Buying Assistant - Ralph Lauren

Our Buying Assistant will support the buying team to ensure the smooth day to day running of operations.Act as a key support for the buying team, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the buying team function. Create and manage purchase or sales orders, markdowns in the system, sales preparations, VIP customer special orders, and assist with damages and stock takes. Compile presentations including documents and data. Run regular sales reports and other adhoc reports. Track deliveries to ensure stock is received at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Buying:Consolidate pre-buying reports and drive initial revision to ensure accuracy of data.Build knowledge of given sales target/budget for specific shop/ country.Analyze specific country/shop market data regarding:Sales Turn OverBest SellersSlow MoversTrends in CountryShop location & targeted customerStock CoverageBuyingContribute to building and maintaining an accurate Open to Buy (OTB) template/document.Support Buyers on meetings with suppliers & participate on selection of the merchandise.Consider pre-buying analysis, budgets, fashion trends, culture and gender prior to buying.Post-BuyingBuild analysis of Pre-buy vs Actual bought merchandise.Informational purposes for management (regional & country).Training purposes for shops & shop staff.Present key brand recommendations.Build a presentation of specific products to ensure accuracy:ImagesReferenceSize break downFabricationReasoningStock Management/Overall Sell Through Work together with Analysts to monitor the sell-through rate up to budgeted sell trough (in terms of value vs seasonal merchandise).Ensure initial product allocation is executed accuratelyProactively initiate inter-store transfers to maximize full-price sell-through and prevent lost sales.Reallocate merchandise based on demand, sell-through trends, and regional performance.Coordinate with retail and warehouse teams to execute timely stock transfers.Track key products and core lines to ensure optimal stock availability across stores.Proactively highlight fast-selling styles at risk of running out of stock.Collaborate with Analysts for recovery plan if required.Build a sound understanding of the product lifecycle.Supplier Management Build & maintain vendor relationship in a win/win measurement.Monitor merchandise shipment up to shop reception.Highlight potential delays and escalate risks proactively.Budget Management Provide accurate input for budget preparation.ReportingProvide weekly and monthly reports.Insert order in the system.Provide Insight for assortment plan for local and regional stores.Provide monthly report to regional merchandiser team and commercial team.Prepare the bi-weekly seasonal sell through reportYour Profile:Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or any relevant field.At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role.Must have fashion buying experience.Must be proficient in Excel.Fluency in English is a must.The ability to approach data and situations logically.Analytical, attention for details and ability to meet deadlines.Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.