Ralph Lauren Sales Operations Manager, Wholesale Reporting and Analytics
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 legacy spanning over 50 years, the company’s portfolio includes iconic brands such as Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Chaps. Ralph Lauren fosters a culture of inclusion through talent development, education, employee groups, and celebration.
About the Role
The Sales Operations Manager of Wholesale Reporting and Analytics leads the management and execution of data analysis to measure order bookings, inventory performance, and shipment forecasting in support of the company’s strategic financial objectives. This role serves as a key analytical partner to senior leadership, delivering actionable insights into financial forecasting, KPIs, and ad-hoc business needs. Operating at a management level, the position drives high-impact reporting and analytics for Executive Management.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, execution, and ongoing improvement of Wholesale shipment forecasting and reporting analytics related to order status, metrics, KPIs, inventory performance, inbound product flow, and financial outcomes.
- Provide data-driven insights and analysis to identify performance drivers, business risks, and predictive outcomes.
- Partner with Wholesale Services Leadership to produce and deliver accurate monthly and quarterly financial shipment forecasts for strategic planning and decision-making.
- Own and deliver Daily/Monthly Forecasting Reports to Executive Management, ensuring clarity, consistency, and data integrity.
- Analyze inbound inventory and order flow to identify risks to customer commitments, revenue, and performance gaps.
- Support ad-hoc business analysis requests by translating complex data into clear, actionable insights.
- Establish standardized forecasting methodologies, reporting frameworks, and best practices.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance reporting tools, processes, and data sources to improve accuracy and business impact.
- Champion a culture of data-driven decision-making and mentor teams on advanced forecasting, sensing, and analytics best practices.
- Collaborate with Finance, Sales, Production, Logistics, and Distribution teams to align forecasts and assess financial and operational risk.
- Develop a strong understanding of changes to the order pool and their impact on monthly and seasonal forecasts.
- Ensure all analytical and reporting processes are fully documented, cross-train colleagues, and provide operational backfill coverage.
- Support or lead independent projects as business needs arise, delivering results and actionable recommendations within expected timeframes.
Requirements
- Leadership-level experience with SAP AFS / S/4HANA, owning wholesale forecasting, order management, inventory, and financial reporting processes.
- Experience leading and governing reporting solutions in MicroStrategy, including defining standards, validating outputs, and guiding analyst development and best practices.
- Deep understanding of modern analytics and BI technologies, with the ability to evaluate tools and drive adoption of scalable reporting solutions.
- Strong knowledge of relational data models and data integrity across enterprise systems.
- Advanced Excel expertise, including complex modeling, pivot tables, advanced formulas, macros, and the ability to coach and review work for accuracy and efficiency.
- Experience leveraging WMS data to drive operational and executive-level insights.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a positive, professional demeanor, even in high-pressure situations.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in forecasting, reporting, or business analytics, preferably within apparel, retail, or wholesale.
- Proficiency in statistical modeling, forecasting, and demand sensing methodologies with emphasis on financial forecasting, inventory analysis, revenue capture, and performance metrics.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and BI/reporting tools; ability to present insights to executive audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong collaboration skills and experience working cross-functionally.
- Experience in Finance, Business, Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent degree preferred.