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Form of workwho we are
lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.
about this team
The Footwear Innovation team is a diverse group of designers, developers, engineers, and scientists, who are future-thinking, detail-orientated and solution-focused. They are at the forefront of performance and lifestyle footwear and are aware of technological advances in product creation and how this relates to the sportswear industry. They are strong communicators who value and develop their cross-functional relationships. This is a high performing team striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space.
a day in the life
• Partner with the Footwear Innovation VP to develop, own, and direct the Be Planet Footwear Innovation pillar for lululemon. This team focuses on innovative footwear manufacturing, materials, and process solutions to reduce environmental impact without compromise.
• Actively direct the be Planet team, including roadmap, project briefs, workload allocation, timelines, budget (OPEX and CAPEX), intellectual property filings, and successful transition of knowledge/education/technologies to mainline.
• Be the champion, communicator, and storyteller of Be Planet innovation work through presentations, tools, and innovation manuals created for the footwear organization and appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensure that cross-functional partners, such as product development, design, sourcing, merchandising, wear testing, and external vendors/researchers have the most up-to-date information/education on each project and collaborations are effective.
• Direct Be Planet team to successfully adhere with go-to-market deadlines, such as innovation review, category kick-off, etc.
• Ensure the innovation process runs in parallel with all dates and gates, tracking concept readiness and communicating updates to cross-functional teams appropriately.
• Partner with enterprise and mainline leaders to ensure alignment between workstreams.
• Collaborate with Research for You and Unparalleled Feel leaders to translate and transition be Planet findings into new innovative technologies and solutions that are unique to lululemon footwear.
• Ensure Be Planet intellectual property fillings are strategic, accurate, and properly filed.
• Coach and advise team members through personal development plans and career pathways.
qualifications:
• 12-15 years' experience in materials development, particularly in the sports performance footwear industry In-depth knowledge of textiles (knits, wovens, nonwovens), polymers, and sustainable alternatives, along with knowledge of product engineering with a focus on sustainability and/or green chemistry.
• 5 years minimum of product creation team leadership experience, with the ability to delegate and distribute work to meet team roadmap goals.
• PhD, MS, or BS in materials science, materials engineering, textile engineering or a related field.
• Advanced understanding of Footwear product creation and innovation processes with demonstrated experience translating and applying materials, manufacturing, and performance research findings (human and mechanical) into commercialized sports products.
• Understands state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing research and existing technologies to strategize future innovation roadmap projects that are game-changing for the footwear industry.
• Demonstrated portfolio of bringing innovative sports performance footwear products to market, with a focus on sustainability.
• Strong understanding of circular economy principles and carbon footprint reduction strategies, including Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), and carbon accounting practices.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies in the footwear industry – with working knowledge of best practices, regulators’ traceability, and certification requirements.
• Strong, multi-faceted project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage conflicts, proactively anticipate challenges, and identify potential solutions.
• Thrives in a time-sensitive, demanding, and dynamic environment, and can self-start, organize, prioritize, multi-task, and balance competing priorities with a keen sense of urgency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with high attention to detail and storytelling.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including collaborative problem-solving, negotiating, issue resolution, and relationship management.
• Can influence across the Footwear Innovation organization, particularly project/communication deliverables, and deadlines with inter-team dependencies.
• Manages effectively with ambiguity, complexity, and change, with high emotional intelligence.
• Competency of enterprise Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.).
• Can travel approximately 10% of the time with demonstrated experience traveling to overseas manufacturing vendors/factories to develop and commercialize innovative products.
must haves
- Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
- Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
- Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
- Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
- Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
- Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn’t take yourself too seriously.
Compensation and Benefits Package
lululemon’s compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. The typical hiring range for this position is from $181,700 - 238,500 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program and equity offerings, subject to program eligibility requirements.
At lululemon, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe that when life works, work works. We strive to be the place where inclusive leaders come to develop and enable all to be well. Recognizing our teams for their performance and dedication, other components of our total rewards offerings include support of career development, wellbeing, and personal growth:
- Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans
- Paid time off
- Savings and retirement plan matching
- Generous employee discount
- Fitness & yoga classes
- Parenthood top-up
- Extensive catalog of development course offerings
- People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few)
Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.
workplace arrangement
This role is classified as Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy:
Hybrid
In-person collaboration is important, and much of the role can be performed remotely. Work is performed onsite at least 3 days per week.
