lululemon Senior Sample Operations Specialist

Description & Requirements

SENIOR SAMPLE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

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; that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

About the Team

Samples enable teams across lululemon to create, decide, and move forward with confidence. The Sample Operations team makes it possible, leading the sample production journey from order to exit with precision. We focus on seamless execution to unlock speed, alignment, and better outcomes across the business.

A Day in the Life:

The Senior Sample Operations Specialist is responsible for the successful operations, optimization, and efficiency of workstreams within the Internal Use Product (IUP) program. This role specializes in managing critical, revenue-driving samples that are created through unique processes outside of seasonal sample order timelines. The role leads two key programs operating well ahead of bulk production, requiring detailed, day-to-day oversight at both the material and garment levels to ensure accuracy, readiness, and alignment with downstream business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee two major pre-bulk sample programs, ensuring proactive, day-to-day management of both material development and garment execution to support early-stage business needs.
• Drive the end-to-end GLF Colour Sample execution process, including execution, invoicing, and timeline management, in partnership with the GLF Colour Sample Coordinator.
• Create and manage Brand Marketing sample ordering on a global scale for revenue-driving initiatives, including process implementation, order creation and release, sample production oversight, and delivery tracking.
• Identify gaps and implement solutions to create an efficient and seamless sample delivery process.
• Provide hands-on operational oversight across early-stage sample creation, ensuring alignment, quality, and timelines from material through to finished garment.
• Actively troubleshoot and problem-solve with global cross-functional partners, including Design, Merchandising, and LLO production teams.
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Operations-owned processes.
• Manage and analyze data across multiple operating systems and tools; build dashboards and reporting to support sample delivery compliance using Excel VBA, DAX, and other data modeling tools.
• Facilitate communication between LLO and internal business partners, maintaining strong relationships and alignment across functions.

Qualifications

• Proactive mindset with a strong passion for process improvement and problem-solving
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• 5-8 years of experience in an operations role, preferably within the apparel industry
• Specialized knowledge of the apparel production lifecycle, including material and garment development, is an asset
• Advanced technical proficiency in Microsoft Suite, particularly Power BI and Excel
• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline

Must Haves

• 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, don't take yourself too seriously.

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  $88,200 - $115,000 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 , 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

Hybrid

In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.