Senior Category Manager

Ubicación: Canada

Estado/Provincia/Localidad: British Columbia

Localidad: Vancouver

Departamento: Store Support Centre (SSC)

Tipo de horario: 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 Global Procurement team are trusted business advisors who strategically partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to create value and mitigate risk in strategic non-product purchases for the global organization.  The team supports the business in increasing its profitability and return on investment by creating value in our indirect supply chain through strategic & stakeholder-centric procurement.  From providing category expertise, market insights, cost savings opportunities, supplier performance and relationship management & developing short and long-term strategies, the Global Procurement team plays a key role in value delivery for our business.


about this role 

Partners with leaders and external suppliers to create value, and mitigate third-party technology risks. Benefiting from experience in deploying traditional procurement processes and responsible for the identification of non-traditional sourcing opportunities to augment value delivery across technology business, this role will require broad Technology category expertise and require the soft skiils necessary to enrol stakeholders in procurement policies and developing supplier relationships. The Technology category represents a complex spend space ($570m+) with over over 390 suppliers and there are significant long term strategic projects underway to help bring our spend under control and more in line with industry benchmarks.  


a day in the life

  • Educate, engage, and enrol key technology stakeholders on procurement strategies, policies and best practices to align with business objectives
  • Advise senior leaders and make supplier award recommendations at the VP+ level 
  • Own and drive strategic sourcing initiatives, leveraging deep category expertise
  • Lead complex supplier negotiations, ensuring favourable commercial terms while fostering strategic, long-term partnerships that drive innovation and performance
  • Oversee and execute strategic sourcing events and supplier negotiations in adherence with Procurement and cross-functional processes and policies. 
  • Responsible for building and influencing internal and external partnerships.
  • Accountable for the performance and implementation of sub-category strategies in partnership with technology stakeholders
  • Support the development of team members, providing guidance, mentorship, and hands-on support to built category management expertise within the team


qualifications
  • 8+ years progressive Procurement experience
  • 4+ years technology sourcing experience
  • MBA, SCMP or equivalent professional designation a strong asset
  • Business Relationship: Advanced - Has oversight of stakeholder issues and drivers. Uses knowledge when building and influencing relationships and determining appropriate action on stakeholder input and expectations. Has the ability to handle complex issues. Takes ownership of issues and sees them through resolution while providing guidance and support to other team members.
  • Category management: Advanced – Supports Director in developing strategies and buying programs for a range of commodities. Knowledgeable of the geographic, technical and commercial contructs. Knowledgeable of supply/demand dynamics and industry cost structures and mechanisms
    Sourcing: Advanced - Works independently or facilitates teams to generate creativity in creating options contracting, sourcing, relationships or risk improvement, using the category sourcing frameworks. Validates assumptions and robustness of strategies"
  • Negotiation: Advanced - Fully comprehends when and how to negotiate. Has successfully conducted an assortment of negotiations to accomplish organization objectives. May lead some strategic and business-critical negotiations. Can adapt negotiation tactics. Ensures the organization has sufficient time to negotiate and that all negotiations result in a signed contract. Is able to change the negotiaton approach based on the needs of the specific negotiation. 
  • Project Management: Advanced - Manages complex projects, producing multiple project deliverables simultaneously. Uses advanced techniques to manage projects, including control and reporting strategies to monitor changes. 
  • Proficient/Advanced MS Office skills
  • Smartsheet and P2P/e-sourcing platform knowledge is 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  $130,800 - $171,700annually; 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 Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy: In-person collaboration is important, and much of the role can be performed remotely. Work is performed onsite at least 3 days per week.


#LI-Hybrid 
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