Pay Range: The pay range for this job is $65000 - $129225 annually; actual pay is dependent on experience and geographic location.
Benefits: Base pay is only one part of our employee value proposition, which includes a robust benefits package, above-market time off, hybrid working arrangements, incentive compensation, where applicable, and varied learning opportunities.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
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 part of the Product Management team, the Manager, Yarn Research & Development will lead yarn research, seasonal development, and commercialization support for Polo Brands. This role partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Raw Materials, Technical Design, Sourcing Offices, factories, mills, and spinners to develop commercially viable yarn solutions that support brand aesthetic, product integrity, quality, cost, lead time, and regional sourcing strategies from concept through bulk production.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead seasonal yarn research and development for Polo Brands, partnering with Design, Merchandising, Raw Materials, Technical Design, Sourcing Offices, factories, mills, and spinners from concept through bulk production.
- Research and propose innovative, brand-right, and commercially viable yarn qualities, blends, counts, gauges, finishes, and sourcing options that support design intent, product performance, cost targets, and lead-time needs.
- Develop and maintain yarn platforms, seasonal yarn libraries, supplier capability mapping, and regional yarn strategies to improve consistency, flexibility, speed, and supply resilience.
- Manage yarn development timelines, lab dips, color approvals, stitch trials, hand-feel reviews, testing requirements, and production readiness milestones to support on-time sample and bulk delivery.
- Partner with mills, spinners, and sourcing teams to evaluate yarn feasibility, minimums, lead times, capacity, country-of-origin opportunities, quality risks, and cost implications.
- Support counter-sourcing, cost engineering, and value-analysis opportunities while maintaining Polo brand standards, product integrity, and required quality/performance expectations.
- Monitor seasonal yarn commitments, liability exposure, platform utilization, and carryover opportunities; communicate risks, recommendations, and mitigation plans to cross-functional partners.
- Maintain accurate yarn development data, costing information, approval status, supplier notes, and seasonal metrics in PLM, Airtable, and other team tools.
- Prepare and communicate yarn development updates for weekly WIPs, seasonal milestone meetings, costing reviews, and leadership discussions.
- Identify and escalate issues related to yarn availability, color, quality, testing, minimums, cost, lead time, or delivery while driving timely solutions with internal and external partners.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor’s degree in Textile Development, Fashion/Apparel, Product Development, Sourcing, or related field preferred.
- Experience in yarn development, raw materials, knitwear/sweater development, product development, sourcing, or a related apparel function.
- Strong knowledge of yarns, fibers, blends, counts, gauges, spinning, dyeing, finishing, knitwear construction, testing requirements, and garment manufacturing processes.
- Proven ability to evaluate yarn quality, hand feel, performance, costing, minimums, lead times, and supplier capabilities in support of seasonal business needs.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills; able to partner effectively with Design, Merchandising, Raw Materials, Technical Design, Sourcing Offices, mills, factories, and spinners.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex calendars, multiple seasonal priorities, accurate product information, and timely follow-through.
- Agile, solution-oriented, and commercially minded; able to quickly pivot, problem solve, and recommend innovative yarn solutions that balance design intent, cost, quality, and delivery.
- Strong computer skills, including Excel, Outlook, PLM, and Airtable; ability to maintain accurate development data and reporting.
- Embodies the Cultural Focus Areas of the RL Brand.
- #LI-CE1
Ralph Lauren will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance laws. Please note background checks will be evaluated individually.
