Lead - Retail Operations Contract Until January 2027

who 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 North American Retail Operations Department delivers best in class operational support to our NA (North America) Retail Stores. We act as a liaison between the SSC (Store Support Centre) and stores to deliver key organizational programs, priorities, and objectives. We are responsible for driving retail priorities that ensure any operational issues are quickly prioritized and resolved.
The Retail Product Operations Team focuses on generating product and hemming operations programming through defining processes that bring our product vision to life, drive in-season sell through and maximize business results. This includes the design, development and iterations of processes to bring cross functional partners together to enable the growth of our business. Our team provides consultation, develops key milestones/KPIs and operational efficiencies through foundational and initiative-based work. These initiatives are provided to us by other departments (ie: Merchandising, Strategic Growth Initiatives, Guest Innovations, Accounts Payable, Procurement etc.) that we support in bringing their vision to life and achieve desired outcomes
**core responsibilities**: a day in the life: what you’ll do
- Cross-functional Collaboration + Leadership: Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings to align operational and initiative strategies with broader organizational goals and objectives. Provide insights and expertise on operational considerations to inform decision making processes. Responsible for identifying areas for cross-functional collaboration and bringing the right people together to propel work forward
- Communicate Effectively: Foster open communication channels with cross-functional teams. Clearly articulate operational needs of the NA Retail Stores, objectives, and priorities to ensure alignment and collaboration
- Operational Planning + Timeline Management: Responsible for creating end-to-end workback timelines in partnership with the Daily Operations team by submitting initiatives in a timely manner. Provide options and impacts to cross functional stakeholder and decision makers with a clear recommendation.
- Vendor management: Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships, including onboarding, offboarding, pricing, contract renewals and compliance. Monitor vendor performance and address issues promptly as identified by stores or through data analysis to maintain service standards.
- Invoicing & Financial Accuracy: Review, reconcile, and process vendor invoices to ensure accuracy, alignment with purchase orders, and timely payments. Monitor and report on spending trends to support budgeting and cost management.
- Change management + sustainment: Implement change management and sustainment of initiatives, supporting in checking and verifying initiative delivery via feedback channels and responding to solutions accordingly
- Continuous Process + Operational Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Problem-Solving: Address any operational issues that arise. Work with relevant teams to find solutions and minimize impact on store operations
- Urgent Day-to-Day Response: Escalate and drive the solution of in the moment/urgent operational issues that impact stores.

qualifications
- Academic/Educational: Undergraduate degree preferred
- Minimum 2 year of Retail Industry and/or Leadership Experience (Retail Leadership or People Management Experience)
- Organization and Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working on highly cross-functional teams. Ability to organize, set priorities and manage multiple projects on tight deadlines. Ability to hold cross-functional partners and peers accountable
- Project Management Experience an Asset: Experience in project management is beneficial, as Retail Operations Leads may be responsible for overseeing various projects and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, implementing new initiatives or processes.
- Copywrite Experience an Asset

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 cr