Director, Supply Chain Environment

The Director, Supply Chain Environment will be responsible for setting and driving the environmental sustainability agenda across lululemon's network of finished goods suppliers and mills in Asia. This includes leading the implementation of supply chain decarbonisation programs aligned with the company's Scope 3 emissions reduction goals, executing a vendor thermal decarbonisation roadmap, and spearheading regional water stewardship initiatives in high-risk manufacturing locations. The role also requires establishing clear environmental performance expectations for suppliers and consistently measuring progress against those benchmarks. Beyond program execution, the director will act as the senior regional environmental expert, integrating environmental considerations into sourcing and production teams. They will partner with industry organisations such as aii, ACEC, and Cascale to develop multi-brand solutions to shared industry challenges, and lead a team of 8-10 environmental and supply chain experts. This involves close collaboration with internal functions including sustainability, sourcing, production, legal, and product quality to ensure alignment and compliance. The overarching goal is to translate lululemon's Impact Agenda and science-based targets into tangible, measurable improvements across the supply chain, positioning the company as a leader in environmental sustainability within the apparel sector.

The successful candidate will deepen their expertise in supply chain decarbonisation, particularly in implementing thermal decarbonisation roadmaps and addressing Scope 3 emissions within complex apparel supply chains. They will gain hands-on experience with water stewardship strategies in high-risk manufacturing regions, learning how to balance environmental imperatives with production realities. Exposure to industry collaborations like aii, ACEC, and Cascale will provide insights into multi-stakeholder approaches to systemic issues. Leading a team of 8-10 experts will offer significant leadership development, including managing ambiguity and high-profile projects. The director will refine their ability to communicate complex environmental topics to executive audiences and cross-functional partners, improving their executive presence. Working within lululemon's dynamic, fast-paced environment will also provide lessons in integrating sustainability into core business operations and driving cultural change. Mentorship opportunities may arise from working alongside senior leaders in the enterprise-wide sustainability team, and the role could involve exposure to advanced environmental technologies and methodologies as the company pursues its 2030 and 2050 science-based targets.

The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in apparel or footwear supply chains, with a minimum of 10 years implementing environmental or product sustainability programs related to climate and/or water. They should have direct experience working with suppliers on environmental initiatives, ideally in the apparel or footwear sector. A proven ability to excel in collaborative environments and build relationships across functions and external industry groups is essential. They must have at least 5 years of experience building and managing a team, demonstrating strong leadership and people development skills. The candidate should be a strategic thinker with a bias for action, capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure and handling high-profile projects. Strong executive presence, clear communication skills, and the ability to simplify complexity into crisp messages are critical. Soft skills such as honesty, kindness, courage, and an entrepreneurial spirit align with lululemon's culture. A bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, or a related field is likely required, and advanced certifications in sustainability or supply chain management would be advantageous.

To stand out, candidates should tailor their application to emphasise direct experience in apparel or footwear supply chains and specific achievements in climate and water programs. Quantifiable results, such as emissions reductions achieved or water savings implemented with suppliers, will be particularly compelling. Highlighting experience with industry collaborations like aii, ACEC, or Cascale will demonstrate alignment with lululemon's multi-stakeholder approach. The cover letter should articulate a clear understanding of lululemon's Impact Agenda and how the candidate's vision for supply chain sustainability aligns with the company's science-based targets. Demonstrating familiarity with Scope 3 emissions and thermal decarbonisation challenges in manufacturing will show technical depth. Additionally, weaving in lululemon's must-have qualities (such as leading with courage, fostering connection, and integrating fun) can signal cultural fit. During interviews, prepare to discuss how you have managed ambiguity and high-pressure situations, and provide examples of building and leading teams. Be ready to outline a strategic roadmap for supply chain environmental programs in Asia, showing both long-term vision and actionable steps. Since the role requires authorisation to work in Hong Kong SAR, clearly state your work status upfront.

