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. Senior Area Visual Merchandising Manager, Brand Image UK & Ireland PFS Location: United Kingdom Position Overview We have an exciting new opportunity as a Senior PRO Brand Image Manager. This is a key role within our organization, responsible for maintaining and elevating the brand image across our Polo Retail Stores This position plays a crucial part in ensuring consistent brand representation and visual merchandising standards across multiple locations. Essential Duties & Responsibilities
* Responsible for creative brand leadership, elevation and implementation.
* Being the creative voice for the Region and nurturing cross functional partnerships.
* Balancing art and commerce across existing stores and NSO’s.
* Responsible for the management and coaching of the Brand Image Field team.
* Reports directly into the EMEA PRO Brand Image Lead, providing weekly updates on people, successes and challenges within their region.
Key Accountabilities Brand Elevation
* Ensure that all PRO Regional stores creative implementation, is delivered “best in class” to the consumer, aligned with Brand Image strategy.
* Enhance the customer journey, ensuring both art and commerce are balanced and consider local market implications.
* Be brand aware and protect our brand equity externally in the Region.
Project Management
* Collaborate cross functionally with all stakeholders and keep them informed on changes affecting region on a regular basis.
* Be an integral part of the NSO launch process from planning to delivery. Partnering with Space Planning to determine layout of the store and leading implementation with Field team.
* Define the project goals and the best way to deliver the Brand Image strategy for the stores in partnership with Line Manager.
* Galvanise all relationships that are key to the outcome of each project.
* Responsible for identifying challenges within projects which could put it at risk, escalating to Line Manager.
* Responsible for providing project hindsight and recommendation reports to improve future projects.
Business Development
* Identify in partnership with Regional Manager and Line Manager, brand appropriate commercial opportunities and flag with Space Planning team.
* Understand seasonal buy strategy, key performance drivers & priority of concepts.
* Understand and be able to articulate the consumer and marketplace.
* Understand the P&L of each store & space metrics, to drive the right balance of sales to space mixes.
Leadership
* Set clear expectations and inspire the team to deliver results.
* Collaborate with Line Manager to create a working team and environment that allows, creativity, strong work ethic and a passion for the Ralph Lauren Brand.
* Challenge others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model and ‘leading from the front’.
* Develop a strong and effective cross-functional network of relationships.
* Develop a broad knowledge and understanding of all functional needs.
* Facilitate regular direct and wider team meetings, and encourage two-way dialogue.
* Be responsible for the team’s seasonal calendar of installs and input into planning calendar before season starts.
* Celebrate success and recognise contributions which are over and above.
* Have a succession plan and keep Talent Diamond up to date, flagging any opportunities and risks with line manager in a timely manner.
* Manage T&E budget in partnership with Line Manager, aligned with company and FP&A targets.
Coaching
* In partnership with employee, develop yearly goal setting, with clear aims and SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely).
* Conduct yearly employee performance reviews and quarterly check in’s, based on competencies and goal setting.
* Identify strengths, development opportunities and career aspirations of employees.
* Collaborate with employees to develop 70/20/10 development plans (in the role/mentoring/training courses).
* Provide ‘in the moment’ feedback of great work and growth opportunities.
Communication
* Champion and drive effective communication between all cross-functional partners.
* Be able to communicate in a variety of forums and choose the right message medium when communicating.
* Balance the need to seek information with the need to be understood.
Be clear, concise and timely. Assume positive intent of others and practice active listening.
* Model Ralph Lauren values & create a psychological safe environment for employees to show up as themselves and thrive.
* Hold regular status meeting with the teams, set clear expectations and provide detailed action plans.
* Resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely manner.
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
* Extensive retail brand management or visual merchandising
* Desired but not essential 5 strategic cycles as a regional/ area visual merchandiser or equivalent
* Strong understanding of luxury retail and fashion industry trends
* Excellent communication and leadership skills
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
* Proficiency in relevant software and tools for visual planning and analysis
**Please note that this position requires extensive travel to various store locations to ensure hands-on management of brand image implementation and consistency**