ANALYTICS AND REPORTING LEAD

at  Ralph Lauren

Ref #:
W152184
Department:
Data Analytics
City:
London
State/Province:
London
Location:
United Kingdom
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
The Analytics and Reporting Lead will join a small team of business function process leads, IT domain leaders and the ERP vendor representatives known as the Program Initiation Team who will work together to take the first steps in this journey. The team will work closely together to achieve a set of the common objectives below ultimately leading to the initiation of the global program and the creation of all the articles needed to launch the project in 2025. This first, necessary step will ensure Ralph Lauren understands the key phases, impact, business resources and timeline required to begin the program. This is an opportunity to join one of the largest investments that the company will be making over the next decade, and we seek talent that is excited to help shape the future, being part of the journey and eventually taking this knowledge back into the business.
The purpose of this role is to work within a small team to manage the creation of a plan to implement the new ERP solution into RL. The role will involve working with the small team and the preferred ERP vendor to achieve the objectives below with the primary focus being to define the impact of the NGT ERP solution on the data and analytics capabilities and solutions currently within RL. In addition, the definition of an interim state and the migration package to support the gradual roll out is also required from this role. The objectives that this role will be responsible for include a, c, d and m focused specifically on the data analytics and reporting systems.

This role will be primarily focused on delivering the necessary work packages associated with the objectives to enable analytics and reporting to function as part of the NGT ERP implementation.

• 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.
• Finalize 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.
• Finalize infrastructure and related security solutions to support the TO-BE ERP system.
• Define 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.
• Define 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.
• Create 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.
• Create 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.
• Create 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 implement 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.
• Create and implement 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with all the IT, business, vendor teams to ensure the scope is clearly understood.
• Create a clear picture of the current AS-IS, documenting the data flows, reporting systems, data objects and dependencies and integration points for the current ERP systems by region.
• Ensure that the ownership (business and IT) is clear within the reporting systems, that are dependent on the current ERP platforms. Ensure that each of the reports/systems identified has a clear owner and the linkage to how the data is generated is captured.
• Work with the nominated business members of the project to identify and assign responsibility at a reporting and data entity level where possible.
• Align the reporting capability with the business process flows so that the project teams can ensure that reporting points are captured cleanly and that the flows ensure clarity of ownership.
• Identify and quantify the impact on the interim state identifying where reporting is required and for how long.
• Outline the impact, creating a technical strategy and 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 that is required.
• Identify and create the migration and final cut over reporting requirements, detailing the impact and create the subsequent budget and plan to meet the business needs. This also includes the necessary business verification required.
• Create the TO-BE reporting strategy that identifies how data analytics and reporting will be performed from the NGT ERP solution ongoing. Outline how historical data will be managed.
• Identify gaps in any of the potential process or technical areas supporting the data and analytics reporting within the TO-BE solution so that mitigation can be created within the detailed design phase. This will entail working closely with the TO-BE vendor team.
• Prepare 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.
• Create an approach to testing that will enable an agile approach to developing and releasing new capabilities that encompasses the reporting and ERP systems to create a common method across the RL systems in scope.
• Assist in identifying training needs to facilitate knowledge required by the teams.
• Develop and maintain individual and integrated project plans, including scope, objectives and milestones, deliverables, risks and issues.
• Agree an overall approach for the capturing of business requirements, documentation, testing criteria in an efficient manner that will allow for a more agile approach to managing change going forward.
• Assist in defining the strategy for the development and support of the system ongoing.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum 5+ full strategic cycles of experience with a proven track record in related role with experience of managing external parties
• Experience within a vertically integrated global retail environment; fashion apparel experience is highly desirable.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Must be adept at translating complex concepts into actionable plans.
• Has the ability to confidently engage with and influence senior executives.
• Possesses strong analytical skills: Leverages 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.
• Possesses a strong strategic vision but is also comfortable taking a hands-on approach to achieve results.
• Can be based in NY/NJ

This role will be primarily focused on delivering the necessary work packages associated with the objectives to enable analytics and reporting to function as part of the NGT ERP implementation.

• 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.
• Finalize 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.
• Finalize infrastructure and related security solutions to support the TO-BE ERP system.
• Define 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.
• Define 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.
• Create 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.
• Create 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.
• Create 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 implement 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.
• Create and implement 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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with all the IT, business, vendor teams to ensure the scope is clearly understood.
• Create a clear picture of the current AS-IS, documenting the data flows, reporting systems, data objects and dependencies and integration points for the current ERP systems by region.
• Ensure that the ownership (business and IT) is clear within the reporting systems, that are dependent on the current ERP platforms. Ensure that each of the reports/systems identified has a clear owner and the linkage to how the data is generated is captured.
• Work with the nominated business members of the project to identify and assign responsibility at a reporting and data entity level where possible.
• Align the reporting capability with the business process flows so that the project teams can ensure that reporting points are captured cleanly and that the flows ensure clarity of ownership.
• Identify and quantify the impact on the interim state identifying where reporting is required and for how long.
• Outline the impact, creating a technical strategy and 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 that is required.
• Identify and create the migration and final cut over reporting requirements, detailing the impact and create the subsequent budget and plan to meet the business needs. This also includes the necessary business verification required.
• Create the TO-BE reporting strategy that identifies how data analytics and reporting will be performed from the NGT ERP solution ongoing. Outline how historical data will be managed.
• Identify gaps in any of the potential process or technical areas supporting the data and analytics reporting within the TO-BE solution so that mitigation can be created within the detailed design phase. This will entail working closely with the TO-BE vendor team.
• Prepare 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.
• Create an approach to testing that will enable an agile approach to developing and releasing new capabilities that encompasses the reporting and ERP systems to create a common method across the RL systems in scope.
• Assist in identifying training needs to facilitate knowledge required by the teams.
• Develop and maintain individual and integrated project plans, including scope, objectives and milestones, deliverables, risks and issues.
• Agree an overall approach for the capturing of business requirements, documentation, testing criteria in an efficient manner that will allow for a more agile approach to managing change going forward.
• Assist in defining the strategy for the development and support of the system ongoing