Trade Operations Lead

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 Trade Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring the compliant and timely import of shipments to lululemon's distribution centers, retail stores, and guests. Beyond preparing shipping documentation, the team manages relationships with all Customs brokers and serves as the subject matter expert in trade operations, including being the business partner for our trade operations technology initiatives. In addition to supporting and overseeing export-import operations, the team collaborates closely with our global fulfillment partners as well as within the broader organization to proactively identify and mitigate trade risks. We also work in partnership with the Global Trade Compliance team to uphold and advance lululemon's trade compliance standards across all markets.

A day in the life

• Based in Singapore, report to the Manager, Trade Operations, APAC.
• Own and monitor Customs / Trade related operations in Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia.
• Prepare shipping invoices for inbound shipments into and outbound shipments from Singapore.
• Monitor the provision of preferential COOs by production vendors.
• Monitor Back-to-Back COO applications submitted by the Singapore Customs Broker.
• Verify duty and tax amounts for reimbursement to brokers.
• Develop workflow, reporting tools and best practices for tasks within the team.
• Develop and maintain trade operations policies, procedures, SOPs and broker audit programs across the APAC region.
• Build and manage relationships with customs brokers and vendors to ensure performance against KPIs partner with trade associations to stay abreast of key industry developments.
• Address and escalate Customs / Trade related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Partner with cross-functional teams (such as distribution, logistics, production, retail operations, etc.) and provide trade operations leadership, guidance and training as necessary.
• Develop robust metrics to analyze and monitor import compliance and spending formalize and execute broker entry audit plan and recordkeeping regime.
• Work closely with regional and global trade compliance teams on compliance risks, global initiatives and broader supply chain strategy.
• Assist in trade preference program administration & optimization opportunities including trade agreements, duty drawbacks, foreign trade zones/bonded facilities and other savings mechanisms.
• Support the launch and ongoing maintenance of trade management platforms across APAC markets.
• Identify opportunities to streamline current trade operations processes such as invoicing, duty payments, audits, reporting and strategic evaluations.
• Support ad-hoc tasks and projects as assigned by manager.

Q

ualifications:

• University graduates in Business, International Supply Chain Management, Trade, or a related discipline preferred.
• 5-8+ years of trade and / or operation experience, preferably within the apparel and textiles industry.
• Leadership skills but not just working as an individual contributor.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to operate under tight time constraints with a strong sense of urgency.
• Extremely organized, thorough, and detail orientated.
• Balanced approach to theory and practice, with critical mindset and attention to details.
• Subject matter expertise in customs operations familiarity with tariff classification for textile and apparel products is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of English.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Power BI, Power Query, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Open-minded, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.

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.