This role will focus primarily on environmental sustainability within lululemon's manufacturing supply chain, with a strong emphasis on climate action. The director will lead supply chain decarbonisation programs, including the implementation of a vendor thermal decarbonisation roadmap, to support lululemon's Scope 3 emissions reduction goals and its 2030 and 2050 science-based targets. This involves working closely with suppliers and mills to adopt cleaner energy solutions and improve energy efficiency. Another key area is water stewardship, particularly in high-risk manufacturing locations. The director will design and execute regional initiatives to reduce water usage, manage wastewater, and protect local water resources. Waste management within the supply chain will also fall under their purview, aiming to minimise waste and promote circularity. The role intersects with governance aspects through environmental compliance and performance measurement, ensuring suppliers meet lululemon's standards. Stakeholder engagement with industry organisations and NGOs will be essential to advancing multi-brand solutions. Overall, the focus is on driving measurable environmental performance improvements across the supply chain, aligning with lululemon's broader Impact Agenda.

One major challenge will be driving environmental improvements across a diverse and geographically dispersed network of suppliers, each with varying levels of capability and commitment. The director must navigate cultural, regulatory, and economic differences while maintaining strong relationships. Balancing ambitious decarbonisation goals with the realities of apparel manufacturing, where technologies like thermal decarbonisation may be costly or not yet scalable, will require creative problem-solving and persistence. Internally, aligning cross-functional teams (sourcing, production, legal, and product quality) around environmental priorities can be difficult, as these teams have their own performance metrics and pressures. The director will need to influence without direct authority and manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment. High-profile projects and executive visibility add further pressure to deliver results quickly. Externally, engaging with industry organisations and NGOs may involve conflicting stakeholder expectations. Managing these relationships while advancing lululemon's agenda will demand diplomatic skill and strategic thinking. Additionally, the role requires staying ahead of evolving environmental regulations and sustainability trends in Asia, which can be unpredictable.

A typical day might start with a team check-in, reviewing progress on key supply chain environmental programs such as thermal decarbonisation projects or water stewardship initiatives. The director could then join a cross-functional meeting with sourcing and production leaders to integrate environmental criteria into supplier selection and performance evaluations. Later, they might meet with external partners like aii or Cascale to discuss collaborative industry solutions. Afternoons could involve one-on-one sessions with team members to provide guidance on complex supplier issues or to strategise on overcoming barriers. The director may also review environmental performance data from suppliers, preparing insights for executive updates. Occasionally, they might travel to supplier sites or industry events to deepen relationships and assess on-the-ground conditions. The role involves a mix of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight. Variability comes from the dynamic nature of supply chain issues, such as responding to unexpected environmental compliance challenges or seizing new collaboration opportunities. The pace is fast, with multiple priorities demanding attention.

This role offers a clear path to higher leadership positions within lululemon's sustainability or supply chain organisations. Successful performance could lead to expanded responsibilities across other regions or into broader enterprise sustainability strategy. The director will gain visibility with senior executives by leading high-profile projects tied to the company's science-based targets, positioning them as a subject matter expert and potential successor for VP-level roles. Lateral moves into other areas such as product sustainability, corporate strategy, or general supply chain management are also possible, given the cross-functional nature of the role. The experience in managing a large team and complex stakeholder relationships is highly transferable. Additionally, the director will build a strong external network through industry collaborations, improving their professional reputation. Professional development is supported through lululemon's personal and professional development programs, which may include leadership training, coaching, and exposure to advanced sustainability practices. The role itself is a growth opportunity, demanding continuous learning in a fast-evolving field.

The director will interact regularly with internal teams such as sourcing, production, legal, and product quality to integrate environmental sustainability into core business processes. They will also collaborate closely with the enterprise-wide sustainability team, reporting to senior sustainability leadership. Directly managing a team of 8-10 environmental and supply chain experts will involve daily mentorship and guidance. Externally, key stakeholders include finished goods suppliers and mills, where the director will drive environmental programs and performance improvements. They will engage with industry organisations like aii, ACEC, and Cascale to shape multi-brand solutions and represent lululemon. NGOs and other environmental groups may also be partners in advancing water stewardship and decarbonisation initiatives. Interactions with these stakeholders range from collaborative problem-solving to negotiating performance expectations and advocating for industry-wide change. The director must balance diverse interests while maintaining lululemon's sustainability commitments and building trust.