Merchandise Planner, Men's - 17839

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 44 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets.

Purpose and Scope: Partner with Merchandising and Account Planning to develop and deliver a product line that is balanced by segment, classification, item by cluster which will nurture a mutually profitable Mens business.The key focuses of the Merchandise Planner include:* Analyze historical and in-season selling to guide and determine classification plans for both Fashion Basics and Fashion concepts.* Partner with Product Merchant Planning Assistants and provide historical bookings and attribute information as needed when planning future seasons.* Assist with Pre- and Post- market projection management and inventory reconciliation.* Demonstrate proactive communication between the Merchandising, Account Planning and Sales teams.Responsibilities:Strategic Financial Planning Process:* Assist in developing the seasonal corporate financial goals based on product flow and classification percents by delivery. * Duties will involve analyzing historical bookings, shipments and selling by utilizing Data Warehouse as well as various Planning tool reports.* Creation of seasonal master assortment plans in Planning tool to be used in preparation for seasonal Account planning.* As required, participate in preseason merchandising meetings and workshops to understand merchandise direction, fashion flow and rig selection.* Participate in Merchandising War Room meetings and take all notes pertaining to merchandise strategies.Merchandise Planning Process: * Work with SD of Merchandise Planning to review Merchandise Line Plan and confirm that sku needs are met for each classification and delivery.* Communicate any changes in the Line Plan due to re-ranks, design drops, Internal Line Review, etc. to Planners.* Develop and update Merchandising Initiatives to be used by Sales during Line Opening.* Initiatives include Top Volume Drivers, color rollout, door counts, fashion concept placement chart, and pricing strategies.Analysis and Reporting Process: * Assist in the preparation of reports which recap and reconcile each season's bookings based on Fashion and Fashion Basics ranks. These reports include corporate classification %s, bookings by concept in units and dollars, delivery flow, major key items by model and delivery (plan vs. actuals).* Analyze Fashion and Fashion Basics selling reports to make recommendations to Merchandising regarding strategic product placement based on regional account needs and optimal product flow: this will involve color, sizing, and market trend analysis.Communication :* Collaborate with Merchandising and Account Planning to ensure Account plans tie to Corporate strategic merchandise direction, and that Account needs are communicated to Merchandising.* Set up Showrooms for seasonal sales meetings.* Partner with Production and assist as needed in maintaining updated and accurate projections.?

Job Requirements:* Minimum of 3 to 5 years account planning experience required in the apparel industry.* Strong analytical skills.* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.* Strong computer skills.* Self-motivated and organized.* Strong product knowledge in premium / luxury segment of apparel industry.

Ralph Lauren is an equal opportunity employer. We offer dynamic career opportunities with growth potential and a generous company discount.