At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the buying team by managing product assortments and tracking performance.
- Company: Join Ralph Lauren, a global leader in premium lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting environment with opportunities to influence and collaborate across teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion and retail.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills, analytical mindset, and passion for diversity.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Position Overview
Supporting our LAUREN Wholesale Buying & Planning Team with operations to establish the optimum commercial cross channel assortment for the EMEA region, whilst maximizing the financial plan and respecting the category/brand objectives and direction.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assort, price and forecast the line
- Maintain the line in the IT system
- Order & track samples orders
- Track business performance weekly
- Benchmark decisions against competition & broader market landscape
- Prepare & present the assortment at line opening meeting
Shared accountabilities
- Define seasonal assortment needs upfront & share with Global Merchandising teams
- Contribute to brand elevation both on qualitative and quantitative point of view
- Develop seasonal product assortment strategies that align with planning sales targets, SKU counts, productivity and product trends
- Participate/initiate business development projects
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong analytical skills and retail math comprehension
- Effective cross-functional communication and presentation skills
- Decision making capability clearly driven by conceptualizing future opportunities and developing strategic product and business initiatives
- Creative, assertive and solution-oriented when faced with business performance and/or challenging directives from the Buyer and Planner
- Prioritize and direct multiple activities
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Experienced 4 Seasonal Buying cycles
- Fluent in English, additional languages are a plus
- Passion for Diversity & Inclusion values
- Excitement about team work
Stretch Skills/Qualities
- Multi-category and multi-channel experience
- Work independently of the Buyer
- Effective team building skills, including the ability to motivate, negotiate and influence effectively across departments and divisions
- Consistently make confident and independent recommendations and accountability for achieving business goals
- Establish, nurture and utilize internal and external partners to drive the business
- Encourage a culture and an environment that fosters respect for the ideas of others and supports ongoing collaboration to execute business strategy
Associate buyer – London employer: Recruit4Mum
Ralph Lauren Corporation is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusion and belonging, making it a fantastic place for individuals to thrive in their careers. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a globally recognised brand. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on employee development, Ralph Lauren offers a rewarding experience for those passionate about the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate buyer – 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 Recruit4Mum, 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 Recruit4Mum!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate buyer – 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 Recruit4Mum, 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 Recruit4Mum 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 Recruit4Mum that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨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!
