Ralph Lauren

Program Initiation Team objectives:

• Creation of 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
• Creation of 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
• Agreement on the way 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 scope of the TO-BE ERP system, 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 the 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 detailed 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
• Identification of 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 of a clear Cyber Security framework for the Hybrid cloud design based on NIS and CIS standards with the partnership of the NGT ERP SI and Information Security
• 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

This role will define a strategy and approach to automate the testing of the new TO-BE solution. The scope will include the ERP systems and the immediate edge systems to enable a full acceptance test to be performed before any promotion of code to a production environment.

As the project starts, the creation of configuration or code needs to pass through a set of testing stages to verify its authenticity and durability. The testing of the solution is imperative to help support the ability of the business to adapt and move quickly. Therefore, this stream will define a solution that can be adapted to cover the various cycles of code / configuration build in accordance with RL standards for development.

The testing has to include existing functional and system capability, as well as incorporate new developments and be able to simulate volumes to stress test the environment that exceed peak business metrics. The testing has to include an ability to provide results quickly and allow overnight results for a full system test to take place. It must also include the immediate edge systems and the interim state framework. The tool must be able to extend to other platforms outside the ERP scope to enable a full testing capability across the application suite to be performed, replicating the business cycle.

To support rapid code deployment at RL, the product selection approach should take into account whether the ERP vendor has a leading tool suite the ERP vendor prefers or has an extendable tool suite.  Alternatively, the approach can also consider whether an internal RL tool can be modified for this purpose.

The approach to automation should also consider how to extend into the requirements capture so that the process to convert into testing is agile and automated. In addition, the consideration of the interim state and migration packages must also taken into account.

During the period of the NGT deployment there will be a significant period where the AS-IS environment and the TO-BE environment must co-exist together. The testing product must consider whether it needs to support this interim state as well as the recurring migration framework as the systems is roled out a regional basis.

The approach will be to work closely with the teams to identify what is required for this area and then map out options best aligned to the agreed strategy. Then define the plan and resources and ongoing team required to support this ongoing. The approach must support the ERP and the EDGE systems. This will also involve working closely with the ERP vendors.

Once the approach for the work packages has been agreed, identification of the level of effort and how the testing capability will be delivered is required. This will include the definition of roles and responsibilities ongoing within a new team.

Support will be provided to plan and collect the information, managing the data collected and enabling the lead to focus on the activities, rather than the repository of information and the details to create the plan.

The role will also ensure that there are formal processes in place with the business to accept their role within the new testing automated testing framework. The testing lead will also be seen as an evangelist for the program, helping to educate, raise awareness, grow confidence in those around them. They will become a focal point for the program and will generally help to raise the profile and understanding of the program within the company.

Responsibilities include:

• Work with all the IT, business, vendor teams to ensure a clear set of requirements is agreed for the testing of the NGT ERP and Edge systems. This will also consider the interim and migration package
• Creation of a clear picture of the current AS-IS, highlighting areas where automation exists and whether the current approach can be extended to the NGT ERP environment
• Creation of a strategy for automated testing outlining the impact on the configuration and development cycle, specifying how the tools will be used and at what step in the process. Ensure that the preferred vendor provides input based on their preference in this space
• Definition of the team structure, skills and capabilities required to support this on an ongoing basis within RL
• Work with all other IT and business team to gain approval of the approach ensuring clear responsibilities and dependencies are defined and agreed
• Definition of the testing dependency to support the interim state and migration framework for the ERP and Edge systems. Ensure that the that the responsibilities are agreed, and resources factored into the plan and budget
• Ensure that testing can replicate the peak business trading volumes and also other significant events such as financial close or large customer interactions
• Obtaining clear expectations on the timing that the automation service needs to support within the business
• Areas to consider within the scope include but are not limited to:
• Systems in scope for either dual reporting (interim state) or/and migration ongoing
• Data entities (sets) in scope
• Creating a Work package for the design and build of the automation system involving the key edge systems in scope.
• Outlining the teams required to support these areas ongoing
• Preparation of the various teams as much as possible for the upcoming mobilization. Use of engagement to educate, but also to listen and absorb and represent back the findings of the teams
• Creation of an approach to testing of the interim and migration approaches and associated components in line with the rest of the program that will enable an agile approach to developing and releasing new capabilities that encompasses the edge systems to create a common method across the RL systems in scope
• 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 infrastructure requirements, documentation, testing criteria in an efficient manner that will allow for the more agile approach to managing change going forward
• Creation of the detailed plans and budgets to support the WP associated with these streams

•  Minimum 8+ years of experience with a proven track record in related role
• Experience within an SAP AFS and/or S4 environment that also includes tightly coupled dependent systems that replicates the production systems enabling rapid testing, accepting and promotion of software through automated tools and processes
• Knowledge of the leading methodologies, tools and practices
• •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: Leverage data 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 is also comfortable taking a hands-on approach to achieve results
• Can be based in UK/CH/NY/NJ