Cw - Regional Materials Development Engineer - Footwear (12 Months Contract)

Location: Vietnam

State/Province/City: Ho Chi Minh

City: Ho Chi Minh

Business Unit: Store Support Centre (SSC)

Time Type: Full-time



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

From initial design concept through commercialization, Footwear Product Development is responsible for shepherding each model through the process to ensure the execution aligns with the product intent. This teams serves as an integral part of “bringing the product to life” through technical acumen, problem solving skills, program management and cross functional collaboration. Ensuring product integrity, on-time execution, design intent and manufacturing feasibility.

A day in the life - what you will do:

The Regional Materials Engineer will be responsible for supporting HQ Footwear Material Development by managing direct communication with the local factory base to ensure clear understanding of the technical requirements and key design points while engaging creative problem solving, high-level program management and quality issue resolution skills to ensure best in class products. Responsibilities include:

• Supervise material development process in a direct-to-supplier environment where HQ Materials Development communicate directly to the suppliers with the LLO Regional Materials Engineer playing a supporting role.
• Partner with material suppliers to streamline communication and integrate standard operating procedures.
• Utilize specialized experience to foresee potential development risks and use broad industry knowledge to troubleshoot and create mainline solutions.
• Facilitate Material Development between Lululemon/Vendor/Factory to ensure material feasibility and proper specifications.
• Utilize technical skills to review both lab dip development as well as bulk submits to determine and advise potential shade matching concerns.
• Adhere to predetermined timelines and gates, actively tracking progress and giving updates on agreed upon basis to HQ teammates including proto yardage tracking.
• Develop regional source options to reduce lead-times and improve cost when needed.
• Attend Sample trials and ensure proper execution, quality and performance prior to shipping.
• Participate in the Buy Ready and Commercialization trials to ensure new fabrications are manufacturable and ready for production while meeting the highest quality standard.
• Drive opportunities for co-creation between material vendors, factory partners and lululemon.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of footwear materials development experience with a working knowledge of the performance and/or lifestyle footwear industry.
• Solid knowledge of performance and lifestyle footwear material types, applications, and physical properties.
• Technical knowledge spanning all areas of synthetics, films and textiles from fibers, yarn, material construction, dyeing, finishing, and printing
• Knowledge of Raw Material and Footwear testing methodologies and standards, with the ability to analyze material testing results, identify quality risks.
• Basic knowledge of footwear manufacturing and development practices, including fluency in footwear component terminology.
• Knowledge of cross-functional product creation team accountabilities is preferred, including product development, sourcing, and quality assurance.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and influence global teams, as well as work independently all while adapting to a changing environment managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices in materials development is a plus.
• Excellent multi-tasking, organizational skills as well as verbal & written communication skills
• Thrives in a time-sensitive, demanding, and dynamic environment, and can self-start, organize, prioritize, multi-task, and balance competing priorities with a keen sense of urgency.
• Strong interpersonal skills including analytical, problem solving, organizational, issue resolution, and internal and external relationship management.
• Competency w/ Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Planner, Outlook), and Flex or similar PLM Application
• Can travel approximately 35% of the time.
• Proficient in Vietnamese and English (Chinese a plus)

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.

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