Director of Footwear Innovation, Sustainability (Portland, OR)

Lululemon seeks a Director of Footwear Innovation, Sustainability in Portland, OR, to lead the Be Planet footwear initiative. This role involves directing a team focused on innovative, sustainable footwear manufacturing and materials while ensuring project timelines and budgets are met. The candidate should have 12-15 years of experience in materials development in the sports performance footwear industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
About the position

Lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company that specializes in yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. The company is known for its commitment to creating transformational products and experiences that support individuals in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. The success of Lululemon is attributed to its innovative product offerings, emphasis on stores, dedication to its people, and the strong connections made within every community. The company is focused on creating positive change and building a healthier, thriving future, with a particular emphasis on fostering an equitable, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for its employees. The Footwear Innovation team at Lululemon is a diverse group of designers, developers, engineers, and scientists who are detail-oriented, future-thinking, and solution-focused. This team is at the forefront of performance and lifestyle footwear, staying informed about technological advances in product creation and their implications for the sportswear industry. Team members are strong communicators who value and cultivate cross-functional relationships. This high-performing team is committed to personal and professional development, practicing open feedback in a trusting environment. In this role, you will partner with the Footwear Innovation VP to develop, own, and direct the Be Planet footwear innovation pillar. This initiative focuses on innovative footwear manufacturing, materials, and process solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact without compromising quality. You will actively direct the Be Planet team, overseeing project briefs, workload allocation, timelines, budgets, and the successful transition of knowledge and technologies to the mainline. As a champion and communicator of Be Planet innovation, you will create presentations and tools for the footwear organization and relevant stakeholders, ensuring that cross-functional partners have the most up-to-date information on projects. You will also ensure adherence to go-to-market deadlines and collaborate with enterprise leaders to align workstreams effectively.

Responsibilities
• Partner with the Footwear Innovation VP to develop, own, and direct the Be Planet footwear innovation pillar.
,
• Actively direct the Be Planet team, including roadmap, project briefs, workload allocation, timelines, budget, and intellectual property filings.
,
• Champion, communicate, and tell the story of Be Planet innovation through presentations and innovation manuals.
,
• Ensure cross-functional partners have up-to-date information on projects and that collaborations are effective.
,
• Direct the Be Planet team to adhere to go-to-market deadlines and track concept readiness.
,
• Collaborate with Research for You and Unparalleled Feel leaders to transition Be Planet findings into new technologies.
,
• Ensure Be Planet intellectual property filings are strategic and accurate.
,
• Coach and advise team members through personal development plans.

Requirements
• 12-15 years' experience in materials development, particularly in the sports performance footwear industry.
,
• In-depth knowledge of textiles, polymers, and sustainable alternatives, along with product engineering focused on sustainability.
,
• 5 years minimum of product creation team leadership experience, with the ability to delegate work effectively.
,
• PhD, MS, or BS in materials science, materials engineering, textile engineering, or a related field.
,
• Advanced understanding of footwear product creation and innovation processes.
,
• Demonstrated experience translating materials and performance research findings into commercialized sports products.
,
• Strong understanding of circular economy principles and carbon footprint reduction strategies.
,
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in the footwear industry.
,
• Strong project management experience with the ability to manage conflicts and anticipate challenges.
,
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with high attention to detail.
,
• Excellent interpersonal skills including collaborative problem-solving and relationship management.
,
• Ability to influence across the Footwear Innovation organization and manage effectively with ambiguity.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and carbon accounting practices.
,
• Competency in enterprise Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.).

Benefits
• 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.