Overview

Assistant Buyer – Watford, United Kingdom

Position Overview

Ref #
W184732

State/Region
Hertfordshire

Department
Merchandising & Planning

Location
United Kingdom

City
Watford

COMPANY 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

Please note this is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Supporting the Womenswear Polo Apparel Assortment for our Outlet stores in EMEA on a fixed term contract, working closely with wider team. 

The role covers day-to-day assortment support, performance analysis, and order and data management, ensuring continuity of the business and commercial delivery during the assignment.


You are a quick learner with prior exposure to a Buying or Planning environment, able to step in rapidly, work reliably and contribute from day one.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assortment Support & Product Selection

  • Support the Associate  in curating Seasonal Assortments for multiple categories that align with brand strategies and growth.
  • Prepare performance summaries and highlight key trends, risks and opportunities to inform buys.
  • Liaise with stakeholders across Stores, Production, Merchandising, and Creative to support go-to-market execution.
  • Prepare materials and contribute to meetings with Trade, MPR and Investment Reviews.
  • Assist in forecasting unit requirements to meet financial targets, tracking margin, sales revenue, and AUR.
  • Contribute to the weekly trade of the Apparel category, flagging areas of opportunity or risk.
  • Handle order management from initial entry through to delivery, ensuring accurate tracking and coordination with stakeholders.
  • Ensure data integrity in all buying processes, addressing discrepancies and escalating issues when necessary.

Investment Support & OTB Management

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

  • Some experience in Buying, Planning or Merchandising roles (internship or placement experience). Outlet experience is a plus.
  • Collaborative team player with a positive, results-oriented attitude.
  • Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify commercial opportunities.
  • Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, able to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Flexible and resilient, with a solutions-focused mindset and ability to adapt quickly.
  • Good communication skills, able to share key information and insights with stakeholders.
  • Awareness of industry trends, competitors, and the retail landscape.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and AI

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IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.