Associate Merchant - Events & Partnerships

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 regional guest needs and use this knowledge to identify opportunities to maximize guest demand.

a day in the life

The Community Merchant is responsible for curating product assortments from the global lines for our cross functional partners within lululemon, inclusive of events, Mirror, Ambassadors, and special initiatives. The merchant works closely to with partners to receive the briefs of the product needs and then execute buy decisions accordingly.

core responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Manager, partner with the Global and NA Event Experiences org and leadership to land event product strategy and ideal assortment including aligning upon channel and sell through strategy
• Define and execute the product strategy for top events and for ambassador and athlete seeding
• Create a strategy that builds credibility and momentum in product categories and innovation moments (run, footwear, etc.) and drives revenue at events
• Execute product merchandising for events including partnering with the regions as relevant to build out product plans
• With assistant merchant, manage the product logistics and inventory for events including product arrival to the DC to market, working with event coordinators, and planning to execute transfers as required
• Represent events in product meetings, aligning product strategy to event opportunities
• Create product assortment that reflects brand consistency and program/ event relevance, and leverage key items
• Constant communication with Mainline teams to curate product assortments for ambassadors and athletes that highlight seasonal stories, key looks and leverage key items
• Collaborate with Planning to execute buys against global product and partners goals
• Create Visual assortment view
• Prepare and present decks for Buy Reviews (incl. strategies, attributing, investments, flow, etc)
• Validate buy accuracy, ensuring product assortment aligns with briefs and leverages mainlines key strategies/ big bets
• Throughout each buy cycle partner with mainline merchandising and execute against initiatives and strategies.
• Prior to and in season, keep cross functional partners updated on delivery
• For events work with planning and cross functional partners to deliver product to event and recap sales performance

qualifications

• BA, BSc, BBA, BComm (or equivalent), specialization in Retail or Merchandising Management an asset
• Minimum two years of Merchandising or Buying experience is required. Vertical retail and/or omni channel experience is preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Program and mastery in excel, proficiency in PO and Price Management software
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments
• Mastery of retail mathematics, including elements of markup, margin, planning, open to buy and investor productivity
• Ability to balance analytical and creative tasks
• Acute eye for product and colour trends
• Ability to enroll, lead and influence key cross functional partners
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal and demonstrative ability to present to Senior leadership
• Ability to work independently to make sound business decision; and multitask, pivot, prioritize competing tasks and operate in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel (domestic and international)

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 $71,400 - 93,800 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 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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