Planning Analyst (Expression of Interest)

lululemon; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 66,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading athletic apparel company located in Metro Vancouver is seeking a Planning Analyst to optimize inventory flow and support cross-functional collaboration. The role is classified as hybrid, requiring in-person work at least 4 days per week. Candidates should have expertise in inventory management and strong analytical skills. Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Extended health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Generous employee discount

Fitness & yoga classes

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of Inventory Management or related experience.
• Expert knowledge of Excel is required.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze inbound Purchase Orders to determine opportunities.
• Leverage systems and data to optimize inventory investments.
• Evaluate size-level selling trends and inventory levels.

Skills

Inventory Management

Excel

Analytical Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Job description

Description & Requirements

This is an expression of interest/evergreen posting for the Planning Analyst role.

By applying to this position, you are indicating to our Talent Acquisition team that you have a career interest in Planning and request to be considered if an opening arises. Please note this is not a formal application for a specific Planning Analyst role. The Talent Acquisition team will contact qualified applicants when future Planning Analyst roles open and where an applicant’s skills and experience match the role criteria.

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.

Workplace arrangement

This role is classified as Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy (see SSC Workplace Program youlu page for an overview): Hybrid. In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.

About This Team

The Regional Planning team drives inventory purchasing, management, and optimization strategies for North America. Serving as the liaison between product, cross-functional partners, and financial plans, this team ensures inventory is positioned to maximize guest experience and profitability. Reporting directly to the Manager or Senior Manager of the Regional team, this position is responsible for optimizing inventory flow through purchase order management and related activities. The analyst will partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Planning, and other cross-functional teams to ensure inventory is aligned with demand and opportunities are acted on quickly.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze inbound Purchase Orders (POs) to determine opportunities to split or redirect shipments to balance receipt timing based on demand, size selling, and inventory needs.
• Leverages systems, tools, and data to optimize inventory investments across store locations, distribution centers, and e-commerce channels.
• Recommend ship mode updates (air, ocean, or reflow) based on cost, urgency, and business priorities.
• Recommend Distribution Center (DC) transfers across the network, identifying overstock or undersupply risks and recommending actions to rebalance.
• Evaluate size-level selling trends and inventory levels to make sizing and distribution recommendations.
• Creating and maintaining inventory databases and systems for accurately managing inventory.
• Partner with Merchandising and cross-functional partners to obtain insights and data on upcoming POs, product launches, and selling trends.
• Recap findings and present clear rationale for decisions and recommendations up to Senior Director level.
• Support Planning team with reporting, both through weekly maintenance and collaborating on new report needs that could be implemented. Coordinate with other analysts to share reports that need to be run for the Departments.
• Executes detailed analysis to drive category performance

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of Inventory Management or related experience
• Expert knowledge of Excel is required.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; able to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to step through logic and clearly explain recommendations.
• Excellent team player as well as the ability to work independently.
• Extremely organized, thorough, and able to prioritize effectively.
• Detail-oriented and results-oriented, with a strong sense of motivation.
• Self-directed problem solver, proactive, and resourceful.
• Responsible, dependable, and mature, with sound judgment.
• 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.

Additional Notes

Authorization to work in Canada 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 typical hiring range for this position is from $66,000-$86,600 annually; 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, 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

Benefits

• 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