lululemon

about this team

We are the envoy of change, igniting the culture of quality with reliable & transformative approach to co-create product for manufacturing success. We manage the global quality standards, processes and metrics that ensure a positive guest experience with the performance of our products. We work cross-functionally across the entire product team to ensure our products meet our quality and compliance standards. We then educate our vendors to make quality products a reality.

A fast-paced work environment & responsible for the quality assurance of just about everything. We are socially responsible and work with our lululemon liaison office (llo) global offices. Being the stand for quality, our team also manages our stringent product standards. “good enough” doesn’t hit the floor on our watch. Meeting pinnacle of success by providing e2e support to the product team, empowering internal and external partners to facilitate right decision making, and creating future quality leaders. We ensure that the products performs as intended, and that the hidden features will truly surprise and delight our guests.

a day in the life

• Provide guidance to cross functional teams on risk assessment & risk mitigation processes.
• Governance through COE tools & systems.
• Training & education for cross functional partners 
• Continuous improvement through DFM & QBD. (design for manufacturing) & (Quality by Design).
• Documentation & SOP updates & process creation to achieve highest efficiency.
• Reporting to the Sr Manager, Category lead is responsible for proactively pursuing the highest quality standards, on a consistent basis, for all lululemon athletica product.  This role will ensure the implementation of DFMEA/STRA risk management model from concept to the handover to our LLOs. 
• Working closely with all members of the Global Product Team,  Category lead will provide guidance to Sr. QDs & QDs on governance & streamline and enroll all cross functional partners for a comprehensive quality outcome without compromising lululemon’s design flare and time to market.
• Research, study and implement special projects guidelines. Educating and collaborating with rest of the team to implement the lululemon standards.
• Maintain a birds eye view on the product category, stay agile & nimble and continue supporting cross functional teams.
• Advance Concept development and Pre-production: Work closely with design and development to provide input during advance concept development and in-season during commercialization process upstream. This includes risk assessment meetings , providing feedback to Production, Design and Manufacturers with foresight into possible production complications and/or eventual quality issues that may result with customer wear.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Design, Sourcing and RM in development of seasonal products that meets our Brand Promise of intentional use. 
• Able to foresee/identify risks and provide solutions / mitigate risks from concept stage to final commercialization up until pre-production stage to deliver the right product. 
• Teamwork with Product Quality Development Technicians to share & maximize best practices, establish new methods, bring new execution methods and functional expertise to the Quality team.
• Gathering of critical Voice of Process from the SQM team and working with the Sr. QD Manager to provide solve and CAPA.
• Act as owner of projects to create innovative and premium performance products; owner of minimum performance standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Standardization of Technical Risk Assessment (STRA), High Attention Raw Materials integration and handover (HARM), Product Lifecycle Technical path (PLTP), WWMT validation, working online with Flex PLM, execution of samples and tests, reporting back to Quality Development Manager.
• Supporting Sr. QD Manager in the on-going projects for Document Management & Vendor Development, building and refining processes etc.
• Able to anticipate potential issues, problem solves for issues related to Raw materials and Trims / claims validation / construction / workmanship & able to look beyond obvious.
• Provide quality risk assessment and mitigation during design concept, sketch review, prototypes and size run 
• Able to work with off-shore vendors through emails, conference calls, zoom calls and onsites to execute the design intent & intended training to downstream partners.

qualifications

• Diploma in a garment industry related program or Industrial Engineering (textile specific) 
• Knowledge & expertise in soft goods, hard-goods/Bags & acc. etc. an asset.
• Minimum 10 years working experience in technical design, product development and garment production field and/or apparel industry quality control role (required competency).
• Knowledge of technical fabrics, garment construction and related machinery is a must (required competency)
• Industrial Engineering course/program (in Textiles or related field) an asset, but not necessary. 
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills. 
• Fast collaborator, agile and think possibilities.
• Actively live and breathe the lululemon culture and lifestyle 
• Self-awareness, with a desire for constant self improvement (goal –oriented) 
• Self motivated, passionate, empathetic, approachable 
• Outgoing, energetic, upbeat and fun!