Global People Practices & Program Management Lead

Position Overview

The Global People Practices team works to uphold the objective and consistent treatment of all employees, vendors and customers to maintain a positive, professional and respectful workplace culture. Global People Practices works with the People team and managers to protect and uphold our working standards and environment.

The Global People Practices Lead will work primarily in these areas;

• Ensuring a consistent and objective approach for workplace concerns around harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
• Capability Building:
• Identify skill gaps, coach and create training to enhance our People Team and Leadership capabilities around the application of policies, workplace investigations and conflict resolution.
• Serves as an internal consultant for the People team, providing guidance and thought partnership.
• Policy Stewardship
• Workplace Compliance
• Program Management

• Identify opportunities to enhance our Employee Relations system, working with existing vendor to implement AI enhancements.
• Working with various partners to build an employee self-service policy platform

The Global People Practices Lead will implement a wide range of activities related to employee relations and ensures resolution through successful coordination with partnership from People & Development, Legal, Global Security, senior business partners, and other subject matter experts. This role works across the organization by providing expert consultation and support on employee relations, performance management, case management, policy development, and progressive work practices.

The Global People Practices Lead will conduct and lead complex, high-risk and/or sensitive confidential investigations, and makes recommendations on next steps and appropriate discipline and ensures cases are handled consistently, transparently, in a timely fashion, and in line with Company policies, procedures, and appropriate local and federal law.

The Global Practices Lead serves as the primary point of contact for their assigned departments/ employee population, acting as a trusted advisor and coach with key stakeholders. Identifies stated and underlying needs and develops solutions to mitigate areas of concern. Collaborates closely with People centers of excellence to develop policies and practices, advocating for organization-wide People programs that impact and support the enhancement of the employee experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Workplace Practices

• Lead and resolve complex, sensitive, and high risk employee relations issues, ensuring thorough, objective, and timely investigations.
• Identify risk factors and adjust course of action to effectively mitigate legal, compliance, or reputational exposure.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for workplace concerns related to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of employment laws, regulatory requirements, and Company policies; ensure employee handbooks and workplace practices align with legal standards.
• Provide high quality, comprehensive case summaries and documentation for People team leaders, Legal, and other stakeholders.
• Recommends actions and interventions to People leaders to address gaps between the organization's current HR initiatives and stakeholder and business needs.

Capability Building

• Design, develop, and deliver capability-building tools, training, and interventions to enhance People Team and Leadership effectiveness, especially in policy application, investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Assess team skill gaps and provide coaching to strengthen judgment, consistency, and decision quality.
• Serve as an internal consultant and coach to the People team, supporting consistent global application of polices.
• Maintains a business understanding and productive relationships within assigned departments.

Artificial Intelligence Automation & Digital Enablement

• Identify opportunities to apply AI and automation across Global People Practices, including ER case management, compliance training, policy platforms, and knowledge management.
• Evaluate and integrate AI powered HR technologies that enhance accuracy, scalability, operational efficiency, and decision making.
• Ensure responsible and ethical use of AI by establishing governance practices that minimize bias, protect employee data, and comply with global labor, legal, and privacy standards.
• Translate insights from AI powered analytics and predictive models into actionable recommendations for risk assessment, employee experience, and organizational health.

Program & Portfolio Management

• Lead strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of large scale department and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Develop and maintain program governance frameworks, including, milestones, KPIs, and stakeholder communication plans.
• Represent and advocate for departmental needs during enterprise-wide program design and implementation.
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, IT, Finance, Global Security, and People Centers of Excellence to ensure program alignment, operational excellence, and consistent execution.

Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze People data, trends, and metrics to develop solutions, policies, and proactive interventions.
• Interpret data visualizations using basic statistical acumen to identify patterns, hotspots, and emerging risks.
• Leverage predictive analytics and AI-driven insights to forecast trends and recommend preventive strategies.
• Monitor HR trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, aligning recommendations with organizational strategy.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Global People Practices.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Professional Expertise

• Advanced level experience as an HR Business Partner or People Leader in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, workplace compliance, and progressive HR best practices.
• Working knowledge of key HR disciplines including compensation, organizational design, performance management, and Belonging and Equity.
• Experience with policy creation, stewardship, and implementation across global environments.
• Demonstrated capability in conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation.

AI, Digital & Analytical Skills

• Understanding of AI applications within HR and the ability to evaluate AI tools for ethical, compliant, and value-added use.
• Experience using analytics platforms or case management tools to extract insights and identify trends.
• Ability to interpret data visualizations and apply basic statistical reasoning to inform decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in leveraging automation or digital solutions to streamline HR processes.

Program & Project Management Skills

• Significant experience in program leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to structure programs with clear goals, KPIs, milestones, and communication strategies.
• Strong capability in risk management, change management, and adoption planning.

Leadership, Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and navigate complex situations.
• High degree of judgment, integrity, accountability, and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage high volumes of work.

Tools & Technology

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with HRIS, case management tools, AI-enabled HR platforms, and analytics dashboards.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours across time zones.
• Ability to travel as needed (10% or less)

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.