lululemon

Manager, Vendor Environmental Program (Operations)

Who we are 

lululemon is a yoga-inspired technical apparel company up to big things. The practice and philosophy of yoga informs our overall purpose to elevate the world through the power of practice. We are proud to be a growing global company with locations all around the world, from Vancouver to Shanghai, and places in between. We owe our success to our innovative product, our emphasis on our stores, our commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we get to make in every community we are in.

About this team

This role is part of an enterprise-wide sustainability team shaping the future of impact within our brand and business. As Manager, Vendor Environmental Program you will drive the operations and governance of an integrated Vendor Environmental Program within our global supply chain across energy, water, and chemical programs to support sustainability commitments. You will operationalize environmental sustainability objectives and roadmaps in line with our Impact Agenda goal of securing a healthier planet for all. In partnership with the global team, you will engage stakeholders and ensure vendors and extended supply chain understand our sustainability commitments and develop collaborative roadmaps to implement our external reporting requirements.

A day in the life:

• Manage programmatic operations in a growing Vendor Environmental Program to achieve key targets and co-create sustainability roadmaps within our global supply chain partners through change management and a results-driven approach in alignment with lululemon’s Impact Agenda (Be Planet vision) and Science-Based Targets
• Build and implement a governance program and manage development of resources and materials like the Vendor Environmental Manual and Vendor Environmental Scorecard by defining aggressive sub-targets within energy, water and chemicals programs, identify any compliance issues, and review Corrective and Preventative Action Plans (CAPAs) as needed
• Manage and inspire a team to support public reporting against sustainability targets (CDP reporting, including water) and track vendor progress towards against our targets through improvement in data processes and operational management 
• Build trusted relationships with global vendors and identify overlaps with cross-functional teams, Supply Chain and Product teams to support an integrated strategy and implementation framework for the Vendor Environmental Program 
• Support sustainability claims certification strategy and ensure new vendors are aligned with our sustainability strategy and onboarded on program requirements
• Drive collective industry action through steering capability building and training, identifying roadblocks, and finding innovative solutions to drive Global Vendor Environmental Council and with external partners towards shared sustainability challenges
• Provide support on invoicing, program budgeting, corporate membership dues, and other contractual obligations 

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree with study in product development, business, environmental science, chemistry or engineering
• 7+ years' experience working in manufacturing/retail with a focus on supply chain operations and/or environmental sustainability (apparel, footwear and/or accessories related experience a plus)
• Proven ability to excel in a highly collaborative environment, with a passion for cross-functional engagement, enrollment, and alignment 
• Clear communication skills and ability to build relationships with external groups in the supply chain and across the industry 
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities, work in a high-pressure environment and manage high-profile projects under tight timelines  
• Ability to provide expert guidance and knowledge at the integration of supply chain management and product sustainability  

Preferred:

• 5+ years experience in environmental, or product sustainability programs related to water, energy, and/or chemicals
• Knowledge of sustainability tools (Higg FEM, ZDHC Gateway) and reporting frameworks (CDP) and corporate sustainability disclosure rules (SEC)
• Experience working across a global team, preferably with suppliers or teams in Asia
• Experience with stakeholder influence and change management processes

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. 

This position is preferable to be at the SSC, Vancouver and open to remote work with travel to SSC for the right candidate. Business travel is required up to 3 times a year. This position will report to Director, Vendor Environmental Program.