Sourcing Category Manager

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. That includes creating an equitable, inclusive, and growth-focused environment for our people.

about this team

We are the Sourcing Department. We manage the relationship with our apparel vendors & ensure that lululemon has best in the world manufacturers. We work cross-functionally across the entire product team to ensure product meets our business strategy, quality & cost goals. We then work with our vendors to make those products a reality.

a day in the life:

The Sourcing Category Manager reports to the Senior Manager, Sourcing, the Sourcing Category Manager will be the category expert in sourcing, costing and delivering margins against Bottoms styles including products such as Base Layers, Hoodies, Pullovers, Lightweight woven jackets etc., including technologies such as bonding, laser cut, garment wash. The Sourcing Category Manager will develop plans and strategies that will address category specific margin goals. The Sourcing Category Manager will develop vendor relationships to develop capabilities aligned with their product category, ensuring the product category is commercialized in a timely, consistent manner with a 'Best Cost' strategy.

• Manage category vendor relationship on long range planning, challenges and opportunities.
• Translate long range strategies to drive seasonal vendor allocation and execution priorities.
• Partner with Lululemon Liaisons Offices and Merchandising teams to support category costing and negotiations.
• Ensure cost and margin for assigned category meets seasonal target.
• Manage data analysis of product cost and margin, including data updates in costing systems where applicable.
• Develop action plans to mitigate Margin/Capacity risk and proposals to reduce cost, working closely with cross functional partners.
• Support sourcing of and onboarding of new vendors successfully working closely with supply chain onboarding team.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and cross functional teams to help foster partnership and trust.
• Track all Go To Market Calendar by when's and ensure that all sourcing seasonal calendar timelines are met.
• Take ownership and drive special projects related to speed initiatives.
• Love to Travel

qualifications:

• You have 7-10 years' experience working closely & building relationships with offshore manufacturers.
• You have a strong understanding of the apparel manufacturing process.
• You understand FOB, Landed Pricing and Mark Ups.
• You are well versed in apparel cost breakdowns and have a passion for numbers.
• You have a keen eye to attention to detail, extremely organized and can execute tasks consistently to meet deadlines.
• You are a multi-tasker & can handle multiple projects working with a variety of cross-functional partners.
• You are an excellent team player as well has the ability to work independently.
• You are confident in your strengths, always open to challenges and live with integrity.
• You're comfortable with analyzing data and enjoy working in Excel. Power BI is a good to have.

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

lululemon's compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. The typical hiring range for this position is from $103, ,900 CAD annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.

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 offerings
• People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. lululemon reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time 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.