Head of Technical Design, Children's Polo

Position Overview

The Head of Technical Design, Children’s Polo directs the Technical Design Team to create and distribute tech packs in a timely and robust manner ultimately resulting in production ready samples and fit approvals- ensuring that all standards are met. Their leadership creates a team fluent in the end to end process. They should be implementing the Closer to Needle Point strategy where appropriate. They ensure true partnership with the global Technical Design Teams.

This position is also accountable for creating, enabling, and rolling out initiatives to empower RL Suppliers to be independent and high functioning. They lead globally (cross functionally and externally) to ensure understanding and engagement- be it simplification tools, self-approvals, or calibration to RL standards. They work cross functional in NY to ensure widespread embracement of global practices eliminating duplication

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Be intimate with the brand needs from a development perspective to enable execution of product:

• Calendar

• Construction standards

• Fit requirements

• Cause and Effect parameters- for example: accurate proto garments bringing design intent to life enable accurate sales samples.

• Global skill sets in both NY and the regional offices to ensure offshore empowerment is possible.

• Supplier capabilities through in-depth knowledge of the supplier matrix.

• Simplification Tools to enable robust simple tech packs.

•3D requirements.

• Ensure every style in the line has a completed tech pack and digital asset- note: the digital asset requirements are new, and this capability will take time to build.

• Promote learning and career growth in the department:

• PLM Training

• Construction Classes

• Fit Classes

• BrowzWear Training

• Own brand construction standards and VQS requirements for Lauren Brand.

• As we grow, the capability of 3D in Technical Design, it is imperative that this position learns and maintains knowledge / speed of Browse Wear the program. NOTE: This position must dedicate 20-25% of their time each week using the program to ensure full understanding of how Browzwear works to ensure effective leadership. The technology changes and is often upgraded, so we want to ensure leadership is kept aware of its capability.

• Along with knowing Browzwear comes the knowledge of Lota. This is essential to this position as encouraging Design to use the program requires the knowledge of knowing what you are asking someone else to do.

• This position must be aware of current status as it pertains to Tech Pack Completion at all times to be able to communicate up, out, and across the organization.

• Accurate reporting of metrics (successes or failures) up and out of the department.

• Align with cross functional team member on seasonal deliverables to enable execution.

• Spearhead the development of 3D capability with digital drapes and digital proto during the Design process.

• Performance management of the team to recognize strengths and achievements and manage development opportunities.

Global professionalism with regards to availability of time for conference calls, zoom meetings, virtual fittings, etc.…

• E- mail, phone and video conference communication with NY/HK offices.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Must have all related experience in product that includes, Wovens, Knits & Sweaters. Tailoring, Soft Dressing, Denim, Outerwear, Skins, Shirts & Bottoms.

* Degree or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design or equivalent work experience preferred

* Good verbal and written communication skills

* Strong organizational skills and ability manage competing priorities.

* A sense of urgency and attention to detail

* Responsible and accountable

* Ability to proactively problem solve

* Knowledge of 3D programs a must

* Illustrator sketching a must

Computer Skills: Browzwear, Lota, Gerber, PLM, PDM, Adobe Illustrator, MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Word

Position is required to be in office 2-3x a week

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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.