Lululemon

The Advanced Concepts 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 athlete performance apparel, designed to perform on the world stage. As the Advanced Concepts – Sr. Designer, Elite Athlete Performance, you are responsible for the intentional act of transforming vague, nebulous ideas into tangible outcomes. It begins with your curiosity, empathy, and insight, guiding the design of meaningful innovative solutions that shape groundbreaking performance apparel. You will take it from ideation, sketch, and towards concept ensuring our top athletes are enabled during the world’s most high-profile moments in sport. You’ll be a driving force in setting industry trends, while delivering apparel solutions that enhance athletic performance.

Bringing visionary product ideas to life, you’ll seamlessly integrate athlete insights, scientific research, cutting-edge materials, and expert construction to design apparel that empowers our athletes to perform at their peak in the most demanding environments. Your ability to collaborate, 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 be shaping and modernizing designs that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the brand and our athletes, ensuring they have the tools they need to beyond their potential.

what you'll do

• Innovative Design Leadership: Design breakthrough products across various performance product categories for our elite athlete cohort. A self-leading designer who is a self-starter in seeking to stay on top of emerging trends, technologies, materials, insights, and scientific research to inform design inspiration and direction.
• Design Excellence: Obsess the smallest of details to ensure every stitch, seam, construction is exceeding lululemon standards. Lead the design process from ideation to final product, ensuring excellence in performance, function, and aesthetics.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Orchestrate and partner with the Sr. Director of Advanced Concepts and the cross-functional Elite Performance team consisting of Concept Creation, Research, Athlete Testing, Raw Materials, Sports Marketing to ideate, refine, and evolve product concepts, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Pressure-Test Assumptions: Oversee the design process by being part of wear-testing, validation, and material development, ensuring each idea is tested rigorously and refined to inspire and meet & exceed lululemon’s and our athletes’ standards and expectations.
• Storytelling & Communication: Prepare compelling presentations that communicate the innovation and story behind your designs—crafting narratives, toolboxes, and frameworks that bring your concepts to life for key stakeholders.
• Talent Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise with teammates, helping them grow and develop their own design skills. Foster a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment that elevates the entire team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside cross-functional teams; Concept Creation, including Pattern Engineering, Research, and Labs, to successfully launch innovations on the world stage.
• Drive Athlete Adoption & Brand Impact: Focus on creating viable innovations that resonate with our athletes and align with lululemon’s strategic brand positioning goals.
  
  

what you bring

• A deep passion for designing innovative, performance and functionally led apparel that redefines the on-body experience of elite athlete apparel.
• Comprehensive knowledge in product design, apparel manufacturing with a clear understanding of the athletics market and its culture.
• Expert knowledge and experience in performance product design, construction, trims, materials, and apparel manufacturing methods 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 ideation and 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 Design, Apparel Product Design, Industrial Design 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 and sport bra design, design tools and programs are highly preferred. Including AI software.
• Proficient understanding of elite athlete product needs and design best practices and expertise in design time 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 design excellence.
• In-depth understanding of the innovation creation calendar dates and gates, with the ability to adjust design direction 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.