Ralph Lauren Merchandise Planning Associate, Men's DTC

About the role

Responsible for developing assortment plans that deliver corporate objectives. Responsible for development and implementation of strategic vision to maximize profitability both in-season and pre-season; inclusive of Sales, GM, Inventory. Align merchandise assortment strategy with financial goals. Contribute to corporate projects resulting in improved departmental systems and efficiencies. Determine investment at SKU level.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning
  • Deliver financial results through assortment strategies using current/historical trends; store research.
  • Create and maintain complete style plans in buy tools/key item planning tools for in-season & pre-season.
  • Communicate financial strategies for key programs pre-season meetings.
  • Oversee and approve allocation strategies to support financial goals.
  • Meet with cross-functional team to ensure departmental strategies align to short and long-term objectives.
• Assortment Planning
  • Quantify and ensure assortment supports financial targets in partnership with planner.
  • Collaborate with buyer to work through assortment gaps/challenges.
  • Execute to store clustering and attribute analysis.
  • Ensure accuracy of GFE projections.
• Inventory Management
  • Accountable for executing receipt management, reconciliation and reflow opportunities.
  • Analyze and forecast sales and inventory at a style level.
  • Communicate with production on receipt flow needs.
• Process Leadership
  • Model the Ralph Lauren way.
  • Partner closely with team leaders to align cross-functional objectives and best practices.
  • Coordinate efforts of direct reports to ensure consistency of planning and distribution.
  • Develop and maintain cross-divisional peer relationships.
  • Communicate opportunities where management support is needed on initiatives and strategies.
  • Foster a collaborative, creative, results-oriented work environment.
  • Adapt to new technologies.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Systems & Tools

• Microstrategy
• Microsoft Office Suite
• GFE+
• Impact Analytics allocation system
• O9 Planning systems

Required Skills

• Proficient in retail math and cost accounting.
• Display analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates strong listening, written and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and accurate.
• Able to develop and maintain effective cross-functional relationships.