Planner, Strategic Sales

Strategic Sales Merchant/Planner 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 product innovation, store focus, commitment to people, and the connections we make in every community. We aim to build a healthier, thriving future with an equitable, inclusive, growth‑focused environment. About This Team The Strategic Sales Merchant/Planner is a hybrid role that integrates global & regional planning and merchant strategy to drive financial success and deliver guest‑centric assortments. The individual partners with Global Merchandising and Strategic Sales to translate program‑specific insights—such as account feedback, channel goals, and industry trends—into relevant product strategies. They monitor business performance across time horizons, respond to shifts in trend with agility, and balance foresight, insight, and hindsight to protect the guest experience while driving profitable sales growth. Core Responsibilities Partner with Account Managers to develop pre‑season financial plans (sales, margin, receipts, inventory) and build country‑ and program‑level assortment strategies. Develop projections and inventory flow for key items/collections. Analyze sales performance and trends to revise in‑season plans, manage inventory levels, and support monthly re‑forecasting: develop sales, receipt, and inventory re‑forecasts. Manage receipts and adjust inventory flow. Analyze historical data to identify risks, opportunities, and business‑driving insights (e.g., attribute trends; class mix). Share channel and program insights (guest, product, market trends) with Global Merchandising to inform product strategies. Create and manage assortments that reflect brand consistency, program relevance, and account/channel goals. Collaborate with key business partners to execute seasonal buys aligned with strategic sales and financial targets. Support buy cycle activities including look book creation, buy reviews (incl. strategies, attributing, investments), sizing tasks, populating buy upload tool, and resolving operational issues (e.g., MOQ, Buy Ready). Partner with Strategic Sales Program and Account Managers throughout the buy cycle to inform and execute program strategies; identify and respond to changes in targeted in‑store dates to optimize product flow; support OTB conversations and align on program financial targets. Review business performance weekly/monthly/seasonally, delivering recaps and recommendations including exit strategies. Assist with pre‑buy activities and presentations; bring global storytelling to strategic sales programs where applicable. Qualifications BA, BSc, BBA, BComm (or equivalent), specialization in Retail or Merchandising Management an asset. Minimum five years of Merchandising or Buying experience required. Vertical retail and/or omni‑channel experience preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office and mastery of Excel; previous experience with merchandise and planning systems (e.g., PO and Price Management software). Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments. Mastery of retail mathematics, including markup, margin, planning, open‑to‑buy, and investor productivity. Ability to balance analytical and creative tasks. Strong understanding of season‑to‑season business performance and ability to drive business based on key financial indicators to maximize opportunities. Acute eye for product and colour trends. Aware of macro lifestyle and fashion trends and how these relate to the active and wellness industry. Strong knowledge of regional guest base to curate assortment for geographic region. Ability to enroll, lead and influence key cross‑functional partners. Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrative ability to present to senior leadership. Ability to work independently, make sound business decisions, multitask, pivot, prioritise competing tasks, and operate in a fast‑paced environment. Willingness to travel (domestic and international) and work on the retail floor. Must Haves Recognise 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—don’t take yourself too seriously. Compensation and Benefits Lululemon’s compensation philosophy is pay‑for‑performance. The typical hiring range for this position is $105,000–$113,500 CAD annually; base pay is based on market location and may vary by skills and experience. Permanent employees may be eligible for a competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements. Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans. Paid time off. Retirement plan matching. Generous employee discount. Fitness and yoga classes. Parenthood top‑up. Extensive catalog of development course offerings. People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series. Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The company reserves the right to alter these programs in whole or in part without advance notice. Workplace Arrangement Hybrid – in‑person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week. Additional Notes Authorization to work in Canada is required for this role. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Sales and Business Development Retail #J-18808-Ljbffr