Senior Designer Polo, Mens Knits

Company Description
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. 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
Position overview:
* Design and develop Men's Polo Concept Knits through sketches, swatches, new prototypes, market research.
* Partner with Concept team, Design Leadership, Technical Design, Merchandising and Production to ensure sales samples and stock items are correct and on schedule with confirmed timeline.
* Seasonal Market/ Competitor as well as Vintage research on trends, new silhouettes, big ideas, logos, washes and new materials.
* Oversee design of product to execute against Seasonal Brand Merchandising strategies within the Customer Archetype framework, supported by product briefs and line plans; in collaboration with cross-functional partners in the Merch and PM teams..

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties:
* Design and develop Men's Polo Concept Knits through sketches, swatches, new prototypes, vintage/market research and mock ups
* Work closely with the merchandising team to discuss seasonal line plan request. Discuss open opportunities and style development for incremental growth.
* Partner with PMT and merchandising teams ensure product is being designed within price point needs and appropriate margins goals. As well as maximize and customize product for specific accounts.
* Oversee fitting from proto stage to bulk approval. Approve any CADS and size runs for each style.
* Leading to support achievement of sustainability goals, while also being responsible for inclusive and culturally aware design.
* Promoting for the team to work in 3D for design presentation and handoffs
* Partner with PMT, Technical Design and Merchandising teams to ensure sales samples are correct and meet calendar dates. Ensure submit comments need to be released on time for samples and for bulk based on OTB dates.
* Collaborate with our print and Graphic Team to develop new seasonal ideas.
* Work with associate designer to help create, and maintain the line sheets, prepare handoffs and artwork pages and upload to PLM for reference. Help to grow and nurture them to evolve in their roll.
* Drive to deliver design hand offs by targeted dates and calendar milestones
* Ensure any product changes during a season will be communicated to PMT, TD and to concept team
* Conduct extensive research in the market, vintage items and relevant areas to provide inspiration and creative ideas to the design team
* Partner with our development team and the RL Studio on developing new qualities, washes, trims, applique and logo techniques for concept knits
* Develop new ideas and prototypes out of our seasonal calendar to present to creative leads when we start a new season.
* Travel as necessary for design inspiration, shopping for development and factory visits both domestically and internationally

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Design expertise: Relevant experience as a fashion designer, with the focus on men's knits . Proficiency in creating innovative trend-setting designs for mens knitwear
* Technical skills: Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, Adobe XD, Flex PLM, 3D design (but not a must) . Knowledge of pattern making, grading and garment construction specific to men's knits
* Trend awareness: Ability to stay up-to-date with current and emerging fashion trends, fabrics, and graphics/ prints. Experience in conducting market research, analyzing consumer trends into innovative designs.