Store Project Management Associate, UK

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

Responsible for the coordination, management and effective delivery of processes required for the execution and installation of wholesale corners (shop-in-shops) in the UK & ROI region. Key aspects will be ensuring that all procedures are followed and respected according to agreed schedules and budgets, while nurturing effective communication and collaboration amongst internal and external parties. Your main focus will be to support the UK & ROI region, but some tasks will also include supporting the Scandinavian region. This role includes traveling.

• Business Development (Rollout projects): Partner with internal RL Departments (Sales, Finance, Merchandising, Creative, Customer Service, Legal) to support them in initial discussions for new projects and renovations. Support on the selection of new potential locations and propose Financial ROI/PDS/Capex forecast by component for each location. Constantly update capex, project trackers and other related documents. Constantly inform and take action on new business opportunities related to new corners and refits. Regularly update and account to Project Management Manager of the region on project status.
• Project Management: Coordinate all aspects of creating new business cases with all stakeholders. Manage the operation elements of new corner, remodel, and refit projects. Monitor all stages and processes, from planning, design, costing, construction to opening. Monitor and make sure each project has a continued business justification. Be proactive and analyze risks to make sure the business case is achievable. Practice great communication to make sure all stakeholders are updated with the latest information of each project stage. Set and control deadlines in each project stage to guarantee unobstructed progression and met fixed opening date. Liaise with vendors, local authorities, etc, on a daily basis. Manage scheduling and all planning aspects of new corners openings and remodels in partnership with Design, Construction, Sales, Creative and third parties. Be available to travel for site visits during the corner construction together with other teams (Sales, Creative, Construction). Travel to manage new corner installations and renovations, by coordinating all aspects of the opening – millwork handover, creative set up, product deliveries. Analyze each project after completion to learn from experience. Monitor and archive all documents, information and files related to each project. Maintain and update the database related to corner projects. Work to continually improve current processes and practices, providing input on corner design standards to ensure operational efficiency. Manage legal documents concerning new, existing and closed corners/stores.
• Finance Management: Constantly keep track of all project costs and foresee possible overbudget. Find adapted solutions in case of budget increase or market constraints. Make sure all Purchase Orders related to projects are issued, approved and received. Monitor payments of invoices related to projects. Actively work on key learnings by macro regions (local vendors) to improve cost of corners. Coordinate the cost reconciliation and financial processes for each project.
• Maintenance: Manage the maintenance of existing corners to guarantee great brand representation. Regularly update Project Management Manager of the region on maintenance status and new store need orders. Partner with accounts and Creative on store needs and maintenance. Manage store needs orders. Create and maintain store needs database. Organize all aspects of store closures. Work with Partner and Supplier to maintain all POS - Scouting local vendors. Partner with other regions on rollout projects to learn from experience and best practices. Assist in cost tracking and budgeting. Availability of supporting openings on site.
• General RLSD EU support: Experience, Skills & Knowledge.

SKILLS

• Problem solving and solution oriented.
• Open and communicative personality.
• Project planning, Control & Management.
• Analytical skills to foresee project risks.
• Stakeholder assessment in the initial phase of the project.
• Open-minded & proactive.
• Team player, with a strong sense of initiative.
• Able to work under pressure and to prioritise workloads to meet strict deadlines.
• "Hands on" attitude & ability to multi-task.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (diplomacy & cross-cultural communication).
• Ability to build partnerships both internally and externally.
• Able to work on own initiative with problem solving attitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent Excel skills and macro.
• Ability to create new tools to facilitate the daily work.
• Propose new solutions (tools, software and processes) for better project management.