lululemon Senior Buyer

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

Reporting to the Buying Manager, our Senior Buyer is responsible for the assortment, execution, and depth of the buy of their specific product category across all channels. The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading the strategic assortment planning, determining locally relevant assortments and being a competitive market expert for their particular region. This person will lead effective partnerships with Planning, In Season Country teams, Visual Merchandising, Digital, Brand and Community, and Retail Operations to deliver "right product, right stores, right time." The Senior Buyer is responsible for the development of other members of the regional buying team and creating strong relationships with our North American counterparts.

core 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 category 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
• Using the preliminary Global Assortment, create a compelling, locally relevant product assortment for the region's store clusters
• You proactively gather, analyse and drive insight from local market knowledge and competitive landscape across all channels
• You lead the quarterly product reviews ("meltdown") for your product category, delivering on timely, measureable, and actionable feedback
• You act as the primary point of contact for product feedback from your region's product category
• You formulate and define local pricing strategies
• You lead the in-season management of your product category, through sales analysis, flow management, product education, chase, cancellations, markdowns and exit
• You train, support, and develop our Buyers and Assistant Buyers.

qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in retail in a merchant or buying role
• Bachelor's degree qualified (Business, commerce preferred)
• Vertical retail and 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
• 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)
• Self-awareness, with a desire for constant self-improvement (goal -oriented)
• Willingness to travel and work on the retail floor

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

additional notes

Authorization to work in UK is required for this role.

compensation and benefits package

lululemon's compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. 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 and equity offerings , 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

Hybrid

In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.