Position Overview

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 Sk level.

Essential Duties & 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 Retail Sales/ Gm/ inventory.
• 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.
• Communicating 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

• Enterprise Planning.
• Island Pacific.
• Gbis – Global reporting tool used to provide visibility to key sales metrics.
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Kronos/Wfm – Work Force Management tool for time entry of hourly employees.
• Gfe+
• Jda Allocation

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