Manager, Technical Development

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

We are mainly focus on multi-source product development with our vendors to ensure fit and quality expectations from the product development stage. The team is responsible for sharing original samples, confirming accurate Tech packs, BOM, and patterns with our vendors from proto sample creation to size run and PP sample approval stages. We work collaborative with our vendors to support their understanding of our technical and quality requirements, we enroll and train new vendors to ensure their success in their product development journey at lululemon. The in region Technical Development team supports the Vancouver SSC PD / TD teams in onboarding new vendors, completing administrative tasks in PLM and removing roadblocks when developing new styles with our vendors.

A day in the life:

The Technical Development Manager leads our in-region technical developer team in Vietnam and Sri Lanka to follow-up on lululemon product technical and quality expectations. They manage our fit and proto sample development processes by providing technical and quality requirement training with our internal team and external vendors. This role will support and facilitate on multi source projects with our team and production countries. This role will also support the implementation of live model fittings from our Hong Kong LLO office, drive continuous improvement initiatives and support new vendors onboarding.

• Manage a team of in-region technical developers based in Vietnam and Sri Lanka to achieve Lululemon technical and quality expectation.
• Train new team members on our standards and development practices.
• Work closely with Vancouver Product / Technical Developers and Global Fit to advance technical knowledge of our brand's construction and fit standards.
• Manage Technical Developers workload, vendor performance and KPIs.
• Understand sample making process from development stage and build-in manufacturing excellence with FGV (Finished Goods Vendor) from sample development stage for better efficiency, IMU costing efficiency and quality.
• Ensure construction and fit consistency across product class according to established brand guidelines.
• Lead the team to focus on Quality Risk assessments, including product quality development testing, seam construction risk assessment and call out on any HAS (high attention style).
• Support in establishing a strong new vendor onboarding hypercare process.
• Support Hong Kong TD team in implementing Live Model fittings.
• Able to conduct fit sessions independently for apparel and accessories.
• Support and collaborate in establishing multi sourcing strategies with cross functional partners (Sourcing, Supply Planning, LLO Merch…).
• Build and drive Continuous Improvement / Vendor Co-creation projects in collaboration with all in-country functions (Quality, ME, Merchandising, Costing).
• Build vendor & cross-functional relationships through effective online or in-person correspondences.
• Travel to factories locally and internationally will be required.
• and any other duties and tasks tat are assigned

Qualifications:

• 4 Year BA Degree with focused training in Technical Design, Patternmaking, or relevant experience
• Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
• 8-10 years minimum industry experience (preferably within the Technical Design and/or Patternmaking Departments) and team management experience
• Proficiency with FlexPLM or similar PLM software
• Familiarity or proficiency with Gerber Pattern Making and/or 3D software (CLO, Browzwear) is an asset
• Understand RM & fabric characteristic and applications required
• Understand Lab testing requirements
• Understand quality need from a mass production point of view
• Knowledge around Garment Construction engineering needs and application methods
• Understand GSD (Garment Standard Data), SMV (Standard Method Value) and consumption basic calculation
• Knowledge on bonding capability, fabric, construction, draping, graphic & dye techniques
• Substantial knowledge of Grading
• Understand both knitted and woven product (apparel and accessories)

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.