Associate Manager

About the role

The Associate Manager supports the General Manager in creating strategic plans and executing them to ensure a profitable business. They are key decision-makers in the General Manager’s absence and own their responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager in analyzing business trends and strategic planning of business initiatives for the store location.
• Understand and educate the team on sales and profit performance tools and resources.
• Create a consistent customer experience aligned to the Ralph Lauren brand expectations by supporting the store vision.
• Achieve the store client development strategy and lead community outreach in the market.
• Execute the talent strategy set for the store, collaborating with the General Manager to build and develop a team with the customer at its core, who can deliver the store vision.
• Engage actively in ongoing talent development conversations, providing employees coaching, feedback, and learning opportunities.
• Maintain exceptional productivity standards through managing processes and store execution, including supporting with inventory control and management to achieve store shrink goals.
• Champion the use of new technology in support of New Ways of Selling techniques and More Ways to Shop to drive business results.
• Uphold all company policies and procedures.
• Provide feedback to the General Manager & District Director, identifying high profit potential and category business trends for the store market.
• Create an inclusive environment aligned to core Ralph Lauren Company values and Cultural Focus Areas.

Requirements

• College Degree or equivalent (a plus)
• Retail Management or similar industry experience in a complex, high-volume or high-profile specialty environment (preferred)
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers and store personnel
• Ability to maneuver around the sales floor, stock/dressing room, cashwrap and office; work around/with chemicals, lift/climb up to 30 lbs., and climb moderately
• Ability to operate the register, stand, move and walk for multiple hours
• Proven track record of success, including a demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with customers, management and co-workers
• Business acumen
• Strong planning and prioritization/time management skills