Lululemon

Senior Relationship Manager, Technology Vendor Management

Who we are

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

About this team

lululemon’s technology spend and portfolio has become increasingly complex and global - as a result, it has become critical to strengthen controls, increase visibility into spend, and give lululemon better oversight and influence on vendors.  The Tech Vendor Management Office (TVMO) is a dedicated team that seeks to effectively manage technology vendor relationships and introduce appropriate control points within the vendor lifecycle to optimize vendor spend and maximize value from our technology vendors.

A day in the life:

The Senior Relationship Manager - Technology Vendor Management is responsible for cultivating and nurturing strategic partnerships with key vendors. This role focuses on ensuring vendor performance aligns seamlessly with organizational objectives, optimizing vendor contracts for cost-effectiveness and innovation, and mitigating risks associated with vendor relationships. The Senior Relationship Manager acts as a trusted advisor and central point of contact, facilitating communication, driving performance improvements, and maximizing the value derived from vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with 20+ key vendor contacts at all levels to facilitate efficient communication and problem-solving.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with technology leaders and vendors to gain insights into vendor performance, gather feedback, and understand their product roadmaps. Leverage this information to develop and execute a comprehensive vendor relationship strategy that aligns with organizational technology goals and maximizes value
• Performance Management: Conduct quarterly business reviews with 20+ strategic vendors (Tier 1) to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive innovation. This includes owning the agenda, and oversight on deck preparation for these reviews, and ensuring accountability for action item completion by both vendor and internal stakeholders.
• Escalation management: Serve as a trusted advisor to both vendor and internal stakeholders, providing guidance and support during vendor-related issues.
•  Support Tier 2-4 Vendor Reviews: Support Technology Directors in conducting business reviews with assigned tier 2-4 vendors, holding them accountable to established review cadences.
•  Market Awareness: Stay informed about strategic vendor-related news and proactively communicate potential impacts to relevant stakeholders.
•  Vendor segmentation : Support the team in conducting vendor segmentation/ tiering

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or a related field, with a  strong emphasis on relationship management.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency  Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint).
• Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to establish rapport and trust with vendors and internal stakeholders
• Problem-Solving &  Decision-Making: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify and address challenges effectively.
• Market Awareness: Knowledge of  the vendor landscape and industry trends

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.

Compensation and Benefits Package:

lululemon’s compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. The typical hiring range for this position is from  annually 

$130,000-163,000; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.  

 At lululemon, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe that when life works, work works. We strive to be the place where inclusive leaders come to develop and enable all to be well. Recognizing our teams for their performance and dedication, other components of our total rewards offerings include support of career development, wellbeing, and personal growth:

• Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans 
• Paid time off 
• Savings and retirement plan matching 
• Generous employee discount 
• Fitness & yoga classes 
• Parenthood top-up 
• Extensive catalog of development course offerings 
• People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

 
workplace arrangement

In-Person

In-person collaboration and office-based work is necessary and important for this role. Work is performed onsite, 4 days a week, depending on role requirements.