Category Manager, Technology - Procurement (Seattle, Washington)

This job is with lululemon, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

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 Global Procurement team are trusted business advisors who strategically partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to create value and mitigate risk in strategic non-product purchases for the global organization. The team supports the business in increasing its profitability and return on investment by creating value in our indirect supply chain through strategic & stakeholder-centric procurement. From providing category expertise, market insights, cost savings opportunities, supplier performance and relationship management & developing short and long-term strategies, the Global Procurement team plays a key role in value delivery for our business.

about this role

Reporting to the Procurement Director for the Tech category, the Category Manager partners with stakeholders to advance their business goals and priorities. You will apply advanced data analysis, lead competitive sourcing and negotiations, manage suppliers, and drive end-to-end project execution. You will also support the Procurement Leadership Team in delivering the annual category strategy and proactively surface opportunities and risks that may impact those objectives.

core responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of category strategies through a collaborative, inclusive approach that aligns to business and enterprise priorities.
• Contribute market intelligence and value analytics to inform sourcing strategies and category planning.
• Drive annual productivity improvements by identifying and implementing opportunities to optimize total cost of ownership across assigned sub-categories.
• Increase sourcing efficiency by defining clear roadmaps that prioritize categories and sourcing events.
• Build strong partnerships with business leaders to execute sourcing initiatives that meet functional priorities and elevate Global Procurement's impact.
• Support strategic sourcing events and supplier negotiations, with opportunities to lead as experience grows.
• Analyze spend and other data sources to identify value opportunities and generate actionable insights.
• Facilitate the contract management process and partner with Legal to ensure timely, accurate execution of agreements.
• Manage and maintain tools and processes used to plan, track, and execute strategic sourcing activities.

qualifications

• Required: Bachelor
• Preferred: MBA, SCMP or equivalent professional designation
• 5+ years Procurement experience
• 2+ years Technology category experience
• Excellent PC skills (Microsoft Office), knowledge of P2P (Coupa)/Oracle a plus.
• Core capabilities:
  • Relationship building: Effectively builds partnerships by understanding stakeholder needs and expectations. Navigates complex issues, takes ownership through resolution, and provides guidance and support to team members.
  • Category management: Develops and executes strategies across a range of categories. Demonstrates strong knowledge of market dynamics, commercial structures, cost drivers, and industry trends.
  • Sourcing: Independently develops creative contracting and sourcing options using established category frameworks. Validates assumptions and ensures sourcing strategies are sound and actionable.
  • Negotiation: Understands when and how to negotiate effectively. Has led a range of negotiations that advance organizational goals and adapts tactics to different situations.
  • Project management: Leads complex projects and manages multiple deliverables concurrently. Uses tools and techniques to track progress, manage risks, and proactively communicate changes.

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
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an 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 $112,000 - $147,000  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.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-KM1