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

Quality is the heart of who we are. The Supplier Quality team’s key objective is to ensure the highest quality raw materials, garment manufacturing and production. This team leads, manages and proactively works with our global supplier manufacturing base to ensure lululemon quality standards are met. This team will implement, continuously improve, and enroll all staff members in a comprehensive quality assurance, quality control and process excellence approach without compromising Lululemon’s design flare and time to market.

The Supplier Quality team works closely with business functions across the Product Integrity organization, the greater Supply Chain organizations and Regional Production Liaison Offices.

A day in the life:
The Senior Director, Supplier Quality formulates and drives the strategic plan for supplier quality that protects the brand and ensures all products produced and sold by lululemon meet the highest quality and compliance standards, globally. Serves as the global representative of supplier quality to the vendor base, enterprise, and the Senior Leadership Team. Accountable for ensuring product and supplier risks are continuously identified and mitigated through engineering, controlling, and assuring quality processes and adherence to global quality and compliance policies at our supplier sites.

The Senior Director, Supplier Quality is responsible for:

• Driving delivery strategy and long-term plan for a multi-disciplinary function that Includes finished goods quality, raw materials quality, trims/componentry quality, quality assurance and data analytics, bulk product testing & compliance, and supplier capability development across our global supplier base comprised of 288 facilities with plans to increase over the next 5 years
• Provides significant input to influence the overall Global Product Integrity (Quality) strategy to maximize value to our guest while minimizing risk to the brand; drives supplier adherence with Global Quality systems, Policies, and procedures
• Provides authoritative advice to and collaborates with Legal, Responsible Supply Chain, and cross-functional supply chain leaders in the event of a supplier quality integrity issue
• Has the authority to cease production and prohibit further flow of product at supplier sites due to production quality activities that do not meet global quality policies, standards, and practices or due to supplier quality integrity issues; escalates to senior leaders accordingly
• Owns and manages global third-party service provider relationships to deliver against vendor integrity programs, supplier quality audits, product inspections, and lululemon certification and accreditation programs; defines quality-related terms within supplier agreements and serves as one of the key approvers of the overall supplier agreement
• Shapes and drives the strategy for managing and monitoring supplier quality performance metrics (e.g. supplier scorecard) and has the authority to approve or reject new suppliers due to quality or technical capability issues
• Designs and sponsors all execution strategies related to supplier-facing quality governance programs, including corrective and preventative action plans, supplier quality consequence models and chargebacks, and supplier capability development
• Serves as the key representative for all global supplier quality matters and can communicate complex issues and topics to senior supply chain and enterprise leaders, including the Board of Directors, if required

Qualifications:

• 15-20 years’ progressive experience working in a product quality, supplier quality, risk management, or audit function; experience in apparel/textile, selfcare, accessories, and footwear is an asset
• Demonstrated expertise in supplier quality management, and shaping strategies to build robust quality systems, programs & processes
• Proven ability to develop overarching departmental strategies and influence related enterprise strategies
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing a multi-disciplinary and significant team of people
• Proven ability to interface with senior leadership, including the CEO, CSCO, and the Board of Directors as needed
• Proven ability to excel in a highly collaborative environment
• Ability to enable change across the organization, and to enroll and influence others
• Ability to manage multiple strategies, escalate issues as needed, and makes strategic and authoritative decisions to protect the brand and drive business growth
• Bachelors/Masters or Advanced degree in quality, business, technical, or related field
• ASQ, ISO, or other quality/supplier management certifications are beneficial

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.
#LI-LC1

Learn more about what it's like working for lululemon in our Asia-Pacific markets:

[1] Youtube Video

#LI-NC1
#LI-Hybrid

References

Visible links
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flve6EPw5B4