Ralph Lauren Product Management Manager, Polo Women's Sweaters

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products across apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. With a reputation built over more than 50 years, the company’s portfolio includes iconic brands such as Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Chaps. Ralph Lauren fosters a culture of inclusion through talent development, education, employee groups, and celebration to ensure fairness and belonging.

About the Role

This leadership position oversees the complete product lifecycle for Women's Polo Apparel, from design concept through production delivery. The role drives strategic leadership in product development excellence, manufacturing operations, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver best-in-class products that meet quality, pricing, and timeline objectives.

Responsibilities

• Product Development Management
  • Manage Tech Pack creation and maintenance across all categories and pipelines for PROTO, SRS, and STOCK samples.
  • Oversee the complete product lifecycle from design concept to production-ready approval.
  • Lead prototype development, tech packs, and specifications in the PLM system.
  • Facilitate development meetings (PD WIPS) and critical milestone reviews, including Rack Reviews.
  • Coordinate lab dip development and approval processes.
• Production Planning & Operations
  • Raw Material Positioning: Execute strategic positioning and capacity planning for core programs using the o9 system.
  • Allocations/Capacity Planning: Focus on top investment core programs through Factory Allocation processes.
  • OTB Management: Manage sourcing allocations, TNAs, and OTBs in GFE/PLM systems.
  • TNAs: Drive seasonal production planning and TNA development with sourcing offices.
  • Secure on-time deliveries and reconcile buy commitments with mills and suppliers.
• Cost Management
  • Present Flash costing and cost engineering during development stages.
  • Lead seasonal costing meetings and conduct end-of-season business analysis.
  • Ensure cost sheets flow through PLM, meeting milestone calendars (Flash/Board Review, Proto, SRS, Bulk).
  • Analyze and negotiate product costs based on components and lead times.
• Sample & Order Management
  • Coordinate SRS with sourcing and vendors, tracking delivery status.
  • Handle Bulk & SRS PO creation and management in GFE/PLM/SAP systems.
  • Manage showroom sample processes to meet market deadlines.
  • Oversee sample submission requirements following the "Right First Time" approach across Red/Orange/Yellow/Green pipeline designations.
• Production Approvals & Quality
  • Drive communication for pending approvals on samples and stock.
  • Monitor Right First-Time quality and vendor performance.
  • Ensure adherence to brand standards and quality benchmarks across all product development tracks.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Lead weekly stakeholder meetings with Design, Technical, and Merchandising teams.
  • Champion operational processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage team development and mentor associates/assistants.
• Liability Management
  • Coordinate Raw Material liability management using the o9 RM Commitment Ledger.
  • Support disposition and status management of raw materials as needed.

Requirements

• End-to-end product lifecycle expertise from development through production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and sourcing operations.
• Cost engineering and financial analysis capabilities.
• Experience in quality assurance and vendor relationship management.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder influence.
• Ability to coordinate with international offices.
• Commitment to sustainability and innovation implementation.
• Skills in team development and mentoring.