Senior Sample Operations Specialist (Vancouver, Hybrid - 12-18 Month Contract)

Lululemon Athletica; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative performance apparel company seeks a Senior Sample Operations Specialist to optimize and manage critical sample processes. In this role, you will drive the end-to-end process for seasonal strategies and sample delivery, collaborating with global teams to ensure efficiency. Your expertise in operations and data analysis will be crucial in enhancing the sample management process. This position offers an opportunity to work in a vibrant environment focused on personal and professional growth, where your contributions will help shape the future of the brand. If you are passionate about process improvement and thrive in a dynamic setting, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Extended health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Savings and retirement plan matching

Parenthood top-up

Development course offerings

Mentorship programs

Leadership series

Qualifications

• 5-8 years in operations, preferably in apparel.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite, especially Excel and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Drive the end-to-end CDS process including strategy and execution.
• Manage global sample ordering and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Process Improvement

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Operations Management

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Smartsheet

Job description

SENIOR SAMPLE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

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.

About This Team

Across lululemon, teams use sample garments to create brand assets and make informed business decisions. The Sample Operations Team makes this possible by managing the critical steps of the sample garment process, from ordering to exiting.

A Day in the Life: What You’ll Do:

The Senior Sample Operations Specialist is responsible for successful operations, optimization and efficiency of the global Internal Use Product (IUP) program, specializing in managing critical, revenue driving samples that are created through unique processes that live outside of the seasonal sample order timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Drive the end-to-end CDS process including seasonal strategy, execution, invoicing and timeline management, in partnership with the CDS coordinator.
2. Identify gaps, consult on strategy and roll out solutions to create an efficient and seamless sample delivery.
3. Create and manage Brand Marketing sample ordering on a global scale for revenue driving initiatives through process implementation, order creation and release, sample production oversight, accurate delivery and active troubleshooting with multiple global cross-functional partners throughout the process.
4. Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Operations owned processes.
5. Provide expertise related to general sample management, identifying interim and long term solutions as required.
6. Manage data across multiple operating systems and tools. Build dashboards and reporting related to sample delivery compliance needs using Excel VBA, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) and other data querying, modelling and manipulation skills.
7. Support leading the GLF Colour Sample Coordinator team through mentorship guidance, and knowledge sharing of GLF color program improvements.
8. Facilitate communication between the LLO and internal business partners, maintaining a successful working relationship and liaising between various functions within both areas.

Qualifications

1. Proactive mindset and passion for process improvement and problem-solving.
2. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
3. 5-8 years of experience in an operations role, preferably in an apparel field.
4. Specialized knowledge of the apparel production process is considered an asset.
5. Advanced technical knowledge of Microsoft Suite, focusing on Power BI and Excel.
6. Knowledge of Smartsheet and/or other project tracking tools is an asset.
7. Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.

Must Haves

1. Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
2. Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
3. Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
4. Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
5. Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
6. Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn’t take yourself too seriously.

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 $81,500-$107,000 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:

• Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans.
• Paid time off.
• Savings and retirement plan matching.
• Parenthood top-up.
• Extensive catalog of development course offerings.
• People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few).

Workplace Arrangement

This role is classified as In Person under our SSC Workplace Policy:

In-Person

In-person collaboration and/or office-based work is necessary or important for the role. Work is mainly performed onsite, 4-5 days per week depending on role requirements.