Ralph Lauren

Program Initiation Team objectives 

• Create a detailed and documented understanding of the current RL IT AS-IS application environment across all 3 regions. This includes all objects in scope for transition on both an interim and permanent basis. These objects include but are not limited to interfaces, data, reporting, access, third party systems as well as RL ERP and Edge systems
• Create a detailed and documented understanding of the current RL IT AS-IS infrastructure environment across all 3 regions. This includes all infrastructure objects in scope for transition on both an interim and permanent basis
• Creation of an interim state framework that outlines how the RL systems will need to be set up during the period of transition to the TO-BE status
• Agree how the current systems will be maintained during this interim state identifying when investment will be reduced so that the existing platforms move into a maintenance only status 
• Definition of the migration package, toolset, scope and approach that will allow for the continued roll out of the new platform over the forthcoming years facilitating a smooth transition of the company as it gradually transitions over 
• Finalization of the  TO-BE ERP system scope, agreeing where the functionality will reside (ERP versus EDGE) within which system. This will also include mapping out the dependencies on the edge systems within RL at both a data object and interface level  
• Finalization of infrastructure and related security solutions to support the TO-BE ERP system 
• Definition of the operational requirements to ensure that the new platform meets the needs of the business to meet the RTO/RPO agreements and that all the necessary reporting, alerting etc is in line with RL standards. This includes items such as automation in areas of data archiving, scheduling, alerting etc. 
• Definition of the integration strategy and approach along with the details to create a seamless transition which provides flexibility and agility to provide a competitive advantage to the business going forward
• Creation of an automated testing strategy identifying the approach and tools that RL should adopt to speed up the acceptance of the systems, increasing the quality, reducing the time to introduce new changes, enabling volume testing to simulate peak workloads. This approach will accommodate both RL generated functional and vendor system releases 
• §Creation of an application documentation repository containing all information for both the AS-IS environment and the TO-BE systems going forward. The intent will be to create detailed information in an approved tool or framework that will be used ongoing throughout the project and beyond 
• Creation of an overview of the approach for data migration, outlining the plan, ownership, roles and responsibilities and any tools required to perform the cutover from the existing ERP systems including the interim state
• Identify the impact of the new NGT ERP system on the data analytics and reporting capabilities within RL. Identify how the new solution will best integrate into the data analytics domain and outline the impact on current reporting solutions and how to remediate
• Design and implementation with the partnership of the NGT ERP SI and Information Security a clear Cyber Security framework for the Hybrid cloud design based on NIS and CIS standards
• Creation and implementation of the transition to support documentation with the TO-BE ERP system with clear RACI matrix between RL Technology I&O, Security, Applications, and the TO-BE ERP system provider

Responsibilities include 

• Work with all the IT, business, vendor teams to ensure the scope is clearly understood and that there appears to be no gaps
• Creation of a clear picture of the current AS-IS, documenting the data flows and dependencies and integration points for the current ERP systems by region. Assignment of ownership for a specific ERP application (either SAP or D365) will be performed 
• Ensuring that the ownership (business and IT) is clear within the ERP system of the various business functions and that there are Work with the nominated business members of the project to identify and assign responsibility at a functional and data entity level where possible 
• Alignment of the system functionality with the business process flows so that the project teams can create flows that ensure clarity of ownership, within the process and dependency
• Identification and quantification of the impact on the interim state identifying the impact on the period where the systems must run in parallel. Outline of the technical impact and creation of a plan to deliver the requirements at a high level to ensure that this can be undertaken as part of the program. This also includes the necessary business verification and reporting required
• Identification and creation of the migration and final cut over plan from an ERP perspective, detailing the impact and create the subsequent budget and plan to meet the business needs. This also includes the necessary business verification and reporting required  
• Identification of gaps in any of the respective process or technical areas in the TO-BE solution so that mitigation can be created (possibly at a later stage) to remedy. This will entail working closely with the TO-BE vendor team  
• Work with the vendor team to identify all customizations and extensions across the ERP (SAP or D365) systems, aligning this to the processes created and work with the vendor to then identify if there are gaps in the TO-BE state. The intent is to highlight these to ensure that they can be referenced during the design phase  
• Preparation of the various teams as much as possible for the upcoming mobilization. Use the engagement to educate, but also to listen and absorb and represent back the findings of the teams
• Creation of an approach to testing that will enable an agile approach to developing and releasing new capabilities that encompasses the ERP systems to create a common method across the RL systems in scope
• Work with the various teams to develop the high level cut over approach by system by object by phase to include but not limited to: 
• PO 
• SO 
• Inventory 
• Financial management controls  
• Product migration 
• Retail location  
• Master data 

• Assistance in identifying training needs to facilitate knowledge required by the teams
• Development and maintenance of individual and integrated project plans, including scope, objectives and milestones, deliverables, risks and issues 
• Agreement on an overall approach for the capturing of business requirements, documentation, testing criteria in an efficient manner that will allow for the more agile approach to managing change going forward 
• Assistance in defining the strategy for the development and support of the system ongoing  

• Minimum 8+ years of experience with a proven track record in a related role working alongside external vendors
• Experience within a vertically integrated retail environment; fashion apparel experience is highly desirable
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Must be adept at translating complex concepts into actionable plans
• Ability to confidently engage with and influence senior executives
• Strong analytical skills: data leverage to make strategic decisions
• The ideal candidate is pragmatic, a problem solver, thrives under pressure, and excels at multitasking. Has the ability to make decisive and timely decisions while acting with authority
• Strong strategic vision but also comfortable taking a hands-on approach to achieve results
• Can be based in UK/CH/NY/NJ