Requirements

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

The Footwear innovation team is a diverse group of designers, developers, engineers, and scientists, who are future-thinking, detail-orientated and solution-focused. They are at the forefront of performance and lifestyle footwear and are aware of technological advances in product creation and how this relates to the sportswear industry. They are strong communicators who value and develop their cross-functional relationships. This is a team of high performers who are constantly striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space. Materials innovation is a part of the footwear innovation team that shapes the future guest experience through breakthrough solutions all the way from fiber/polymer to finished product focusing on functionality and performance. This team is expected to innovate new materials and create new experiences and visual aesthetics for our guests that they didn't know that they wanted it through engineering new functionality and sensations in the materials.

A day in the life

You will be responsible for driving innovation in fiber science and textile manufacturing techniques, generating advanced yarn and fabric concepts, with a focus on developing performance and functional materials and products. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the broader footwear team, Raw Materials Innovation team and the Enterprise Sustainability team to develop novel solutions and contribute to the advancement of our product portfolio.

Partner with the Footwear Material Innovation Director to conduct innovative footwear materials research and development for lululemon. This team focuses on innovative footwear manufacturing, materials, and process solutions while also focusing on reducing environmental impact without compromise.
Research, identify, and develop innovative and sustainable materials for use in footwear, aligning with footwear strategic priorities and unmet guest needs.
Stay informed about industry trends, latest advancements in polymer and fiber science, emerging material/finish technologies, and sustainable practices/regulations in footwear materials.
Utilize both traditional and cutting-edge technologies to design, prototype, and refine upper textiles for specific performance, functional, tactile or sensory needs.
Support both short-term and long-term footwear innovation roadmap projects. Be a proactive collaborator and partner supporting the day-to-day needs of the team.
Stay current on innovation projects and provide regular reports on material development progress, challenges, and opportunities when requested. Effectively communicate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transition from POC (proof-of-concepts) development to industrial manufacturing.
Engage with internal cross-functional experts and industry partners to align material innovations with market needs, including the integration of advanced functional materials.
Support and perform comprehensive material characterization, testing, and performance evaluation to assess mechanical, thermal, chemical, and functional properties of polymers, fibers, textiles and related products.
Explore and implement next-generation manufacturing techniques, and emerging textile machineries, to drive advanced material innovation.
Engage with universities, research institutions, and industry partners to leverage external expertise and stay at the forefront of fiber, yarn and textile advancements.

Qualifications

8-10 years experience in footwear materials innovation with a strong knowledge of fibers, yarns, textiles, synthetic leathers, films, components and other related materials.
Experience with textile manufacturing processes, such as spinning, weaving, knitting, nonwoven technologies, etc.
Textile design experience is a bonus.
Knowledge and experience in translating design direction and working with external material vendors at global scale in developing, validating and commercializing innovative functional and performance materials within footwear from R&D to scale.
Leads with curiosity. A creative thinker who has the ability to articulate complex goals and generate innovative ideas to inspire others.
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to footwear materials and sustainability.
Strong understanding of the sports footwear product creation process.
Experience with material testing and characterization techniques specific to textiles.
Strong project management experience with the ability to communicate project progress, manage conflicts, and proactively anticipate challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with high attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills including collaborative problem-solving, negotiating, issue resolution, and relationship management in a time-sensitive, demanding, and dynamic environment, and can self-start, organize, prioritize, multi-task, and balance competing priorities with a keen sense of urgency.
Manages effectively with ambiguity, complexity, and change, with high emotional intelligence.
Competency of enterprise Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.).
You enjoy the opportunities to work across different teams but also celebrate the need to work alone.
You understand that success is found in an attention to detail throughout the entire process and you put the guest first.
Can travel approximately 10% of the time with demonstrated experience traveling to overseas vendors to develop and commercialize innovative materials.

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.

Beyond The Paycheck (Benefits & Perks)

At lululemon, we care for and invest in the whole person – body, mind, spirit. Our total rewards program is designed to support you in achieving your goals and focus on the things you love. In addition to competitive base pay and a team-based bonus program, we also offer paid time off, generous employee discounts, fitness/yoga classes, parenthood top up program and personal and professional development programs.

Note: availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

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