Trade Operations Lead

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 Trade Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring the compliant and timely import of shipments to lululemon’s distribution centers, retail stores, and guests. Beyond preparing shipping documentation, the team manages relationships with all Customs brokers and serves as the subject matter expert in trade operations, including being the business partner for our trade operations technology initiatives. In addition to supporting and overseeing export-import operations, the team collaborates closely with our global fulfillment partners as well as within the broader organization to proactively identify and mitigate trade risks. We also work in partnership with the Global Trade Compliance team to uphold and advance lululemon’s trade compliance standards across all markets.

A day in the life

• Based in Vietnam, report to the Manager, Trade Operations, APAC.
• Manages the provision of preferential certificate of origin by production vendors and owns the related communications.
• Assists in trade preference program administration & optimization opportunities including trade agreements, duty drawbacks, foreign trade zones/bonded facilities and other savings mechanisms.
• Verifies duty and tax amounts. Arranges reimbursement to customs brokers.
• Monitors and ensures cargo clearance will be completed within agreed KPI.
• Prepares shipping invoices for inbound, outbound & pullback shipments.
• Monitors Back-to-Back COO applications by customs broker.
• Manages relationships with customs brokers and vendors to ensure performance against KPIs; partners with trade associations to stay abreast of key industry developments.
• Develops and maintains trade operations policies, procedures, SOPs, best practices and broker audit programs across the APAC region.
• Develops robust metrics to analyze and monitor import compliance and spending; formalizes and executes broker entry audit plan and recordkeeping regime.
• Addresses and escalates customs/trade-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Partners with cross-functional teams (such as distribution, logistics, production, retail operations, etc.) and provides trade operations leadership, guidance and training as necessary.
• Works closely with regional and global trade compliance teams on compliance risks, global initiatives and broader supply chain strategy.
• Supports the launch and ongoing maintenance of trade management platforms across APAC markets.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline current trade operations processes such as invoicing, duty payments, audits, reporting and strategic evaluations.
• Supports ad hoc tasks and projects as assigned by manager and any other duties and tasks that are assigned

Qualifications

• University graduates in Business, International Supply Chain Management, Trade, or a related discipline preferred.
• 5-8+ years of trade and / or operation experience, preferably within the apparel and textiles industry.
• Leadership skills but not just working as an individual contributor.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to operate under tight time constraints with a strong sense of urgency.
• Extremely organized, thorough, and detail orientated.
• Balanced approach to theory and practice, with critical mindset and attention to details.
• Subject matter expertise in customs operations; familiarity with tariff classification for textile and apparel products is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of English.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Power BI, Power Query, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Open-minded, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.

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.

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