Director, Technical Development - Women's Athletic

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 with the ability to navigate ambiguity and make sound decisions.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

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

Immigration support is potentially available 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 $201,000 - 263,800 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 and equity offerings, 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

Hybrid

In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.

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