Head - Sourcing - Retail

The Head of Sourcing is accountable for developing, directing and continuously fine-tuning a global sourcing strategy to align with the strategic goals and financial targets in a growing omni-channel apparel business.

Primary performance goals in the first year include:

- Development of a global sourcing strategy and vision; improve/build strong vendor base to improve margin and reduce lead times , sustainability initiatives/focus

- Establish effective working relationships with all key department adjacency

- Contribute to organizational shift of sourcing responsibilities from Product Development to Sourcing function while establishing effective partnership

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Leadership:

- Integrate all sourcing related activities into short-term and long-term strategic vision

- Lead on-time delivery strategies for all sales channels, in conjunction with VP Production

- Assist VP of Production in developing and implementing process and organization structure to achieve current and future goals

Sourcing Strategy:

- Develop, direct and continuously fine-tune global sourcing strategy in alignment with goals and financial targets; set the strategic sourcing vision and direction through establishment of a 3-5 year sourcing strategy and annual goals

- Collaborate with Design, Product Development and Production; lead the process of identifying manufacturing needs each season; attend Product Development meetings on a regular basis to integrate sourcing into the product development process and provide additional insight regarding manufacturing challenges and opportunities

- Develop and maintain a sourcing base that is lean, fast and efficient and in alignment with company’s sustainability initiatives and focus; source and vet new factories

- Use expertise to guide Design and Product Development on factory allocation; issue final approval of factory allocation in conjunction with VP of Production and Director of Sustainability

- Conduct post-season analysis and present to relevant stakeholders, including Key Performance Metrics: IMU improvement, on-time delivery, lead-time reduction and ICM improvement

Vendor Performance and Compliance:

- Establish and develop new relationships and expectations with domestic & international vendors to enhance company’s sourcing strategy, creating respectful, symbiotic relationships for combined growth

- Work with VP Production to determine future new production needs and identify and vet vendors to meet needs; lead evaluation and selection process of vendors based on costing, quality, quantity, sustainability and aesthetic/technical viability for existing and emerging product needs; identify supplier capabilities and core competencies to support brand’s needs

- Refine and execute initial vendor screening process (i.e. initial samples, costing packages, vendor agreements)

- Own and lead vendor scorecard process working closely with Production, Product Development and Director of Sustainability; continually assess vendor base to allocate appropriately based on strengths, quality, capacity, delivery and MOQ; lead and oversee vendor evaluation methodology, framework, process and standards; proactively maintain awareness of vendor/supplier performance ensuring that it meets company’s requirements regarding quality, price, delivery, sustainability and compliance

- Partner/collaborate with internal departments to identify, develop and implement process improvements that optimize supplier and internal performance

- Manage vendor onboarding; create action plans that expedite the learning curve of new factories and ensure they are meeting company’s expectations

- Lead post-seasonal vendor evaluations with Design, Product Development, Tech Design and Production teams

- Set meetings with key vendors and suppliers throughout season and at trade shows, in conjunction with Product Development

- Contribute input and knowledge to the vendor operations manual; reinforce compliance

Costing:

- Analyze detailed costing breakdowns by product category to give clear direction on how to achieve and maintain margin goals by category; collaborate regularly with key stakeholders to ensure margin goals and strategies are consistently executed

- Provide product target costs to suppliers according to established company guidelines

- Participate in the execution of cost process and negotiations and tracking of cost submittals from factories; aim to achieve specific margin goals

- Ensure communication with Product Development on costing, compliance and margin improvement

- Own and lead system to improve efficiency and data integrity of tracking and retrieving cost information

- Oversee final cost negotiations to maintain or better gross profit margin targets

- Oversee all fabric and manufacturing negotiations. Establish parameters for effective negotiating and pricing

Required Skills:

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

- Solid technical knowledge of raw material manufacturing, garment manufacturing and total garment cost

- Solid understanding of fit and design modifications that affect price

- Knowledge of the apparel retail industry

- Knowledge of logistics

- Full Circle or equivalent ERP proficiency

- High level of proficiency with MS Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook

Travel and Schedule Requirements:

- Ability to travel 10-15% of the time domestically and internationally; 2-4 trips per year to visit factories with additional travel to resolve issues, as needed

- Ability to work a flexible schedule due to travel including overnights and weekends

Required Experience:

Education and Experience Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and/or equivalent experience

- 12 + years of experience in global sourcing within apparel and accessories (Asia, India and Americas preferred; some knowledge of Bangladesh and Burma helpful)

- Experience traveling and working directly with factories overseas

- Deep understanding of and experience with global trade in textiles and apparel sourcing processes

- Multi-cultural international business experience

- Work knowledge with international brand is preferred