Senior Technology Director, AI/ML Applied Science

About lululemon

lululemon is a forward-thinking performance apparel company focused on yoga, running, training, and other athletic activities. Renowned for pioneering technical fabrics and functional designs, the company creates transformative products and experiences that empower individuals to move, evolve, connect, and thrive. lululemon attributes its success to innovative products, store emphasis, a commitment to people, and strong community connections. The company is dedicated to fostering positive change by promoting inclusivity, equity, and growth within its workforce.

Team Overview

The Enterprise Data & AI organization spearheads growth by managing data and AI platforms that enable intelligent scale operations. This team delivers a unified data foundation, AI-driven analytics, and solutions embedded with strong data governance and responsible AI policies. By applying AI to key business challenges, the team drives product innovation, enhances guest and educator experiences, and optimizes enterprise efficiency.

The AI/ML Research team focuses on advancing cutting-edge AI capabilities that fuel lululemon's future growth. Positioned at the interface of research and practical application, this group advances novel AI models by integrating emerging tech and solving complex business problems with scalable AI algorithms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a 3–5 year strategic AI research roadmap aligned with business priorities.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies, methodologies, and models to unlock future business capabilities.
• Design, develop, and optimize sophisticated AI and machine learning models.
• Translate intricate business challenges into innovative AI-powered solutions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders to pinpoint impactful AI use cases.
• Ensure research outcomes contribute directly to measurable business results.
• Provide expert guidance shaping the company’s AI/ML research direction and strategy.
• Serve as a thought leader to foster AI innovation organization-wide.
• Help establish AI capabilities as a competitive differentiator for lululemon.
• Work with AI Platform and Data teams to operationalize and deploy solutions effectively.
• Balance research experimentation with scalable production-ready implementations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a talented AI/ML research team fostering innovation and continual learning.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative environment reflecting lululemon’s core values.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in AI and machine learning with a specialization in research and innovation.
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or related discipline demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed venues.
• Proven leadership of technical research teams within academic or industry settings.
• Extensive knowledge of modern AI/ML techniques including deep learning, NLP, generative AI, and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to create novel AI models, frameworks, or applied research solutions.
• Experience converting cutting-edge research into practical, business-oriented applications.
• Strong collaboration skills with engineering and data platform teams.

Core Behavioral Expectations

• Take personal responsibility with awareness of choices at every moment.
• Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset focused on continuous innovation and achievement.
• Communicate honestly and kindly while encouraging open communication from others.
• Lead courageously, embracing possibility over fear of failure.
• Prioritize connection by valuing people and fostering trust.
• Incorporate fun and joy into work culture and personal demeanor.

Additional Information

Authorization to work in Canada is mandatory for this role.

Compensation and Benefits

lululemon offers a pay-for-performance compensation model. The salary range for this role typically falls between 223500 and 293350 CAD annually, adjusted by location, skill set, experience, and internal equity. Eligible employees may participate in annual bonus and equity programs as per company policies.

• Comprehensive extended health, dental, and mental health coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Matched savings and retirement programs.
• Substantial employee discounts.
• Access to fitness and yoga classes.
• Additional parenthood support benefits.
• Wide range of development courses.
• People networks, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development programs.

These benefits and incentive programs have qualifying criteria and are subject to change at the employer's discretion without prior notice.

Work Environment

lululemon values onsite collaboration; employees are expected to work from the office at least four days per week to nurture cultural connection and teamwork.