projections and maintain the line in the Buying system.
• Track weekly business performance and highlight reactions to market changes.
• Support global merchandising teams with assortment needs.

Skills

Proficient in Excel

Strategic mindset

Teamwork

Passion for Diversity & Inclusion

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

The role of the Associate Buyer will support the Buying & Planning Team with operations to establish the optimum commercial Womenswear assortment within ‘Outlet’, whilst maximizing the financial plan and respecting the category/brand objectives and direction.

Individual accountabilities

• Assort, price and plan seasonal assortments with a strategic mindset
• Manage buy projections and maintain the line in the Buying system
• Track business performance weekly (Sales, GM, AIR vs AIC) and highlight seasonal reactions
• Benchmark decisions against competition & broader market landscape
• Support with preparation & presentation within the seasonal investment review

Shared accountabilities

• Identify and share assortment needs within ‘Outlet’ with Global Merchandising teams
• Contribute to brand elevation both on qualitative and quantitative point of view

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Proficient in excel and outlook
• Full strategic cycle as an Associate Buyer or similar role
• Concrete passion for Diversity & Inclusion values
• Excitement about teamwork and straight talk