Director, Technical Development

Director, Technical Development - Women's Athletic Business Unit:

Store Support Centre (SSC)

Time Type:

Full-time

Description & Requirements 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 Technical Development team sits at the center of bringing lululemon product to life. We partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Product Integrity to translate product vision into technically sound, guest-ready products that meet our quality, performance, and commercial objectives. Our team leads the development process from concept through commercialization, balancing innovation, technical excellence, fit integrity, manufacturability, and speed to market. Through deep product expertise and strong cross-functional partnership, we help ensure every product delivers on the lululemon brand promise and guest experience. This team plays a critical role in enabling scalable growth, operational excellence, and the successful execution of our global product strategy.

core responsibilities

Lead division to efficiently translate design vision into executable, scalable product that balance design intent, innovation, quality promise, guest expectation, and commercial viability.

Lead, coach, and develop Managers and teams, fostering strong accountability, technical rigor, and commercial mindset providing technical leadership, training, and guidance in garment construction, materials, and manufacturing process as required

Contribute to enterprise‑level Technical Development strategy and lead implementation across assigned divisions, ensuring fit excellence, technical standardization and on‑strategy delivery from concept through to buy readiness.

Drive sustained operational excellence, technical standardisation, speed, and quality through disciplined execution and continuous improvement of development systems and ways of working.

Lead and champion new Technical Development capabilities to enhance process optimization, tools, and new ways development methodologies (e.g., 3D, digital development, workflow standardization)

Keep a pulse on industry innovation, materials, and manufacturing technology, integrating where beneficial

Contribute divisional insights to the evolution of fit strategy, standards, and processes to support a consistent and elevated guest experience of our product, while ensuring technical teams conduct effective fit sessions and provide actionable feedback aligned to brand standards

Proactively partner with Quality leaders to problem solve and implement a corrective action backed up by root cause analysis for concerns raised in Voice of Production

Partner with Product Development and Sourcing to assess supplier technical capability, quality performance, and continuous improvement opportunities. Provide input into the long term strategy as required.

Develop future leadership capability through intentional coaching, succession planning, and enterprise‑ready talent development.

qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

12+ years of progressive experience in Technical Development, Product Creation, or a related function, with significant experience leading large, global teams.

Proven experience leading leaders and cross-functional organizations in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Deep expertise in apparel product development, garment construction, fit, materials, manufacturing processes, and commercialization.

Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into operational plans and deliver results across large product portfolios.

Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience balancing quality, guest experience, cost, speed, and business objectives.

Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills with the ability to lead through partnership across Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Raw Materials, Supply Chain, and other senior stakeholders.

Experience leading organizational change, building high-performing teams, and developing leadership capability.

Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills