Vendor Engagement Specialist

who are we
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
Vendor Operations & Engagement reports into the Global Sourcing team and is part of lululemon’s Supply Chain organization. This team takes the lead in creating, delivering and sustaining tools, processes and programs to support the Product and Supply Chain organizations and our product vendor base.
The Vendor Operations & Engagement team cuts across strategy and operations to ensure lululemon has a robust vendor base to meet growing demands across geographies, product categories and new ventures. Three key areas of focus are: Global Sourcing Operations support with planning, tracking and delivery of strategic initiatives and implementation of new tools and processes; Vendor Operations, including management of the new vendor approval process (NVAP), ongoing vendor updates, documentation, and support with vendor-facing initiatives; and Vendor Engagement & Communications, including design and delivery of various engagement and impact programs, central communications and storytelling, and vendor meetings and events.
core responsibilities
The Vendor Engagement Specialist is primarily responsible for scheduling and managing logistics for vendor meetings and the delivery of vendor engagement programs and events. This role requires an understanding of internal Product and Supply Chain teams and our vendor base to ensure the effective delivery of meeting support, programs and events that meet the needs of our vendors and internal partners. Core responsibilities include:

- Logistics for vendor meetings to support vendors and internal partners, including managing inbox and meeting request intake, building agendas, meeting scheduling, room bookings, catering, and supporting vendors when they are in office
- Support with planning and delivery of vendor engagement programs and events, such as Vendor Summit, Quality Summit, Product Showcases, and Meet our Makers
- Support with delivery of vendor social impact programs in collaboration with cross-functional partners
- Maintain vendor engagement trackers and team documentation
- Compile and communicate feedback on meetings, engagement programs and events
- Create and maintain content + documentation on SharePoint, Global Family, and youlu as needed

qualifications
- 3+ years of relevant experience, preferably in an apparel retail environment
- Experience with event planning and delivery
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs; experience with Smartsheet an asset
- Collaborative connector with excellent communication and relationship building skills
- Able to work effectively cross-functionally with different departments and at different levels within an organization
- Self-motivated, detail oriented, critical thinker, intellectually curious, and ability to work independently
- Multi-tasking is second nature - plan, organize and manage multiple priorities
- You sweat the details because they matter - but you don’t sweat the small stuff
- A team player that truly believes they are successful when their team and the organization is successful

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.

additional notes
Authorization to work in Canada is required for this role.
compensation and benefits package
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 of