Ralph Lauren Project Management Lead, NA Construction

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. For over 50 years, Ralph Lauren has cultivated a reputation and distinctive image through a diverse portfolio of brands, including Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Chaps. The company fosters a culture of inclusion, fairness, and belonging through talent development, education, employee groups, and celebration.

About the role

The Construction Project Management Lead will oversee the North American construction team in delivering new store builds, renovations, and refits across the region. This role manages the full project lifecycle—from concept to turnover—ensuring seamless coordination between internal teams, consultants, and suppliers. Responsibilities include driving processes, managing budgets and schedules, and delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The position also involves leading, mentoring, and developing the project management team while providing clear progress reporting to senior stakeholders. Projects span multiple distribution channels, including Wholesale, Flagship, Boutiques, Outlets, Hospitality, and Shop-in-Shop stores.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, coach, and develop the North American store project management team, setting clear goals and performance expectations.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Project & Process Management
  • Oversee the end-to-end delivery of multiple store construction and renovation projects.
  • Establish, implement, and maintain standardized project management processes, tools, and best practices.
  • Drive process efficiency and ensure compliance with internal policies and industry standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing structured updates on project status, budget, risks, and milestones.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Real Estate, Legal, Business, Architecture, and Design teams to align objectives and resolve challenges.
• Budget & Schedule Control
  • Develop, track, and manage budgets, ensuring adherence to financial targets while maintaining quality.
  • Create and manage detailed project schedules, proactively identifying risks and adjusting timelines for successful delivery.
• Vendor & Contractor Management
  • Select, negotiate, and manage external contractors, consultants, and suppliers to deliver high-quality results.
  • Monitor performance to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and adherence to Ralph Lauren brand standards.
• Quality & Compliance
  • Enforce rigorous quality control and safety standards on all project sites.
  • Ensure compliance with local building regulations, permits, and approval processes.
• Risk & Issue Resolution
  • Anticipate and mitigate project risks, resolving issues quickly to minimize impact on cost and schedule.
• Reporting & Documentation
  • Deliver accurate and timely project reporting to key stakeholders, including executive summaries, dashboards, and variance analyses.
  • Oversee project close-out, punch lists, and documentation to ensure smooth handovers.
• Travel
  • Conduct regular site visits across North America to ensure project alignment and execution.

Requirements

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Significant experience in luxury retail construction or high-end commercial projects, with a proven track record of delivering complex, multi-site projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing both teams and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in project management software and MS Office; Smartsheet experience preferred.
• PMP, Prince2, LEED, or similar professional certification desirable.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of local building regulations, permitting processes, and contract negotiations.
• Familiarity with lean construction principles is a plus.