Associate Planner (Merchandising planning)

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

As a member of the product team, the Planning team is responsible for ensuring the financial success of the company. They work closely with Merchandising and Allocations to understand new product trends, localized selling patterns, store opportunities, size trends and logistics. The team monitors the business on a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, understanding changes in trend and reacting to the business to maximize sales and mitigate risk. The priority is to understand and promote guest experience, followed by delivering profitable sales growth.

Reporting directly to the manager of merchandise planning, this position is responsible for category sales targets, markdowns, gross margin, planned purchases, turn and open to buy management. You love everything product, inventory and numbers; you are a born entrepreneur, passionate to pioneer a global brand in a new market.

core responsibilities

• Learn beginning-to-end planning and take on additional responsibilities with the goal of independently owning category plans
• Create and manage sales and inventory projections for key in-stock items
• Support the planning team with analysis and involvement in category plans.
• Partner with the Buyer to develop pre-season sales, markdown, margin, receipt and inventory
• Analyze and understand current performance; revising in-season sales/profit plans, and control inventory levels
• Partner with your Buyer to develop and propose tactics in response to business trends:
• Make key financial decisions to maximize sales, margin and inventory productivity
• Monthly plan review process: develop sales, markdown, receipt and inventory re-forecasts
• Communicate revisions and strategies with the Merchandise team
• Partner with Store Planning to review and create informed store plans for allocations and OTB planning
• Provide reporting and analysis to facilitate the achievement of business goals (e.g. hindsighting)

qualifications

• Tertiary qualification preferably in business or commerce
• 2-3 years proven experience with data analysis
• Regional APAC exposure
• Previous experience with merchandise and planning systems
• Expert knowledge of Excel is required
• Excellent team player as well as the ability to work independently
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal)
• Extremely organized thorough and able to prioritize
• Detail-orientated with exceptional analytical skills
• Strong ability to see the merchandise vision and translate into viable plans
• Results oriented - strong sense of motivation
• Self-directed problem solver, proactive and resourceful
• Responsible, dependable and mature, with sound judgment
• Capable of effective demand management from a variety of sources and adapts well to change

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.

additional notes

Authorization to work in Hong Kong SAR is required for this role.

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.

work arrangement

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. 

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

[1] Youtube Video

#LI-JCA #LI-Onsite

References

Visible links

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