lululemon Manager, Buying - Accessories & Footwear

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.

A day in the life:

Reporting to the Senior Director, Buying & Franchise EMEA our Buying Manager is responsible for the successful execution of a seasonal assortment, that delivers our design vision in addition to sales, gross margin and inventory productivity goals across all channels. The Buying Manager leads their team in anticipating guest demand and ensuring the delivery of products that exceed expectations and guarantee growth. This person will act as the cross functional leader for all product categories in their department. This person will lead effective partnerships with Planning, In Season Country teams, Visual Merchandising, Digital, Brand and Community, and Retail Operations to ensure the design vision is delivered to our guests. The Buying Manager is responsible for the development of other members of the regional buying team and creating strong relationships with our Global counterparts.

Key responsibilities:

• You contribute to the financial success of the region by meeting and exceeding sales, gross margin and inventory productivity goals through all channels (stores, ecommerce, strategic sales, & showrooms), through the effective partnership with Planning team.
• You are a "market expert" in your product department and region for all channels and can effectively communicate key data points, including merchandising strategies, athletic and fashion trends, pricing and competition that inform the global product strategy.
• You collaborate closely with global merchandising team to ensure that regional needs are incorporated into the line plan.
• You inform the Global Merchandising and Design Teams (at key internal milestones) with strategic insight and identify additional product assortment or business growth opportunities.
• You proactively gather, analyze and drive insight from local market knowledge and competitive landscape across all channels.
• You set seasonal merchandising strategies for the buying team, taking into account strategic initiatives, growth drivers and sales trends.
• You work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver and drive product strategies (short and long term).
• You formulate and define local pricing strategies.
• You lead the in-season management of your product department, through sales analysis, flow management, product education, chase, cancellations, markdowns and exit.
• You train, support, and develop our Buying Team.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in a merchant/buyer role, with 5 years management experience.
• Bachelors degree in business, marketing or related field.
• Vertical retail experience required. Omni channel experience highly desirable.
• Mastery of retail mathematics and Open to Buy.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments.
• Proven ability to work with and lead a cross functional team.
• Excellent sense of style and color trends; athletically minded.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; Self-starter approach to work, with an eagerness to consistently meet and exceed objectives and take on more responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills - interpersonal, written and verbal.
• Entrepreneurship - an ability to make decisions and take calculated risks.
• Focus on creating an extraordinary guest experience, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Willingness to travel and work on the retail floor.

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.