Job 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, and Club Monaco, 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

Lead strategy to maximize sales and profitability of product line through strategic product selection that supports the customer experience. Drive strong category strategies across diverse Brand portfolio. Manage execution and in season performance of assortments through the establishment of strong partnerships with cross functional teams such as: Merchandise Planning, GBP, Creative, Site Ops, Retail Presentation and Global Merchandising teams. Lead strong understanding of relevant trend/business analysis. Overall support of company's long range goals and divisional strategies/initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Product Strategy

Develop short and long term strategic plans for division that align with corporate direction and customer experience

Partner with planning weekly and monthly to implement strategic changes in the business to improve profitability and productivity

Determine in-season tactical adjustments to ensure financial goals are met

Establish appropriate high level financial and assortment targets in collaboration with planning and hold direct reports accountable for achieving

Select concept & color direction in alignment business & customer needs

Approve product recommendations based on demonstrated knowledge of customer and market place, identify areas of opportunity based on previous season and trend analysis

Ensure divisional space allocation supports division productivity targets, partner with Retail Presentation and Creative to map needs

Collaborate with Merchandising to adjust future assortments based off current trends

Direct brand presentation strategy that supports financial goals and satisfies the customer experience

Propose key looks to support marketing needs

Gain buy-in from executive team during quarterly investment strategy meetings

Regularly visit critical store markets as well as competition to stay abreast of market trends and apply learnings to current and future assortments

Elicit feedback from field leadership to gain understanding of customer mindset

Developing Talent

Lead by example; engage and inspire team

Promote an environment that fosters respect for the ideas of others and supports ongoing collaboration to execute business strategies

Provide coaching and feedback on a consistent basis to direct reports

Build and manage succession planning for all levels to ensure the availability of future talent

Identify, recruit, and select high caliber talent

Building Networks/Influence

Develop robust relationship with Merchandising to inform on current business and future needs

Partner on global alignment

Establish and grow a strong level of communication and partnership with business partners in and outside of immediate cross functional team

Negotiate persuasively to create solutions that address the interests of others

Express differing viewpoints tactfully and sensitively

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Bachelors Degree required; MBA a plus

* Communicates clearly in oral and written form

* Proven ability to develop strong cross-functional relationships

* Adapts easily to changing situations and demonstrates flexibility in juggling priorities

* Proven experience leading and supervising others

* Proficient in all MS Office applications. Advanced Excel skills a must.