At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape digital assortment strategy and influence buying decisions using data insights.
- Company: Join Ralph Lauren, a global leader in premium lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital commerce in a renowned brand.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in merchandising or digital trading with strong stakeholder collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Position Overview
The Senior Merch Ops Manager plays a key role in shaping the digital assortment strategy for Polo Men’s and Polo Women’s. The role acts as the digital voice across the buy cycle, using customer behaviour, site performance, availability metrics, and trading insights to influence pre-season planning and in-season decisions. This position requires navigating senior cross-functional forums, challenging assumptions, and consolidating complex data into clear direction for Buying, Planning, and Inventory teams. The remit spans assortment, availability, zero-seller reduction, size and depth optimisation, and the integration of post-season hindsight into future buys. The Senior Manager is expected to lead conversations at divisional level, represent digital priorities consistently, and drive operational improvements that directly impact NPS, cancelled orders, and overall assortment quality.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assortment Influence & Strategy
- Represent digital at all key buy cycle forums, including post-adoption reviews, pre-season alignment, and strategic summits.
- Consolidate insights across navigation, search, sell-through, availability, Notify Me, and size trends to shape Polo’s seasonal buy.
- Influence option count, depth, and SKU architecture using data-led recommendations.
- Lead alignment on category-level risks and opportunities with Buying, Planning, and Inventory partners.
- Availability & In-Season Trading
- Own availability visibility and partner with Allocation to improve depth, reduce early sellouts, and reduce fragmentation.
- Lead Polo’s zero-seller identification, root-cause analysis, and removal recommendations.
- Shape corrective actions during in-season trading to reduce order cancellations and customer friction.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary digital counterpart for Polo Buying, Planning, Inventory, Site Ops, Connected Retail, and Business Planning.
- Drive senior stakeholder alignment and ensure follow-through on actions across multiple teams and regions.
- Lead the creation and delivery of divisional reviews, hindsight packs, and digital-specific summaries.
- Data & Reporting
- Own insight consolidation across dashboards, availability reports, size analysis, and customer behaviour signals.
- Translate complex analytics into simple, actionable direction for commercial partners.
- Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior leaders.
- Ways of Working & Process Leadership
- Champion consistent Merch Ops processes and operating principles across Polo.
- Identify opportunities to streamline decision-making and improve cross-functional rhythm.
- Guide the Merch Ops Manager to adopt shared standards (peer leadership, not line).
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- Substantial proven experience in merchandising, planning, allocation, or digital trading with direct e-commerce experience – min 7 full strategic performance cycles.
- Significant experience partnering with senior stakeholders in a global or matrixed retail environment.
- Proven ability to influence buy decisions using data, insights, and commercial reasoning.
- Demonstrated ability to lead seasonal planning cycles and large cross-functional meetings.
- Strong understanding of OTB, option planning, size curves, depth vs width, and assortment lifecycle.
Senior Merchandising Operations Manager, Digital Commerce, EMEA & LATAM – London employer: Recruit4Mum
Ralph Lauren Corporation is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusion and belonging, making it a fantastic place for professionals seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of digital commerce. Located in London, employees benefit from a vibrant work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a globally recognised brand. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on operational excellence, Ralph Lauren offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about shaping the future of premium lifestyle products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Merchandising Operations Manager, Digital Commerce, EMEA & LATAM – London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, especially those who work at Ralph Lauren or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Ralph Lauren's digital strategy. Know their products and how they position themselves in the market. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your data storytelling skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions in past roles. This is key for the Senior Merch Ops Manager position, so make sure you can articulate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Ralph Lauren.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Merchandising Operations Manager, Digital Commerce, EMEA & LATAM – London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Merchandising Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in digital trading and merchandising, and don’t forget to showcase any data-driven decisions you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills align with Ralph Lauren’s values. Be sure to mention your experience with cross-functional collaboration and influencing buy decisions.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your ability to translate complex analytics into actionable insights. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Merchandising Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence buy decisions using data. Brush up on key metrics like OTB, option planning, and size curves. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders from different departments. Highlight any experiences where you led discussions or drove alignment on strategic initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around availability and in-season trading. Think of specific scenarios where you identified issues like zero-sellers or order cancellations and how you addressed them effectively.
✨Align with Company Values
Ralph Lauren values inclusion and community. Familiarise yourself with their culture and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that reflect your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
