Manager of Global Merchandising, Women's Performance

Manager of Global Merchandising, Women's Performance

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 Merchandising team creates and executes transformative global product strategies that ensure we have the right assortment in the right place at the right time to fulfill our guests’ unmet needs to deepen our guest relationships, grow our brand and deliver on our long-term enterprise goals. We possess deep awareness and intuition of global marketplace dynamics and guest needs and use this knowledge to identify opportunities to maximize guest demand.

A day in the life:

The Global Merch Manager is a seasoned product and market strategist who is accountable for the global seasonal merchandise strategies and roadmap for the season. The Global Merch Manager also drives the creation, management and execution of the global product assortment by effectively leading their teams in collaborations and partnerships with the Product, Brand/Marketing and Guest Experience teams.

This person is responsible for the development of the members of their global merchandising team to deliver product needs that reflect brand consistency and regional relevance to maximize profitability and sales across product classes, key items and channels.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for overseeing a team of Global Merchants who report directly to the Manager. The Manager inspires, coaches and guides their team members to develop their skills and deliver on business priorities. The Manager supports employee development plans and performance management.
• Accountable for defining class strategies based on short range product strategy (2-3 years) and creating global seasonal merchandise strategies and roadmap for the season.
• In partnership with Brand and Creative partners, create Global Product strategies.
• Responsible for briefing raw materials.
• Accountable for leading their team in building the architecture of the assortment in collaboration with Design and Product Development team.
• Responsible for creating and delivering global merchandising strategies to their Regional teams.
• Accountable for leading their team to create content for showback to CPO (include strategy, directional investment level).
• Responsible for presenting direction for the season- roadmap, story-telling/campaigns, direction of product flow and colour to Regional Buyers and key cross-functional partners, for their business category. Enroll and align on class strategies with Design (carryover, seasonal newness, franchise management and slot investments e.g. we want to lift ABC franchise this season).
• Build strategic vision for franchises and product lifecycle.
• Sign off on sketches and protos against long term category strategy.
• Leads the team to gain in depth consumer and competitive insights.
• Accountable for colour flow for global assortment to ensure clear consistent profitable storytelling.
• Ensure seasonal KPIs/targets are met.

Qualifications:

• BA, BSc, BBA, BComm, (or equivalent), specialization in Retail Management an asset.
• Minimum 8 years of experience, combination of people management and Merchandising experience.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and lead a team.
• Understanding and experience in working for a Global Brand is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs- Mastery in Excel, proficiency in Merchandising Software, preferred experience in Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments.
• Financial acumen and understanding of Retail Math.
• Ability to balance analytical and creative tasks.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial insights on current business performance and leverage insights to guide and inform future range plans.
• Acute eye for product and colour trends.
• Aware of macro lifestyle and fashion trends and how this relates to the active and wellness industry.
• Strong understanding of global market place, major shifts in trend and activity.
• Ability to apply, interpret and synthesize marketplace data to create global assortment.
• Ability to enroll and clearly communicate vision, class strategy and feedback to key partners.
• Ability to lead and influence creative partners.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal, and demonstrative ability to present to Senior Leadership.
• Ability to multi task, pivot, prioritize competing tasks and operate in a fast paced environment.
• Highly organized with a keen eye for the detail.
• Ability to work independently to make sound business decisions.

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.

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 $129,600 - 170,100 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.
• 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. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Workplace arrangement:

This role is classified as In-Person under our SSC Workplace Policy:

In-Person

In-person collaboration and/or office-based work is necessary or important for the role. Work is mainly performed onsite, 4-5 days per week depending on role requirements.

Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. lululemon is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state or provincial and local laws and ordinances. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all practices relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, discipline, transfer, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.

lululemon is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you would like someone from our team to contact you for individualized support, email us at accommodations@lululemon.com. In your email, please include the position title, the location of the position and the nature of your request.