Technical (Apparel) Development Manager, Women's

Technical Development Manager, Women's
**Who we are**:
lululemon is a yoga-inspired technical apparel company up to big things. The practice and philosophy of yoga informs our overall purpose to elevate the world through the power of practice. We are proud to be a growing global company with locations all around the world, from Vancouver to Shanghai, and places in between. We owe our success to our innovative product, our emphasis on our stores, our commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we get to make in every community we are in.
**About this team**:
Imagine Design is the Architect of a product, and Product Development is the Engineer. From concept through to pre-production stage, Product Development is the front-line regarding communication with the finished goods vendor base, launching sketches, requesting sampling, fitting product and keeping an accurate data library of the life cycle of a product. Product Development is a truly cross functional working group that pivot to partners such as Design, Concept, Fit, Quality, Merchandising, Finished Goods Sourcing, Raw Materials and Go To Market operations to deliver a commercially ready product to our buying teams.
They are strong communicators who value and develop their cross functional relationships. This is a team of high performers who are constantly striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space. This team knows how to bring fun into their everyday, prioritising team connection and enjoying creative sessions together.
**A day in the life**:
The Technical Developer Manager is responsible to lead a team of individuals to ready technical prototypes within seasonal timelines. Leverage manufacturing best practices, industry fit expertise, and market insights to educate and mentor on standards and drive fit principles, bodies and protocol consistency enterprise wide.
- Execute on short and long term technical development and fit excellence strategies
- Lead, train, mentor and coach the team to elevate business and soft skill set within team
- Reinforcing an environment for learning, open dialogue, collaboration and transparency
- Drive internal process efficiency and fit excellence standards, collaborating with external partners as needed
- Mentor technical team members through personal development plans and career pathways
- Drive communication and influence cross-functional partners through issue resolution
- Resource and allocate seasonal style capacity efficiently across various product classifications and team capabilities in partnership with product development group
- Maintain a knowledgeable overview of all product categories with the ability to proxy and aid in strategic decision making
- Cascade and monitor team OKR’s (Objective Key Responsibilities)
- Support Product Development peers in the organization and fit planning of vendor onsites
- Set product fit consistency and best practices across relevant product categories
- Define and lead fit model strategy across specified categories to ensure appropriate breadth and depth of talent for all fittings and GTM meetings
- Lead technical education sessions for internal and external vendor partners
- Build industry relationships with Gerber, Alvanon, and other system and or data related organizations

**Qualifications**:

- 4 Year BA Degree with focused training in Technical Design, Product Management, Product Development or relevant experience
- 8+ years minimum industry experience (preferably in Men's)
- 2+ years minimum people leadership/mentorship experience
- Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
- Proficiency with Flex PLM or similar PLM software
- Working knowledge with Gerber Pattern Making and/or 3D software (CLO, Browzwear)
- Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (Internal and Overseas)
- Practiced in the art of mentoring and training others
- Lead fit sessions for all products

**Must haves**:

- Strong interpersonal skills including analytical, problem solving, organizational, issue resolution, and internal and external relationship management
- Decisive and strategic leader with a proven track record
- Passionate about mentoring, coaching, and training technical team members according to individual goals and objectives
- Approaches problem solving with a strategic and holistic mindset
- Lead a team of technical individuals during seasonal vendor trips across Asia, Americas and Europe
- Extensive knowledge of cross-functional team accountabilities paired with a detailed understanding of product creation calendar from design through to in store delivery
- Curiosity for change and learning, capable of managing ambiguity
- Professional written, visual, and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative approach
- Thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
- Ability to work through others