Associate Merchandise Planner

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview

As an Associate Planner within the Merchandise Planning team at Ralph Lauren, you will play a crucial role in optimizing inventory management, forecasting, and strategic planning to drive business performance. This position requires a blend of analytical skills, business acumen, and collaborative abilities to support the company's merchandise planning efforts.

This position requires a detail-oriented individual with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for retail and merchandise planning. The ideal candidate will be able to balance data-driven decision-making with strategic thinking to support Ralph Lauren's business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Critically analyzes trade reports and utilizes own knowledge to influence forecasting & promotional/MD planning.
• Optimizes channel availability & takes necessary trading actions.
• Owns line card process and translates impacts into department WSSI forecasting.
• Manages department WSSI to reflect short- and long-term risks and opportunities to KPIs, communicating impacts to planner.
• Finds solutions to achieving EOH stock and average cost turn targets.
• Leads department/brand hindsight analysis and communicates key learnings to relevant stakeholders.
• Partners with buying counterparts to formulate the department forward strategy and communicates risks and opportunities.
• Drives OTB process, utilizing the forward strategies created and collaborating with buying counterparts.
• Oversees seasonal recodes.
• Responsible for overseeing seasonal markdowns & communication to stores.
• Deputizes for Planner.
• Leads regular store visits, analyzing store reports and presenting feedback to team.
• Understands where RL fits within the wider retail environment through comprehensive competitor analysis.

Training and Development

• Adopts a positive and proactive approach to training and development.
• Seeks improvement in processes & increases efficiencies.
• Coaches and trains team, helping them acquire skills & knowledge.
• Supports team in achieving personal goals.
• Participates in company initiatives as appropriate.
• Participates in team wellness & prioritizes psychological safety.

Communications & Partnerships

• Creates and maintains strong working relationships within cross-functional teams: Buying, Allocations, ECOM, and retail store teams.
• Liaises with key stakeholders to review and assist in the formation of seasonal lessons learnt.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Skills

• Strong analytical and numerical mindset.
• Effective communicator - able to communicate messages clearly and concisely.
• Able to work autonomously, results-oriented and able to 'think outside the box'.
• Demonstrates logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Solution-oriented with an entrepreneurial attitude.
• Able to organize, prioritize tasks, and manage time well.
• Demonstrates self-awareness of their impact on others.
• Able to build and maintain productive relationships within team environment.
• Competent in using Microsoft Excel and BI reporting tools.
• Able to demonstrate resilience and remain positive during challenging periods.
• Regularly recognizes & praises good work.
• Leads by example & is a good Associate role model.
• Desire to have fun at work and an appreciation for product.