Associate Sourcing Manager

About this opportunity...

The Associate Sourcing Manager provides sourcing and operational support on all aspects of the Product Life Cycle from development to delivery. Reporting to a Director of Sourcing, this role is the liaison between the Agent/Vendor/Overseas office and the Merchant. The Associate will be responsible for delivering product that is in line with the brand aesthetic, quality and value that meets the Merchant objectives.

The base salary range for this role is $67,600-$84,000. The base salary range is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards vary by position and location.

What you will do and what you will learn...

• Performs operational functions supporting designated product categories. Assists the Sourcing team in the development of product from initial design concept to placement to production to shipment of an item.
• Anticipates potential problems and risks; generates ideas, insights and solutions to resolve or avoid potential problems; proposes solutions to Director.
• Has a critical eye for product and developing raw materials and finishes. Receives, organizes, and assesses samples for aesthetic and overall quality.
  
  Assists in product/cost engineering and resolution of any cost challenges.
• Monitors milestone calendars to ensure that deadlines are met, issues are flagged, and updates to the team are timely.
• Maintains effective communication with vendors and agents to ensure shipments are delivered on time; troubleshoots and resolves any issues that arise.
• Keeps product knowledge current by shopping the competition, Ross/dd's stores, and the market; makes recommendations to the Ross/dd's assortment mix based on learnings. Demonstrates understanding of price value relationship.
• Takes initiative to utilize product knowledge to find new resources and creative methods of sourcing product to impact the assortment.
• Partners with Director on the onboarding of new suppliers/ countries/ factories.
• Provides relevant data to merchants for PO issuance and ensures accuracy before sending completed PO to vendor.
• Supports continual development and refining of workflow, processes and tools in partnership with the Director.
• Establishes and cultivates strong relationships with all internal and external business partners.

What you need to be successful...

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3 years sourcing experience, in Product Development/Sourcing/Merchandising within a large retail chain (Participation in a retail training program a plus)
• Knowledge of the product development and production process as well as technical aspects of the product (e.g., Materials, machinery and etc.)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated proficiency in negotiating and influencing skills
• Proficient in retail math
• Strong critical thinking with a solution focused approach; ability to independently analyze information and make recommendations
• Comfort and experience embracing change and adapting to shifting priorities in a multitask environment
• Professional and effective written and verbal skill; experience communicating with international partners. Fluency in Bengali, Hindi, and/ or Mandarin
  
  Chinese a plus.
• Strong PC/Microsoft Office skills, with an emphasis on share tools and Excel spreadsheet applications
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Perks and Benefits of joining our team...

Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits that reflect how much we value their contributions. Here's a peek into what you can expect as an eligible Ross Associate:

• A broad range of affordable health insurance options & personal medical plan concierge
• 401(k) with employer match and Life insurance
• Ample PTO including accrued vacation, paid holidays, diversity day, summer Fridays and the ability to purchase additional vacation.
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Access to health and wellness benefits such as Better Help and Headspace
• Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation
• And more...

* benefits vary by level and position and are subject to change