lululemon

Inventory Planner (Retail & Costing)

Who are we

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 across North America, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. 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

As part of the product team, the Global Planning team plays a crucial role in efficiently managing the company’s inventory. They work closely with regional teams to gather insights into new product trends, regional preferences, and logistics. The team regularly monitors inventory levels, average unit retail, and costing on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. By analyzing trend shifts, they adjust strategies to optimize inventory management, ensure accurate average unit retail and cost projections, and mitigate risks. The primary focus is to protect the guest experience, while maintaining strong inventory control and supporting profitable sales growth.

A day in life:

Reporting directly to the Global Inventory Planning Manager, this role will be responsible for analyzing key costing elements, including Duty, Freight, and FOB, identifying trends, and understanding variances against forecasts. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the cross-functional finance team, leveraging historical data and insights to provide actionable projections and forecasts for future trends. Additionally, the role will involve working closely with regional teams to review Sales & Receipts Average Unit Retail (AUR), analyzing historical trends and correlations to ensure alignment with forecasts while providing guidance and addressing any concerns.

• Costing Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze key costing elements, including Duty, Freight, and FOB, to identify trends and assess variances against forecasts. Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on these findings.

• Costing Projections & Insights: Utilize historical data and collaborate with the cross-functional finance team to project future trends in costing. Effectively communicate these projections to stakeholders to support decision-making.

• Sales & Receipts Analysis: Regularly review sales and receipts Average unit retail (AUR). Understand the historical relationship between these metrics and forecast projections to identify any gaps or opportunities.

• Regional Average Unit Retail Projections: Collaborate with regional teams to review and validate future AUR projections. Identify any discrepancies or concerns and work with regional teams to address these issues. Actively highlight areas of concern and recommend adjustments as necessary.

• Trend Analysis: Continuously monitor market and business trends related to average unit retail, costing, and inventory management. Analyze and report on key drivers of average unit retail and costing changes.

• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present regular reports on costing, AUR trends and Ad hoc analysis to the Global Planning Manager and senior leadership, providing actionable insights and recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.

• 3-5 years of experience in retail planning or costing analysis.

• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive business decisions.

• Proficient in Excel and Power BI, with the ability to effectively present data in PowerPoint.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize tasks effectively.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Must have:

• 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.