Quality Development Lead

Lululemon Athletica; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 96,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative performance apparel company seeks a quality-focused professional to join their dynamic team. This role involves ensuring product excellence through rigorous quality standards and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in technical design and product development, thriving in a fast-paced environment. You'll play a crucial role in guiding teams on risk management and driving continuous improvement, all while fostering a culture of quality and collaboration. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to creating transformational products and experiences that support well-being and community connection.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Mental Health Support

Paid Time Off

Retirement Matching

Parental Top-Up

Development Courses

Mentorship Programs

Leadership Programs

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technical design and product development.
• Expertise in technical fabrics and garment construction.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on risk assessment and mitigation processes.
• Support concept development and pre-production with design teams.

Skills

Technical Design

Product Development

Apparel Quality Control

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Diploma in Garment-Related Program

Industrial Engineering

Job description

Who we are

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company specializing in yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. We set the standard in technical fabrics and functional design, creating transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. Our success stems from our innovative products, focus on stores, commitment to our people, and the strong community connections we foster. We are dedicated to creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future, emphasizing an equitable, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for our team.

About this team

Our team acts as the envoy of change, igniting a culture of quality with a reliable and transformative approach to co-creating products for manufacturing success. We manage global quality standards, processes, and metrics to ensure a positive guest experience. Working cross-functionally across the product team, we ensure our products meet quality and compliance standards and educate our vendors to produce quality products.

We operate in a fast-paced environment, responsible for quality assurance across nearly all aspects of our products. We are socially responsible and collaborate with our lululemon liaison office (LLO) global offices. Our team upholds stringent product standards, ensuring that "good enough" does not leave the floor. We aim for excellence by supporting the product team, empowering partners, and developing future quality leaders. Our goal is to ensure products perform as intended and surprise and delight our guests with hidden features.

A day in the life

1. Provide guidance to cross-functional teams on risk assessment and mitigation processes.
2. Ensure governance through COE tools and systems.
3. Conduct training and education for cross-functional partners.
4. Drive continuous improvement via DFM & QBD (Design for Manufacturing & Quality by Design).
5. Update documentation, SOPs, and processes to maximize efficiency.
6. Report to the Sr. Manager, Category Lead, proactively pursuing high quality standards for all lululemon products, ensuring implementation of DFMEA/STRA risk management models from concept to handover to LLOs.
7. Collaborate with the product team to provide guidance on governance, streamline processes, and ensure comprehensive quality outcomes without compromising design or time-to-market.
8. Research, study, and implement guidelines for special projects, educating the team to uphold lululemon standards.
9. Maintain a broad overview of the product category, staying agile and supporting cross-functional teams.
10. Support concept development and pre-production by working closely with design and development teams, providing risk assessments, and offering feedback during commercialization.
11. Work with Product Development, Design, Sourcing, and RM to develop seasonal products aligned with brand promises.
12. Identify risks early and provide solutions to mitigate them from concept through final commercialization.
13. Collaborate with Quality Development Technicians to share best practices and establish new methods.
14. Gather process insights from the SQM team, working with the Sr. QD Manager to resolve issues and implement CAPA.
15. Manage projects to create innovative, high-performance products, overseeing standards, SOPs, risk assessments, raw materials, and product lifecycle processes.
16. Support ongoing projects related to document management and vendor development, refining processes.
17. Anticipate potential issues, especially related to raw materials, trims, claims validation, and workmanship, and develop solutions.
18. Provide quality risk assessments during all stages of product design and development.
19. Coordinate with off-shore vendors via email, calls, and onsite visits to ensure design intent and proper training.

Qualifications

• Diploma in a garment-related program or Industrial Engineering (textile-specific preferred).
• Knowledge of soft goods, hard goods/bags, and accessories is an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in technical design, product development, or apparel quality control.
• Expertise in technical fabrics, garment construction, and machinery is required.
• Industrial Engineering background (preferably in textiles) is an asset.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to collaborate quickly, think creatively, and adapt.
• Alignment with lululemon’s culture and lifestyle.
• Self-aware, goal-oriented, self-motivated, passionate, empathetic, approachable.
• Energetic, upbeat, and fun personality.

Must haves

• Take personal responsibility and acknowledge the power of choice.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and innovate continuously.
• Communicate honestly and kindly, fostering an open environment.
• Lead courageously, embracing greatness over fear of failure.
• Prioritize connection, trust, and relationships.
• Incorporate fun and joy into work and culture.

Additional notes

Authorization to work in Canada is required.

Compensation and benefits

The typical salary range is $96,800–$127,100 annually, based on experience and location. Benefits include health, dental, mental health support, paid time off, retirement matching, parental top-up, development courses, mentorship, and leadership programs. Benefits are subject to eligibility and company policies.

Workplace arrangement

This role is classified as In-Person. Work is performed onsite at least 4 days per week to foster collaboration and connection.