Lead – Retail Operations | Contract until January 2027

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 North American Retail Operations Department delivers best in class operational support to our NA (North America) Retail Stores. We act as a liaison between the SSC (Store Support Centre) and stores to deliver key organizational programs, priorities, and objectives. We are responsible for driving retail priorities that ensure any operational issues are quickly prioritized and resolved.

The Retail Product Operations Team focuses on generating product and hemming operations programming through defining processes that bring our product vision to life, drive in-season sell through and maximize business results. This includes the design, development and iterations of processes to bring cross functional partners together to enable the growth of our business. Our team provides consultation, develops key milestones/KPIs and operational efficiencies through foundational and initiative-based work. These initiatives are provided to us by other departments (ie: Merchandising, Strategic Growth Initiatives, Guest Innovations, Accounts Payable, Procurement etc.) that we support in bringing their vision to life and achieve desired outcomes

core responsibilities: a day in the life: what you’ll do

• Cross-functional Collaboration + Leadership: Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings to align operational and initiative strategies with broader organizational goals and objectives. Provide insights and expertise on operational considerations to inform decision making processes. Responsible for identifying areas for cross-functional collaboration and bringing the right people together to propel work forward
• Communicate Effectively: Foster open communication channels with cross-functional teams. Clearly articulate operational needs of the NA Retail Stores, objectives, and priorities to ensure alignment and collaboration
• Operational Planning + Timeline Management: Responsible for creating end-to-end workback timelines in partnership with the Daily Operations team by submitting initiatives in a timely manner. Provide options and impacts to cross functional stakeholder and decision makers with a clear recommendation.
• Vendor management: Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships, including onboarding, offboarding, pricing, contract renewals and compliance. Monitor vendor performance and address issues promptly as identified by stores or through data analysis to maintain service standards.
• Invoicing & Financial Accuracy: Review, reconcile, and process vendor invoices to ensure accuracy, alignment with purchase orders, and timely payments. Monitor and report on spending trends to support budgeting and cost management.
• Written Communication + Resource Management: Responsible for delivering operationally sound written communications and resources for all process updates and initiative implementation in partnership with subject matter experts for our stores and vendors
• Change management + sustainment: Implement change management and sustainment of initiatives, supporting in checking and verifying initiative delivery via feedback channels and responding to solutions accordingly
• Continuous Process + Operational Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
• Problem-Solving: Address any operational issues that arise. Work with relevant teams to find solutions and minimize impact on store operations
• Urgent Day-to-Day Response: Escalate and drive the solution of in the moment/urgent operational issues that impact stores.

qualifications

• Academic/Educational: Undergraduate degree preferred
• Minimum 2 year of Retail Industry and/or Leadership Experience (Retail Leadership or People Management Experience)
• Organization and Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working on highly cross-functional teams. Ability to organize, set priorities and manage multiple projects on tight deadlines. Ability to hold cross-functional partners and peers accountable
• Communication skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams, communicating with senior management, and interacting with stakeholders at all levels. Candidates should be able to articulate ideas clearly, negotiate effectively, and build strong relationships.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The retail industry is dynamic and fast-paced, with constant changes and challenges. Candidates should be adaptable, flexible, and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and navigate through ambiguity and uncertainty
• Project Management Experience an Asset: Experience in project management is beneficial, as Retail Operations Leads may be responsible for overseeing various projects and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, implementing new initiatives or processes.
• Copywrite Experience an Asset

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 $81,500 – $107,000 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. 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 collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-AA1

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