Career Opportunity
Design Lead, RRL Accessories & Footwear
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Company Description
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
The Lead is responsible for the design and product oversight for the men’s and women’s Double RL Accessories and Footwear categories. This position will be accountable for the design process; while maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of the brand and seasonal business objectives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Design a compelling product assortment that supports the brand aesthetic and seasonal conceptual direction set by the Senior Brand Creative Director.
- Provide best in class research to develop new product ideas by compiling vintage garments, photos, tear sheets, sketches, fabric swatches and trim inspiration.
- Research market trends and runway shows to stay aware of new fabric/materials, models/silhouettes, trim, print/pattern, wash and finishing techniques.
- Create inspirational design boards and sketches/color-ups to convey design ideas to the Senior Brand Creative Director during the product design phase.
- Lead product design cycle while achieving all milestone calendar deadlines.
- Develop product in accordance with the line plan structure and seasonal business strategy.
- Ensure design hand-offs are detailed, and development goals are clear to ensure timely and accurate development of exceptional product. (sketch, specs, construction, material/trims, wash)
- When required drive selection of print/logo technique, color, size and placement
- Review and issue approvals/direction on all product development submits through to stock approval.
- Communicate brand aesthetic and seasonal goals to our regional teams, mills and factories so they can drive the innovation of new products/techniques that align with our brand.
- Travel may be required to support development and sourcing initiatives.
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- Proven ability to create a design offering that supports the creative direction and is aligned with the commercial merchandising strategy
- Hands-on approach to design that is grounded in storytelling and innovation
- Takes initiative and can manage overlapping projects in a dynamic environment
- Excellent communication skills and comfortable building relationships across teams
- Strong technical knowledge of bag and footwear construction, materials and elevated finishing techniques
- Ability to create a cohesive assortment between categories
- Comfortable with creating and leading in a digital culture.
- Extremely proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
- 3D design a plus
- Affinity for the brand and a strong knowledge of vintage
- Confidence in managing direct reports and fostering their growth
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, accessories design or fashion design preferred
