Lululemon

The Advanced Innovation team explores the edges of possibility in apparel by investigating emerging materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods. We work at the intersection of design, science, and storytelling to bring future-facing concepts to life through tangible prototypes and immersive experiences that inspire the future of lululemon.

At lululemon, we’re not just creating products—we’re are shaping the future of elite athletic performance apparel, created to perform on the world stage. As the Advanced Innovation – Sr. Concept Creator, Elite Athlete Performance, you will be responsible for helping to shape groundbreaking performance apparel, taking it from concept to reality, and ensuring our top athletes are enabled during the world’s most high-profile moments in sport. You will deliver transformative product that will exceed our athletes’ expectations using your technical expertise in construction, new methods-of-make, and new technologies to deliver incomparable performance product following the design intent.

Bringing visionary product ideas to life, you’ll seamlessly integrate new manufacturing methods, athlete insights, cutting-edge materials, expert construction, and new methods-of-make to develop apparel that meets the exact specifications of elite lululemon athletes. Your ability to project manage, lead with confidence in an ambiguous environment, and continuously push the boundaries of what's possible will be essential. At the core of your role, you’ll drive and manage the concept creation and development process through a unique timeline that shape products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the brand and our athletes, ensuring they have the tools they need to perform and compete at the highest level.

what you'll do

• Innovative Concept Creation Excellence: Expertise in apparel innovation creation planning and best practices that lead towards breakthrough products across various performance product categories that are tailored for our elite athlete cohort while obsessing over the details, while collaborating, ideating, and refining product construction, performance, fit, and aesthetic while leveraging our internal sampling team and innovation factory partners.
• Product Creation Process: Lead the planning and detailed sequence of events that drives and facilitates decisions throughout the innovation creation process that encompasses ideation to final product delivery, ensuring excellence in performance, fit, function, and aesthetic intent is maintained without compromise.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: As an apparel creation expert, you will identify and provide innovative construction and fit solutions while delivering product of the highest quality for our athletes to go beyond their potential. Working cross-functionally across key Elite Performance teams consisting of Design, Research, Athlete Testing, Raw Materials, Sports Marketing to ideate, refine, and evolve product concepts, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Drive New Methods-of-Make: Working with our lululemon liaison offices and overseas innovation factory partners leverage and use groundbreaking advancements in technology, machinery, and tools to inform athlete potential needs.
• Talent Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise with teammates, helping them grow and develop their concept creation skills. Foster a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment that elevates the entire team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside cross-functional teams within Product Innovation; Design, Concept Creation, including Technical Design, Research, and Labs, to ensure seamless integration of new ideas into the product pipeline.

what you'll bring

• A deep passion for developing innovative, performance and functionally led apparel that redefines the on-body experience of elite athlete apparel.
• You have a proficient understanding of athlete Product Testing best practices, product planning and logistics, process planning, and expertise in project management with strong communication skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge in product manufacturing with a clear understanding of the athletics market and its culture.
• Expertise in performance product construction, trims, materials, and apparel manufacturing with a keen eye for the finest details.
• A collaborative mindset, eager to work across teams to bring your ideas to life.
• Experience in leading the design process from concept to final product, including pressure testing, wear-testing, and material development.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex ideas in a clear, inspiring way.
• A commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing to help elevate the team’s collective talent.
  
  

requisite education & experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Product Development, Apparel Product Manufacturing, Product Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the performance apparel industry.
• High profile communication and influencing skills, including the ability to interact and update leaders on status to ensure alignment.
• Expert knowledge of apparel manufacturing technologies and equipment, tooling, and materials is highly preferred. Including product creation software and tools.
• Proficient understanding of athlete product testing best practices, product planning and logistics, process planning, and expertise in project management with strong communication skills.
• High profile athlete communication and ability to interact with key internal business stakeholders and partners.
• Adjust to changing circumstances and adapt to ensure product excellence.
• In-depth understanding of the innovation creation calendar dates and gates, with the ability to adjust project plans based on compressed timelines/ Athlete and Business needs.
  The ability to travel 30% of the time.

At lululemon, we believe in the power of design to inspire and elevate human potential. If you’re ready to bring your innovative ideas to life and make a meaningful impact on athletes and guests worldwide, we want you to be part of our team.