About this team:
The Merchandising team creates and executes transformative global product strategies that ensure we have the right assortment in the right place at the right time to fulfill our guests’ unmet needs to deepen our guest relationships, grow our brand and deliver on our long-term enterprise goals. We possess deep awareness and intuition of global marketplace dynamics and guest needs and use this knowledge to identify opportunities to maximize guest demand.
A day in the life:
The Global Merch Manager is a seasoned product and market strategist who is accountable for the global seasonal merchandise strategies and roadmap for the season. The Global Merch Manager also drives the creation, management and execution of the global product assortment by effectively leading their teams in collaborations and partnerships with the Product, Brand/Marketing and Guest Experience teams.
This person is responsible for the development of the members of their global merchandising team to deliver product needs that reflect brand consistency and regional relevance to maximize profitability and sales across product classes, key items and channels.
Key Responsibilities:
Responsible for overseeing a team of Global Merchants who report directly to the Manager. The Manager inspires, coaches and guides their team members to develop their skills and deliver on business priorities. The Manager supports employee development plans and performance management. Accountable for defining class strategies based on short range product strategy (2-3 years) and creating global seasonal merchandise strategies and roadmap for the seasonIn partnership with Brand and Creative partners, create Global Product strategies Responsible for briefing raw materials Accountable for leading their team in building the architecture of the assortment in collaboration with Design and Product Development team Responsible for creating and delivering global merchandising strategies to their Regional teamsAccountable for leading their team to create content for showback to CPO (include strategy, directional investment level)Responsible for presenting direction for the season- roadmap, story-telling/campaigns, direction of product flow and colour to Regional Buyers and key cross-functional partners, for their business categoryEnroll and align on class strategies with Design (carryover, seasonal newness, franchise management and slot investments e.g. we want to lift ABC franchise this season) Build strategic vision for franchises and product lifecycle Sign off on sketches and protos against long term category strategy Leads the team to gain in depth consumer and competitive insightsAccountable for colour flow for global assortment to ensure clear consistent profitable storytellingEnsure seasonal KPIs/targets are met
Qualifications:
BA, BSc, BBA, BComm, (or equivalent), specialization in Retail Management an assetMinimum 8 years of experience, combination of people management and Merchandising experienceProven ability to coach, mentor and lead a teamUnderstanding and experience in working for a Global Brand is requiredProficient in Microsoft Office Programs- Mastery in Excel, proficiency in Merchandising Software, preferred experience in Adobe Illustrator Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments Financial acumen and understanding of Retail MathAbility to balance analytical and creative tasks Ability to interpret and apply financial insights on current business performance and leverage insights to guide and inform future range plansAcute eye for product and colour trendsAware of macro lifestyle and fashion trends and how this relates to the active and wellness industryStrong understanding of global market place, major shifts in trend and activityAbility to apply, interpret and synthesize marketplace data to create global assortment Ability to enroll and clearly communicate vision, class strategy and feedback to key partnersAbility to lead and influence creative partnersStrong communication skills both written and verbal, and demonstrative ability to present to Senior LeadershipAbility to multi task, pivot, prioritize competing tasks and operate in a fast paced environmentHighly organized with a keen eye for the detailAbility to work independently to make sound business decisions
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.
Additional Notes:
Immigration support is potentially available for this role.
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:
This role is classified as Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy:
Hybrid -
In-person collaboration is important, and much of the role can be performed remotely. Work is performed onsite at least 4 days per week.