Senior Technology Director - AI/ML Applied Science

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 Enterprise Data & AI organization is a strategic and operational driver of growth for lululemon, owning and building the data and AI platforms and services that enable the enterprise to operate with intelligence at scale. The team leads the design and delivery of a trusted unified data foundation, AI-driven data analytics and insights, and AI solutions across lululemon’s vertically integrated retail ecosystem, while embedding strong data governance and responsible AI practices from the very beginning. By applying AI to critical business challenges and creating new, transformative AI solutions, the team helps reshape how lululemon operates. Through deep partnership with product, technology, and business teams, Enterprise Data & AI accelerates product innovation, unlocks measurable value, elevates guest and educator experiences, and drives enterprise efficiency. The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Research team is specifically responsible for exploring, developing, and advancing cutting-edge AI capabilities that will transform lululemon’s future business growth. This team operates at the intersection of research and application—identifying emerging technologies, building new models, and translating complex business challenges into scalable AI-driven algorithms. Core responsibilities As a Senior Director, AI/ML Research and Science, you are accountable for advancing lululemon’s AI capabilities through the research, development, and delivery of innovative AI models and solutions that drive measurable business impact. This role requires innovation at the intersection of solving complex business problems and extending the state-of-the-art to achieve high-performing AI solutions that transform the business. Reporting to senior technology leadership, you will lead a lean, highly specialized team of AI research and applied scientists focused on pushing the boundaries of applied AI, balancing forward-looking exploration (3–5 years out) with near-term business aspects. This role serves as a critical bridge between state-of-the-art AI research and enterprise business problems, translating evolving business needs into novel solutions and shaping the enterprise AI research roadmap in partnership with business stakeholders. Select responsibilities include: Define and drive a forward-looking AI research roadmap (3–5-year horizon) aligned to business priorities Explore emerging technologies, methods, and models to unlock future capabilities Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex AI/ML models. Business Problem Solving Translate complex business challenges into AI-driven solutions Partner with cross-functional leaders to identify high‑impact use cases Ensure research outputs are aligned with tangible business outcomes Provide expert guidance that shapes the broader AI/ML research strategy Act as a thought leader across the organization in AI innovation Contribute to establishing lululemon’s AI capabilities as a competitive advantage Partnership & Delivery Collaborate closely with AI Platform and Data teams to productionize solutions Ensure research innovations can be effectively integrated into business operations Balance experimentation with scalable, practical implementation Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of AI/ML research scientists Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning Build an inclusive, collaborative environment aligned with lululemon’s values Qualifications 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, or related field with a strong publication record in peer‑reviewed conferences and journals Proven experience leading technical research teams in industry or academia Deep expertise in modern AI/ML techniques (e.g., deep learning, NLP, generative AI, optimization) Track record of developing novel models, frameworks, or applied research solutions Experience translating research into real‑world business applications Strong collaboration experience with engineering and data platform teams 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 doesn’t take yourself too seriously. additional notes Authorization to work in the U.S. is required for this role. Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visa at this time 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 $300,340-394,190 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 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 connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week. Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. Lululemon is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state or provincial and local laws and ordinances. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all practices relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, discipline, transfer, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. While management is primarily responsible for seeing that Lululemon equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, you share in the responsibility for assuring that, by your personal actions, the policies are effective. Lululemon is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you would like someone from our team to contact you for individualized support, email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. In your email, please include the position title, the location of the position and the nature of your request. The use of AI tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, DeepSeek, or any other AI‑assisted software, is strictly prohibited during the interview process. This includes AI‑generated responses, content creation, or any form of automated assistance in live interviews, case studies, technical assessments, or written submissions. At lululemon, we are committed to privacy, integrity, transparency, and ethical hiring practices. Our commitment to responsible AI ensures that proprietary information is protected and that all hiring decisions are based on an individual’s own skills, judgment, and expertise without AI assistance. Any use of AI during the interview process will result in immediate disqualification. Lululemon reserves the right to use AI detection tools to verify the authenticity of candidate responses. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lululemon Athletica