Ralph Lauren Senior Brand Merchandising Associate, Lauren

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
Coordinate, manage and execute the activities of Merchandising for Lauren Knits and Sweaters. Assist senior leadership in developing, executing and communicating a product strategy that meets or exceeds financial goals and global product strategy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

* Identify growth opportunities and protect needs of business for product category.
* Comprehensive knowledge and adherence to product category, calendar milestones, line development and status.
* Analysis and knowledge of global business performance, partnering with regional teams to understand needs of region.
* Partner with brand planning team on building sku plans and creating VLP ensuring support of brand direction and regional business needs.
* Assist in assortment development, focusing on core, seasonal core and seasonal targets, supporting LRDP target growth for category.
* Presentation of line assortment to direct cross functional partners at the time of Adoption and Line Opening presentations.
* Attend weekly cross functional team meetings; line status and fittings, driving product category and managing changes.
* Manage Ok to Buy process and all PRO activities related to category.
* Partner with production partners to meet category margin targets, understanding all cost components and cost saving challenges.
* Manage the creation and daily maintenance of data in VIBE and GFE, including accurate & timely data entry & system updates for all merchandising item definition and line changes throughout the entire life cycle. Ensure all cross-functional teams are in alignment.
* Communicate & distribute all critical merchandising information to key functional areas on a timely basis.
* Responsible for meeting preparation and document maintenance for all major milestone meetings.
* Knowledge of competition and trends, identifying new opportunities appropriate for the brand.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Bachelor's degree preferred
* Merchandising or buying experience
* Strong analytical and retail math skills
* Strong communication, interpersonal & teamwork skills
* Resourceful, efficient and able to take initiative
* Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
* Priority and time management - ability to juggle multiple seasons and daily priorities
* Computer Skills - Proficiency in MS Office applications, Retail Math, VIBE, GFE #LI-CE1