Sourcing Manager

The Sourcing Manager will lead a team responsible for managing a class or sub class-level category. The associate will be responsible for cultivating cross‑functional and vendor relationships to optimize cost strategy and vendor network.

• Executes and advises on vendor strategies utilizing a vendor matrix to support Product Development and Buying strategies (including vendor allocation)
• Negotiates favorable first costs based on targets provided by Merchant team and effectively ensures design and materials are aligned to either first cost target or makes adjustments based on design and material direction
• Develops and monitors pre‑production activities (sample development, quotes, packaging, etc.) to ensure all are completed in a timely manner
• Responsible for tracking sampling of product, escalating potential delays and ensuring that samples are available for review by deadlines set in product development calendar
• Analyzes and calculates costs of procurement and suggests methods to decrease expenditure
• Monitors purchase order milestones to ensure development is approved prior to ordering and any outstanding approvals are escalated to senior management
• Responsible for identifying and tracking vendor capabilities, including:
• Innovation in design and production (materials and techniques)
• Value – Cost and quality
• CSR
• Assesses and analyzes vendor capacities and partners with planning teams to utilize projections and forecasts
• Maintains close working partnership with Design, Buying, Planning, and Quality and Compliance
• Improves vendor reliability through the management of vendor performance
• Achieves margin goals
• Assesses, reacts, and communicates to appropriate business units on missed production or purchase order deadlines
• Assists the Sourcing leadership team with products and tasks
• Supervises an associate and helps them achieve their individual savings targets
• Recruits, hires, trains staff, evaluates performance, and recommends or initiates promotions, transfers, and corrective action
• Participates in ongoing training regarding technology upgrades and new systems applicable to the position

• Excellent reading and written language skills (English), multi‑cultural awareness and respect, basic arithmetic, interpersonal skills, telephone presence, data entry skills
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of manufacturing processes for assigned categories
• Ability to manage and develop direct reports
• Ability to manage a timing and action calendar
• Effective email communication with overseas vendors and agents
• Negotiating skills
• Strong financial reporting and quantitative analysis skills
• Ability to be agile and flexible in a changing environment
• Ability to travel overseas

• A minimum of 5 years in Sourcing or Product Development role
• 3 years relevant management experience
• College Degree required