lululemon Associate Planner

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.

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 maximise 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.

Core Responsibilities

• This position is responsible for strategic execution of category inventory flow, including optimisation of inventory supply quantification & deployment to maximise potential of guest demand.
• Run and analyse core ladders to identify risks or opportunities for EMEA.
• Collaborate with North America planning team to capitalise on inventory opportunities by identifying transfers or pullbacks.
• Leverage systems, tools, and data to optimise inventory investments across store locations, distribution centres, 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 maximise sales and guest experience.
• Drive financial results that maximise 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 maximise 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 maximise business opportunities.
• Excellent team player as well as the ability to work independently.
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal).
• Extremely organised, thorough and able to prioritise.
• Detail‑orientated.
• 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 judgement.
• 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 for your life.
• 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, aka doesn't take yourself too seriously.