Footwear Product Developer

Location: China Mainland

State/Province/City: Shanghai

Localidad: Shanghai

Departamento: Store Support Centre (SSC)

Tipo de horario: Full-time

Description & Requirements

Who we are:

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel and footwear 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:

Lululemon has big plans to disrupt the footwear market.  To do so we need a worldclass LLO (lululemon liaison office) in Vietnam, which contains the majority of our production.  The LLO is the front-line of the footwear Supply Chain and the Product Developer is the leader regarding communication with finished goods vendors, launching tech packs, requesting sampling, tracking timelines and pattern and tooling development.  Product Development is a truly cross functional working group that coordinates partners such as Design, Concept, Fit, Quality, Merchandising, Finished Goods Sourcing, Raw Materials and Go To Market operations to deliver a commercially ready product to our buying teams.

We need strong communicators who value and develop their cross functional relationships. This is a team of high performers who are constantly striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space. This team knows how to bring fun into their everyday, prioritising team connection and enjoying creative sessions together.

A day in the life:

The “In country” Footwear Technical Developer at lululemon creates world class performance & lifestyle footwear soon to be acknowledged as leading in innovation, design, function, fit and quality.  As the first Vietnam LLO Technical Developer we are looking for a highly functional, self-starter that can work with minimal supervision. 

         Supervise sample creation process in a direct-to-development environment where HQ Developers communicate directly to factory partners with the LLO Tech Developer on copy.

         Check pattern files for proper execution against the provided design

         Validate bottom part 2D/3D for accurate execution against the provided design

         Validate the BOM for material appropriateness and facilitate on-time delivery with raw material vendors

         Collaborate with factory partners on timelines and workback schedules to ensure on-time delivery of samples

         Review samples to ensure proper execution, quality and performance prior to ship 

         Coordinate travel between factories in N. and S. Vietnam to accomplish the needs of individual styles and projects

         Visit material vendors to ensure process alignment with factories and participate in material development exercises

         Share documents between the Portland office and T1 factory partners on sharepoint

         Conduct time cost analysis as assigned by the HQ Costing team

         Organize daily work-flow that adheres to GTM deliverables & development timelines

         Participate in the Buy Ready and Commercialization trials to ensure new styles are manufacturable and ready for production.

         Additional tasks and duties as assigned.


Qualifications:

         Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience; focused training in Technical Design, Pattern Making, Product Development or relevant experience preferred 

         4-7 years minimum footwear industry experience (preferably within the Footwear Development or Engineering disciplines)

         Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)

         Driven by the technical aspect of the product creation process

         Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills

         Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities

         Working knowledge of footwear construction and manufacturing

         Proficient at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams & fit photos

         Strong applied comprehension of end-to-end product life cycle

         Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset

         Ability to work and thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment

         Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills

         Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity


Must haves:

·       Acknowledges the presence of choice in every moment and takes personal responsibility for their life.

·       Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovates to achieve great results.

·       Communicates with honesty and kindness, and creates the space for others to do the same.

·       Leads with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.

·       Fosters connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.

·       Integrates fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Beyond the Paycheck (Benefits & Perks)  

At lululemon, we care for and invest in the whole person – body, mind, spirit. Our total rewards program is designed to support you in achieving your goals and focus on the things you love. In addition to competitive base pay and a team-based bonus program, we also offer paid time off, generous employee discounts, fitness/yoga classes, parenthood top up program and personal and professional development programs.    


Note: availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.