Ralph Lauren Head of Product Design, RLX

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
The Head of Product Design for Ralph Lauren RLX will co-lead and oversee RLX Product Design efforts across apparel categories. Specifically this role will directly oversee design and product oversight for outerwear and knits and will co-lead and help orchestrate the design for all other RLX product categories. This role is responsible for leading the design teams to support the end-to-end product development lifecycle. The Head of Product Design will support in leading the design teams responsible for the seasonal and core product that aligns with the Ralph Lauren RLX playbook and brand vision. This role should have a comprehensive knowledge of the competitive environment and clear and detailed point of view on Children's position to win with product. The Head of Product Design will provide innovative and creative direction, with the support of the Head of Design and Creative Director, for new product design. The Head of Product Design should embody a passion, deep understanding, and respect for the Ralph Lauren brand. This role will serve as a key collaborative member of the design team and across multiple stakeholders to deliver best-in-class designs and uphold the Ralph Lauren quality standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Creative Design Leadership & Vision
* Work with concept team on building ideas, vintage proto research, garment / silhouette direction, color print, embellishment direction, identifying key items in styling out before design begins
* Build a strong culture based on creative excellence and achievement of strategic objectives.
* Provide strategic creative leadership by leading the RLX Design team in developing product designs and seasonal strategies per concepts.
* Post rig approval: synthesize the design direction across all categories and direct color, material, and print to be developed. Seasonal Research & Insights
* Have a strong and innovative point of view regarding the market and trends, and how they relate to RL brand.
* Conduct comprehensive seasonal competitive research and present during seasonal design meetings to inform creative direction.
* Support team on special projects. Cross-Brand Cohesiveness
* Foster strong cross-functional relationships and collaboration, ensuring a cohesive and consistent brand image across all product categories from vision to execution.
* Partner with each design category lead to prep and edit line; ensure a balanced line across all categories, inclusive of merchandising needs and design intent. Brand Differentiation
* Deep understanding of the brand - interpret in a market-right presentation and advocate for quality and style that's right for the brand. Fit, Fabric, Color Strategy & Construction Excellence
* In co-partnership with Head of Design Studio, attend all fit sessions and own and ensure design integrity in proto and stock fittings. Co-leading design prep, presentations, and fittings to ensure a consistent and balanced line inclusive of Ralph Lauren RLX aesthetic across all categories.
* Collaborate with Fabric Team to develop seasonal fabric and color stories
* Print and material partnership - handing off prints and direct creative development through sample approval Team Leadership & Development
* Mentor, and coach creative and design teams- focusing on growing next generation creative talent- while taking an active role in their development and success.
* Provide team members with engaging and inspiring work and build a culture that encourages diverse voices to participate and drive outcomes.
* Direct designers on aesthetic and help to lead presentations.
* Create a culture of Design Mentorship with junior team members.
* Create actionable goals and provide clear two-way feedback for team to motivate and build skill sets. Calendar & Process Management
* Align and adherence to design calendar and milestones and strong partnership with other Heads of Design
* Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver on time and within scope. Lead the strategic planning of resources, internal communications and key initiatives across the design team.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Highly experienced in product design, with strong attention to detail, quality and historical references across different product categories
* Strong sketching and design capability
* Extensive knowledge of garment construction, including pattern making, sewing and heavy draping and 3D
* Extensive knowledge of production cycle timeline, design and business calendars
* Knowledge and understanding of fit
* Ability to capture and create the Ralph Lauren aesthetic
* Resourceful, creative and efficient when faced with multiple projects or challenging deadlines
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Collaborative, team player / Experience working with cross-functional teams
* Experience leading & developing high performing teams.
* Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Word and Excel #LI-CE1