Sourcing Category Manager (18-Month Contract)

Description & Requirements
Sourcing Category Manager- Women’s (18-month contract)
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. That includes creating an equitable, inclusive, and growth-focused environment for our people.
Sourcing Category Manager
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sourcing, the Sourcing Category Manager will be the category expert in sourcing, costing and delivering margins against our Women’s 2 nd Layer products which include products such as Jackets, Hoody’s, Pull Overs etc., including technologies such as bonding, laser cut, garment wash. The Sourcing Category Manager will develop plans and strategies that will address category specific margin goals. The Sourcing Category Manager will develop vendor relationships to develop capabilities aligned with their product category, ensuring the product category is commercialized in a timely, consistent manner with a ‘Best Cost’ strategy.
About This Team
We are the Sourcing Department. We manage the relationship with our apparel vendors & ensure that lululemon has best in the world manufacturers. We work cross-functionally across the entire product team to ensure product meets our business strategy, quality & cost goals. We then work with our vendors to make those products a reality.
A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Develop action plans to mitigate Margin/Capacity risk and proposals to reduce cost, working closely with cross functional partners.
• Translate long range strategies to drive seasonal vendor allocation and execution priorities.
• Ensure cost and margin for assigned category meets seasonal target.
• Support sourcing of and onboarding of new vendors successfully working closely with supply chain onboarding team.
• Track all Go To Market Calendar by when’s and ensure that all sourcing seasonal calendar timelines are met.
• Take ownership and drive special projects related to speed initiatives.
• Love to Travel
• Manage data analysis of product cost and margin, including data updates in costing systems where applicable.
• Manage category vendor relationship on long range planning, challenges and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and cross functional teams to help foster partnership and trust.
• Partner with Lululemon Liaisons Offices and Merchandising teams to support category costing and negotiations.

Qualifications

• You are confident in your strengths, always open to challenges and live with integrity.
• You are well versed in apparel cost breakdowns and have a passion for numbers.
• You understand FOB, Landed Pricing and Mark Ups.
• You love the world of analysis and enjoy working in Excel, Power BI and Smartsheet.
• You are an excellent team player as well has the ability to work independently.
• You have a keen eye to attention to detail, extremely organised and can execute tasks consistently to meet deadlines.
• You are a multi-tasker & can handle multiple projects working with a variety of cross-functional partners.
• You have a strong understanding of the apparel manufacturing process.
• You have 7-10 years’ experience working closely & building relationships with offshore manufacturers.

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.