Buyer, Retail

You will be responsible for the Womenswear Lauren Apparel Assortment for our Outlet stores in EMEA, managing multiple product categories end to end, in full autonomy. Leverage prior experience in a Buying department to quickly adapt and step into the role, demonstrating strong ability to support and guide junior team members through both technical expertise and leadership skills.

From assortment strategy and product selection to investment build and Open To Buy management, the candidate will balance creative vision with analytical rigor to optimize brand elevation, deliver commercial success, and support the broader Womenswear business.

The role is UK based (primary location Watford, secondary London).

• Assortment and Product Strategy
• Curate Seasonal Assortments that support brand strategies and growth.
• Evaluate and summarize performance, drawing top‑line conclusions and actions to inform buys.
• Liaise regularly with key stakeholders across Stores, Production, Merchandising, and Creative to ensure go‑to‑market strategies are executed as intended.
• Build and develop a strong understanding of the Lauren customer, through regular competitor shops, store visits, and wider market research on trends, pricing and styles.
• Be proactive and vocal in different meetings such as Trade, MPR, Investment Reviews.
• Investment Build & Open To Buy Management
• Partner with Planning to ensure the OTB alignment.
• Forecast unit requirements to hit financial targets, balancing metrics like margin, sales revenue.
• Trade the Apparel category weekly, identifying areas of opportunity or risk and short‑term actions.
• Oversee order management from initial entry through to delivery, ensuring accurate tracking and coordination with stakeholders.
• Ensure data integrity in all buying processes, addressing any discrepancies and escalating issues when necessary.
• Team Collaboration
• Manage one part‑time Assistant Buyer, who will support on operational tasks.
• Collaborate with Accessories Associate Buyer to maintain a holistic view and support when needed.
• Collaborate with the wider Lauren team and x‑brand within the PRO channel.
• Build strong relationships with cross‑functional partners to maintain the critical path and ensure timely execution.
• Demonstrate leadership by mentoring junior team members, helping them develop their technical and strategic skills.
• Show ambition for managerial growth by contributing innovative ideas and driving team success.

• Minimum 5 full strategic performance cycles experience in Buying or Planning roles. Outlet experience is a plus.
• Collaborative, supporting the wider team and fostering a positive, results‑oriented environment.
• 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 efficiently.
• Resilient and open to change, approaching challenges with a solutions‑focused mindset.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present key information and insights to senior stakeholders.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitors, and the retail landscape.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.