Merchandising and Planning Operations Manager

Description & Requirements Merchandising and Planning Operations Manager 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.

The Merchandising and Planning Operations team is responsible for optimizing Merchandising and Planning workflows and managing timelines and deliverables for Merchandising and Planning teams. They are an expert in the go-to-market process, remove operational roadblocks and make decisions to support the Merchandising and Planning teams in reaching their GTM milestones. Through their work, they unlock merchandising and planning capacity and enable teams to thrive and focus on merchandising and planning endeavors.

• Lead cross-functional work streams across Merchandising, Planning, Product, and Enterprise teams to drive alignment, collaboration, and timely execution of strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate senior leadership engagement, surfacing key decisions and resolving cross-functional dependencies to ensure clarity and momentum across work streams.
• Establish operational excellence frameworks by developing standardized tools, templates, and communication protocols that enhance consistency and scalability across the function.
• Lead and facilitate Merchandising and Planning director-level meetings to create visibility into seasonal milestones, surface risks, and drive mitigation plans.
• Champion Merchandising and Planning process improvements focusing on efficiency, quality, and accountability.
• Design and facilitate workshops to elevate and optimize Merchandising's capabilities and deliverables across the Mandatory Buy and VibeIQ
• Support Merchandising and Planning team on GTM milestone execution, identifying risks, analyzing performance metrics, and driving mitigation plans to completion.
• Ensure data integrity across operational tasks, managing cross-team data accuracy to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

• Minimum 3 years experience in a Merchandising role and 2-3 years experience in an Operations function
• Understanding of the merchandising/product process and the working relationships and interdependencies between merchandising and cross-functional teams
• Understanding of the Go to Market process and calendar
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Programs, Miro and Smartsheet Experience with PLM and/or Visual Assortment platforms
• Ability to multi-task and manage various projects and work streams simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and organization skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• 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.

• 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…