Sr Sourcing Director

• Location: New York, NY
• Type: Direct Hire
Hybrid
• Job #8814

Reporting to the VP of Global Sourcing & Product Development

The Senior Sourcing Director is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and production planning, price negotiation, costing analysis, shares margin P&L responsibility. This role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to drive collaboration across various departments to create and sustain an efficient and cost-effective supply chain while maintaining high-quality standards and on-time delivery of merchandise.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Sourcing Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sourcing strategy aligned with brand goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements, forecast demand, and develop sourcing plans.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and secure the best value for the brand.
• Execute the Strategic Sourcing Plan, providing projections to suppliers and agents, block booking fabric and sewing capacity, and initiating the implementation of Production Time and Action calendars or PLM(product life management).
• Stay informed about the market trends, industry developments and emerging technologies to identify sourcing opportunities and stay competitive.

1. Supplier Management and Relationship Building:

• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
• Safeguard the brand’s margin through effective negotiation and buying margin management.
• Collaborate with the design, production, and product integrity teams to ensure suppliers meet the quality and compliance requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to optimize costs without compromising quality.
• Develop, maintain, evaluate, and augment a vendor matrix with Production and Compliance team.
• Analyze vendor performance, resolve quality, service issues and maintain vendor relationships.
• Travel internationally and domestically as required.
   

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with operations, production, design, sales, merchandising, planning, finance, product integrity, compliance, and technology teams to understand their requirements and provide sourcing support.
• Partner with the design and product development team to identify innovative materials and components that meet the brand and production requirements.
• Support the sales and merchandising team by providing market insights, product availability and pricing information.
• Interface with Sales, Design, and Merchandising to meet the design expectations and profit margin demands.
• Provide product expertise and development support to design and technical design teams during the line planning and product development phase.
• Lead the team in the executing the development and manufacturing process in alignment with the design, business, and calendar objectives.
   

1. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, such as pricing fluctuations, geopolitical issues, and supplier capacity constraints.
• Stay updated on industry regulations and compliance requirements related to sourcing, production, and ethical standards.
• Implement and enforce ethical sourcing practices, ensuring suppliers comply with social and environmental standards.
   

1. Process Improvement and Technology

• Continuously evaluate and improve sourcing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize lead times.
• Identify opportunities for automation and technology integration to streamline sourcing operation and improve data visibility.
• Collaborate with technology team to implement sourcing tools, systems, and analytics for better decision-making and supplier performance tracking.
   

1. Performance Tracking and Reporting

• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and measure the effectiveness of sourcing activities.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting sourcing performance, cost savings, and other relevant metrics.

Education and Qualifications:

• 15+ years of proven experience in sourcing, procurement, or product management within the apparel industry with a minimum of 5+ years managing teams.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• In-depth knowledge of fabric, color, patterns, costing and garment construction.
• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing process, materials, and industry trends.
• Proven record in successfully managing sourcing activities across multiple departments and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with ethical sourcing practices, compliance regulations, and sustainability standards in the apparel industry.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve cost savings and supplier relationship management.

Skills:

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, with the capacity to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Detailed-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to think strategically and adapt to changing business needs.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop team members.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a team environment influencing and persuading cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to VP of Global Sourcing & Product Development FT
• Direct Reports