Sourcing Manager

About the role

The Sourcing Manager will lead and execute sourcing strategies that support the company's growth objectives. Key responsibilities include conducting market research, managing supplier costs, negotiating lead times, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to stay informed about industry and emerging fabric trends, competitive landscape, and use this information to make informed sourcing decisions.
• Source and develop raw materials in multiple countries in compliance with customer quality and cost requirements.
• Collect, organize, and analyze detailed raw material supplier costs and quotes, comparing bids and offering suggestions to meet cost and quality requirements.
• Assist with costing analyses, scenario modeling, and supplier cost breakouts to support negotiations and margin targets.
• Recommend supplier allocation based on supplier quotes and feedback.
• Create the LD & sampling allocation plan and inform cross-functional teams (CFT) of changes to allocations based on development feedback, capacity, and timing.
• Negotiate development lead times and re-engineer fabric qualities with suppliers to ensure the best possible conditions for the company, focusing on cost savings without compromising design or quality intent.
• Track, monitor, and issue raw material comments, following up on outstanding approvals and due dates.
• Review and approve raw materials in conjunction with passing SVO wash test results and required performance testing; communicate approvals and next steps to CFT.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with disruptions to, changes in market conditions, and supplier performance issues and escalate risks as needed.
• Daily communication with internal and external teams as needed to drive development progress, resolve issues, and maintain alignment on priorities.
• Work closely with internal and external cross-functional teams to ensure deadlines are met with seamless integration of sourcing strategies.
• CFT collaboration to execute product vision from concept to SSY, ensuring material decisions support design intent, quality standards, and commercial targets.
• Build, maintain, and organize raw material submits into both physical and digital libraries.
• Identify where qualities can be leveraged and/or platformed across the organization.
• Offer suggestions and recommendations to improve efficiencies across development workflows, supplier communication, and material library processes.
• Support quality and compliance initiatives, including testing and updating status to cross-functional teams as needed.
• Manage and develop the Sourcing Assistant, providing clear priorities, training, and feedback to ensure timely and accurate execution of daily tasks.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of sourcing activities and identify areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, merchandising, textiles or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing, product development or related field, preferably in a manufacturing or high-volume production environment.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with PLM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships across the organization.

Skills and Competencies

• Materials and sourcing fundamentals: strong understanding of fabric and trim development processes, supplier quoting, and timeline management.
• Costing and analytics: comfortable comparing quotes, identifying cost drivers, and summarizing options and recommendations using data.
• Negotiation and influence: ability to negotiate lead times and costs and align suppliers and internal partners to clear outcomes.
• Organization and follow-through: manages multiple developments concurrently; tracks approvals, risks, and next steps with discipline.
• Attention to detail: ensures accuracy in material specs, submissions, documentation, and PLM updates.
• Cross-functional communication: communicates clearly with Design, Product Development, Quality, and Production; escalates issues early with proposed solutions.
• Supplier relationship management: builds productive day-to-day relationships with mills/vendors while maintaining accountability to service, quality, and cost expectations.
• Continuous improvement mindset: identifies opportunities to platform/ leverage materials and improve processes, speed, and cost over time.