At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying team in selecting and managing product ranges for Ralph Lauren.
- Company: Join Ralph Lauren, a global leader in premium lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and a vibrant company culture.
- Other info: Collaborate across departments and enhance your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team and influence fashion trends.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented, and a strong team player with market awareness.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- 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 preparation of 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.
- Manage department orders from initial unit entry through to delivery into store, monitoring changes post sign‐off, including style updates, MOQs and delivery tracking.
- Maintain data integrity and system management, troubleshooting issues and identifying improved ways of working to enhance efficiency.
- 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
- Highly organized while 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 the market.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft packages including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Effective communication skills at all levels, both written and spoken.
Employment Type: Full‐time
Job Function: Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries: Advertising Services
Ralph Lauren Associate buyer in London employer: BoF Careers
Ralph Lauren Corporation is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusion and belonging, making it a fantastic place for professionals to thrive. As an Associate Buyer, you will be part of a dynamic Menswear team, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in a globally recognised brand. The company offers a supportive work environment, competitive benefits, and the chance to engage with cross-functional teams, ensuring your contributions are valued and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ralph Lauren Associate buyer in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like BoF Careers, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like BoF Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Ralph Lauren Associate buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at BoF Careers, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at BoF Careers and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show BoF Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at BoF Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
