lululemon Mexico Trade Operations Lead

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 EMEA + NAM Trade 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

• Build and manage relationships with customs brokers and service providers to ensure performance against KPIs;
• Make sure brokers submit correct entry and documents on time;
• Create and maintain brokers SOPs.
• Handle exception cases from brokers.
• Facilitate and monitor other government agencies permit applications by brokers.
• Follow up and solve missing declaration cases by brokers (Mexico).
• Monitor import compliance and spending; formalize and execute broker entry audit plan and recordkeeping regime.
• Prepare and publish regular reports. Track KPIs and maintain a trade statistics dashboard for the region.
• Monitor the provisions of Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin by production vendors.
• Provide support with post-entry corrections and reconciliation processes
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation within the broker's entry filing process
• Verify duty and tax amounts and support in custom duty billing and customs broker fee payments.
• Maintain trade operations policies, procedures, SOPs, best practices across the North America region.
• Identify opportunities to streamline current trade operations processes such as invoicing, duty payments, audits, reporting and strategic evaluations.
• Address and escalate customs/trade-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Partner and meet with cross-functional teams (such as distribution, logistics, production, retail operations, etc.) and provide guidance and training as necessary.
• Provide documents and data upon request by cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with regional and global trade compliance teams on compliance risks, global initiatives and broader supply chain strategy.
• Ongoing Maintenance of trade management platforms across NAM markets.
• Support ad hoc tasks and projects as assigned by sr manager.

Qualifications:

• University graduates in Business, International Supply Chain Management, Trade, or a related discipline preferred.
• 2-3+ years of trade and / or operation experience, preferably within the apparel and textiles industry.
• Customs Broker License preferred.
• Strong understanding of current tariff situations and their impact on trade
• Knowledge of different valuation methods, Incoterms
• Excellent 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 detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of English (Spanish fluency required).
• 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.

Additional Notes

Authorization to work in Mexico is required for this role.

workplace arrangement

This role is classified as Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy:

Hybrid

In-person collaboration is important. Work is performed onsite at least 4 days per week.