At a Glance
- Tasks: You'll optimise inventory flow and analyse data to maximise sales potential.
- Company: Join lululemon, a leader in innovative performance apparel for active lifestyles.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and a focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, collaboration, and community impact.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in planning/merchandising; strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of innovation and personal responsibility while working remotely and in-office.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Business Unit: Store Support Centre (SSC)
Time Type: Full-time
Description & Requirements
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: The EMEA product team translates global product strategies into regionally relevant execution, ensuring we have the right assortment in the right place at the right time. Our aim is to fulfil our guests’ unmet needs, grow our brand and deliver on our long-term enterprise goals. We possess deep awareness and intuition of our regional guest needs and use this knowledge to identify opportunities to expand guest demand. We monitor the business on a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, understanding changes in trend and reacting to the business to maximize sales and mitigate risk. Teamwork and clear communication are essential. You are an essential part of the cross-functional team collaborating with merchandising, store operations and DC network planning. You have razor sharp attention to detail but also able to think big picture.
A day in the life: what you’ll do
- This position is responsible for strategic execution of category inventory flow, including optimization of inventory supply quantification & deployment to maximize potential of guest demand.
- Run and analyze core ladders to identify risks or opportunities for EMEA.
- Collaborate with North America planning team to capitalize on inventory opportunities by identifying transfers or pullbacks.
- Leverage systems, tools, and data to optimize inventory investments across store locations, distribution centers, and e-commerce channels.
- Analyse historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities to business and recommend strategies to achieve financial goals.
- Execute planning, reporting, analysis/decision support under the direction of a manager or planner.
- Execute detailed analysis to drive category performance.
- Develop sales projections and inventory flow for key items.
- Recommend seasonal merchandise flow strategies that maximize sales and guest experience.
- Drive financial results that maximize sales, inventory and bottom line profitability.
- Prepare and participate in Merchandise Review meetings.
- Provide support to Merchandising to actively manage product assortment throughout the season (inventory, MDs, etc.).
- Exhibit initiative to look beyond the everyday business to look for opportunities to maximize sales potential.
Qualifications, skills & experience
- 1-3 years proven planning/merchandising experience within a vertical retailer preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Program and mastery in Excel, proficiency in PO and Price Management software.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments.
- Strong understanding of season-to-season business performance and ability to drive business based on key financial indicators in order to maximize business opportunities.
- Excellent team player as well as the ability to work independently.
- Extremely organized, thorough and able to prioritize.
- Detail oriented.
- Strong ability to see the merchandise vision and translate the vision into viable plans.
- Self-directed problem solver, proactive and resourceful.
- Responsible, dependable and mature, with sound judgment.
- Results oriented - strong sense of motivation.
- Capable of effective multiple demand management from a variety of sources and adapts well to change.
- Ability and willingness to accept and provide feedback.
Must haves
- Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility.
- Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
- Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
- Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
- Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
- Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working.
Role Classification
Your role is classified as Hybrid under our global SSC Hybrid Workplace Policy. In-person collaboration is important, and much of the role can be performed remotely. Work is performed at both the SSC office and home office every week.
Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. Lululemon is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, colour, creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state or provincial and local laws and ordinances. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all practices relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, discipline, transfer, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. While management is primarily responsible for seeing that Lululemon equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, you share in the responsibility for assuring that, by your personal actions, the policies are effective. Lululemon is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you would like someone from our team to contact you for individualized support, email us at accommodations@lululemon.com. In your email, please include the position title, the location of the position and the nature of your request.
Associate Planner employer: Lululemon Athletica
Contact Detail:
Lululemon Athletica Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lululemon's brand values and culture. Understanding their commitment to innovation, community, and inclusivity will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of lululemon, especially those in planning or merchandising roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company’s expectations and the day-to-day responsibilities of an Associate Planner.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in the retail and apparel industry, particularly in performance wear. Being able to discuss recent developments or innovations can demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to meet the demands of the Associate Planner position.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications for the Associate Planner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your planning and merchandising experience, particularly within a retail context. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive business results.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for lululemon and its mission. Highlight your entrepreneurial spirit and how you embody the company’s values, such as fostering connection and integrating fun into your work.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, consider including a brief section in your application that outlines your experience with data analysis and how you've used it to inform business decisions in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lululemon Athletica
✨Understand the Brand
Before your interview, take some time to research lululemon's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to innovation and community. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
As an Associate Planner, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used it to drive business decisions. Bring examples of how you've identified risks or opportunities in past roles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role. Highlight your ability to work within cross-functional teams and provide specific examples of successful collaborations. Discuss how you communicate effectively with different departments to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to adapt to change or manage multiple demands. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.