Senior Apparel Technical Developer

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

Imagine Design is the Architect of a product, and Product Development is the Engineer. From concept through to pre-production stage, Product Development is the front-line regarding communication with the finished goods vendor base, launching sketches, requesting sampling, fitting product and keeping an accurate data library of the life cycle of a product. Product Development is a truly cross functional working group that pivot to partners such as Design, Concept, Fit, Quality, Merchandising, Finished Goods Sourcing, Raw Materials and Go To Market operations to deliver a commercially ready product to our buying teams.

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. This team knows how to bring fun into their everyday, prioritising team connection and enjoying creative sessions together.

core responsibilities

The Senior Apparel Technical Developer is responsible to drive the fit and technical acumen of best-in-class product in partnership with creative and strategic counterparts, balancing function, time, cost and quality while delivering design intent. Reference product road maps, industry standards and leverage pattern and technical expertise to deliver premium, functional, and innovative product fit for production.

• Responsible for the fit, execution, and approval of high complexity styles from concept through to production readiness
• Lead and mentor others in fittings to articulate fit or prototype changes and rationale to cross-functional partners utilizing visual or verbal communication and or tools
• Efficiently communicate and update style measurements, construction details, and context to vendors and or sample room
• Support team in the prioritization of daily work-flow that adheres to GTM deliverables, development timelines and style development (eg: fit sessions and comments)
• Partner with Product Development to assess and mitigate risk of HAS (high attention) styles
• Utilize lab test and wear test report/results to adjust construction to mitigate risk of failure
• Maintain style data integrity and accuracy in Flex PLM and other relevant systems
• Enter and update as required any technical trims in BoM ensuring accuracy before approval (interlining, mobilon) and communicate with Product Development partner
• Create and maintain fit and construction standards and protocols
• Educate team in advanced technical knowledge of industry standards and our brands construction and fit standards
• Collaborate with internal and external resources (Labs, vendor co-creation) to solve innovation opportunities outside of GTM gates
• Ensure construction and fit consistency across product categories according to established brand guidelines
• Drive fit excellence education with cross-functional peers in category through presentations and training sessions
• Spec and analyze garments to determine compliance of measurements, workmanship, construction direction, and maintain fit intent
• Present and support team in proto changes, challenges, and solutions at GTM meetings
• Build strategies alongside Manager that drive competencies within the scope of product creation
• Mentor & train team

qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience; focused training in Technical Design, Pattern Making, Product Development or relevant experience preferred
• 8+ years minimum industry experience (preferably within the Technical Design and/or Technical Development departments)
• Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
• Proficiency with Flex PLM or similar PLM software
• Working knowledge with Gerber Pattern Making and/or 3D software (CLO, Browzwear)
• Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (Internal and Overseas)
• Practiced in the art of mentoring and training others

must haves

• Driven by the technical aspect of the product creation process
• Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset
• Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities
• Comprehensive knowledge of fabric, construction, draping, graphic & dye techniques in multiple fabrications
• (woven, knit, engineered knits) and product categories
• Skilled at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams & fit photos
• Expert knowledge of Grading
• Strong applied comprehension of end-to-end product life cycle
• Engage and educate cross-functional peers and leadership at fittings and product presentations
• Thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
• Excellent time management and proactive problem-solving skills
• Curiosity for change and learning, capable of managing ambiguity
• Ability to lift 10kg as needed
• Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
• Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
• Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
• Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
• Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn’t take yourself too seriously.

Immigration support is potentially available for this role.

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 $119,200 – 156,500 CAD 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 and equity offerings, 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
• Generous employee discount
• Fitness & yoga classes
• Parenthood top-up
• Extensive catalog of development course offerings
• People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

workplace arrangement

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

#LI-Hybrid #LI-Onsite

#LI-KH1

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