Strategic Sourcing & Market Intelligence - Retail Sector - Consulting Firm

Description:

Role Overview:

As an AI-Driven Market Intelligence & Sourcing Manager, you will leverage data, AI tools, and market research frameworks to evaluate vendors, optimize sourcing strategies, and deliver actionable insights that influence business decisions across local and global teams.

You will play a critical role in analyzing cost structures, identifying sourcing channels, benchmarking competitors, and presenting strategic recommendations to leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

1. AI-Led Market Intelligence & Analysis:

- Use AI tools and advanced analytics to assess market trends, pricing benchmarks, and competitive positioning.

- Track industry developments, competitor activities, and channel shifts across Apparel, Home, or Hardgoods categories.

- Build structured market intelligence reports to support HQ and Global Teams.

- Convert complex data into compelling executive-ready presentations.

2. Vendor Evaluation & Cost Intelligence:

- Identify, evaluate, and benchmark vendors using defined commercial and compliance parameters.

- Conduct detailed costing analysis including duty structures, compliance costs, and margin mapping.

- Analyze sourcing channels (direct, buying offices, intermediaries) and optimize for efficiency and profitability.

- Ensure awareness of U.S. retail compliance regulations (customs, anti-dumping, social compliance, certification norms).

3. Strategic Decision Support:

- Drive decision-making through data-backed insights and structured storytelling.

- Prepare scenario analyses and recommendation decks for leadership review.

- Influence cross-functional and multicultural stakeholders without formal authority.

- Lead review meetings with clarity, confidence, and strong executive presence.

4. Sourcing & Industry Intelligence:

- Develop in-depth knowledge of product categories and sourcing operations.

- Maintain strong awareness of U.S. and European retail buying offices and market segments.

- Monitor retail pricing structures and positioning across segments.

Candidate Profile:

We are looking for someone who is:

- Young, energetic, and analytically sharp.

- AI-savvy and comfortable leveraging digital tools for market research and analysis.

- Self-driven, adaptive, and committed to continuous learning.

- Strong in storytelling and influencing through structured data narratives.

- Confident in vendor negotiations and cost discussions.

- Assertive, strategic, and capable of driving closure.