Category Lead

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
Reporting to the Category Manager (Corporate services), as part of the Procurement team, the Procurement Category Lead will play a critical role in driving cost optimization, promoting supplier inclusion & diversity, and ensuring risk mitigation. Working closely with the Category manager and building relationships across multiple cross-functional teams, the Category lead will leverage market intelligence and data analysis to identify areas of opportunities, develop and execute category and/or sourcing strategies, negotiate optimal value for non-product related goods or services. Operating as part of the larger Procurement function, the Category lead will also have the opportunity to learn from experts in strategy, diversity and inclusion and other specialized procurement domains.

a day in the life

The Category Lead will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to generate value and mitigate risk in strategic non-product purchases across the global organization. This role's responsibilities include:

- Building relationships with suppliers, business units, and cross-functional partners (Legal, FP&A, Cybersecurity, and others).
- Understanding negotiation strategies through leverage scenarios (e.g. Porter’s five forces).
- Leading and managing end-to-end procurement projects (e.g., RFx’s, renewals) to ensure optimal cost while meeting business requirements.
- Developing and implementing category and sourcing strategies that align with the business's objectives.
- Leveraging market intelligence, spend data, and other resources to identify opportunities for savings and uncover additional insights.
- Effectively communicating with business and FP&A partners to gather project requirements, align on sourcing strategies and supplier selection recommendations, and confirm budget and savings.
- Providing timely and accurate project updates for departmental reporting

qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in business or a related field.
- SCMP, MBA, or equivalent (preferred).
- Minimum of 3 years in a procurement role.
- Relevant expertise in industry areas such as Benefits, Recruiting, Accounting/Finance, or Tech (preferred).
- Experience with public companies or working in an international scale (preferred).
- Strong project management skills.
- Excellent communication abilities.
- Ability to multi-task & handle multiple projects working with a variety of cross-functional partners.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
- Proficiency in Power BI and/or Smartsheet.
- Previous experience using P2P platforms, e-sourcing, and/or contract lifecycle management systems.

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. In addition to our competitive Total Rewards offering, we also have personal and professional development offerings. Our offerings recognize our teams for their performance and support whole person development, including support for employees on how to grow their career:

- 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)

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