lululemon

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 are 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

As a member of the merchandise product team, the Planning team is responsible for ensuring the financial success of the company. They work closely with Merchandising, Finance, and Inventory Management teams to understand new product trends (Merchandising) and regional/climate selling, size trends, merchandise forecasting and overall planning architecture.  

The team monitors the business on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis, understanding changes in trend and reacting to the business to maximize sales and mitigate risk. The priority is to understand and protect the guest experience through end-to-end execution of the product strategy that delivers profitable sales growth (comp and GM$s).

A day in the life:

To maximize guest demand through optimum inventory planning and management

Strategy development and end-to-end ownership of China businesses for department / division of responsibility

Guide and develop regional Planning team

Job Description:

·       Direct the development of pre-season sales, margin, and inventory plans that support and drive product strategies of a category/division

·       Responsible for 2 to 3 year forward looking forecast

·       Accountable for sales and inventory performance results and meeting financial targets and KPI's set by the company                                                         

·       Guide the Planning team through strategic work flow plans to execute deliverables

·       Develop high performing planning team, including formal and informal training/coaching, leadership development, and performance management

·       Summarize and report relevant data to the senior leadership team

·       Participate in the preparation of executive level information

·       Presents at key financial reviews - OTB (open to buy), buy reviews, weekly business reviews

·       Streamline and build efficiencies into the planning process

·       Partner and communicate with various cross functional teams to collectively drive for results

Qualifications:

·       8+ years merchandise planning experience

·       Exhibits impactful communication with peers and management level

·       Supports and develops highly effective teams

·       Proven experience in high growth and complex China market with multiple markets within the China region

·       Vertical retail experience required. Omni channel experience is highly desirable.

·       Mastery of retail mathematics and Open to Buy

·       Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments

·       Strong relationship builder and cross functional partner

·       Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; Self-starter approach to work, with an eagerness to consistently meet and exceed objectives and take on more responsibility

·       Excellent communication skills - interpersonal, written and verbal

·       Entrepreneurship – an ability to make decisions and take calculated risks

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 impressive 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 does not take themselves too seriously.