lululemon

Product Development Director, Footwear Materials

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. That includes creating an equitable, inclusive, and growth-focused environment for our people.

ABOUT THIS TEAM

Within the umbrella of the Portland Footwear organization, as the Director of Materials Development, you are responsible for successful execution of global development of materials from conception to commercialization for all footwear business categories. This role oversees the materials development team, contributing to the departmental KPI’s and collaborates in setting the strategic roadmap for the materials development team.

A DAY IN THE LIFE   

•       As the Materials Director, you will work on elevating new technologies that influence the footwear development

•       You will strive for product excellence by partnering with key stake-holders cross-functionally on the product creation processes, aligning with leadership to define and build a vision for best-in-class footwear

•       You will have a focus on sustainability for product creation

•       Taking the ownership of seasonal pricing negotiations with vendors

•       Monitors development and performance of direct reports through regular meetings to discuss performance and development objectives

•       You will partner with materials design, driving best practices, raise issues, and present solutions

•       Ability to lead workshops and team ideation sessions, with being aware of current material trends, and technology

•       Works with Global Operations, Quality, Wear Test and innovation team to partner on manufacturing improvements that lead to best-in-class footwear with our Be Plant front of mind

•       You will partner with vendors to bring resolution to dimension specific issues (price, technical specs, performance, sustainability)

•       You will collaborate with product creation teams, innovation, and sourcing to provide training and education as well as standard methodologies to enable informed decision making

QUALIFICATIONS

•       Bachelor’s Degree in Materials, Chemistry, or related field preferred and/or equivalent combination of experience and/or education

•       You have 10+ years of experience working in materials development, manufacturing, or engineering of textiles

•       You have expertise in material types, including fibers, yarn textile, synthetics, components, or trims

•       You have experience traveling to overseas manufacturing vendors/factories to develop and commercialize product

•       You have strong project management experience

•       You have experience in sustainable materials development and process execution

•       Successful experience mentoring or managing people

•       Strong Communication skills

•       Ability to anticipate needs, mitigate risks, and solve problems

•       Ability to travel 15-20% of the time

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.