Sourcing Specialist, Accessories

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. Responsibilities: - Work on the sample development process for leather to ensure accurate sample development for securing orders. - Secure costing, negotiate, and create a time action plan. Work closely with the factory to ensure all production-related activities are secured to ensure 100% on-time delivery. - Responsible for sample development and secure sample proto to SRS for leather accessories and apparel categories. - Ensure base testing is carried out for fabrics and raw materials and collaborate with the Raw Material team for approval. - Carry out/revise costing and negotiate prices with suppliers, understand product costing, and suggest alternatives to meet Product Managers" aesthetic and margin targets. - Allocate vendors for products and work closely with identified vendors. - Collaborate with the capacity team on capacity management. - Ensure sample lead time is as per RL standard or minimum. - Work to secure all approvals before order confirmation. - Ensure all pre-production activities are timely executed. - Work with the factory to ensure production TNA (Time and Action) is followed and secured to ship on time. Experience, Skills & Knowledge: - Must have 6+ years of Merchandising/sourcing experience preferred with a US buying office or large trading business. - Good knowledge and understanding of leather accessories and apparel in both men's and women's categories. - At least 6 years of leather accessories manufacturing experience and merchandising with a main focus on product development and production. - Background in a manufacturing global brand or liaison office is required. - Profound product and material knowledge in high-end brands with good fashion sense. - Knowledge of footwear construction, basic knowledge of footwear design, colorways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim, print design, and manufacturing. - Good working knowledge in leather, synthetic, and other materials. - Knowledgeable in product development and production processes and best practices. - High adaptability and flexibility to changing business environments, able to work independently. - Detail-oriented and able to handle very structured processes. - Strong PC skills, especially in Excel and analysis, familiar with multiple systems, charts, and reports. - Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. - Must be fluent in spoken and written English. - Candidates with exposure to multiple brands, calendars, and product categories are preferred.,