Manager, Merchandise Sourcing
Job Description
About the Role
The Manager, Merchandise Sourcing will be responsible and accountable for monitoring the entire product development pipeline from development through to order placement by driving product excellence in the delivery, quality, cost and service level agreement required of external and internal customers. She/he will also be responsible for product innovation and proposing cost saving opportunities that are aligned with sourcing and vendor strategies cascaded by Brand team. She/he will also be responsible for bringing in new vendors to support the delivery of our business strategy and growth plan.What You'll Do
Manages garment and product development processes in a timely manner
Manages development sampling and initial costs
Ensures product execution meets the design aesthetic as well as commercially acceptable quality standards
Escalates product issues to the platform team
Works with vendors/tech team to ensure VDA for lab dips and ensure VDA for fits/sampling changes
Manage vendor relationship and new vendor on-boarding training
Manages vendor loading in capacity process
Monitors vendor performance and cost negotiation with vendors
Manages and facilitates major claim settlement between customers and suppliers
Executes the continuous improvement process for programs identified within his/her purview.
Own and drive sourcing strategies, including Network/COO and vendor allocation strategies, aligned with business growth, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness.
Partner with strategic vendors to lead network optimization, strengthening capability, innovation, and operational excellence.
Translate sourcing strategies into actionable vendor plans, delivering sustainable outcomes across cost, quality, and on-time delivery to support business needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective execution of vendor strategies aligned with overall business goals.
Demonstrate to the team to be customer-focused, innovative, fast and team-oriented in their work.
This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.
Who You Are
Merchandise Sourcing experience – Experience in apparel product development, especially in Knits category, in global apparel brands would be preferred. Demonstrating business acumen, sourcing strategy, vendor management and negotiation experience
Customer Impact & Business Acumen – proven capability in understanding financial measurements and implications to product development. Ability to understand the target customer and knowledge of product trends
Planning & Execution – proven experience in plan, prioritize and adapt to change while achieving and maintaining results for multiple projects
Problem Solver & Drive Results - can see a problem from multiple angles and provide viable, innovative options for resolution; successfully lead complex negotiations
Strategic Mindset – Strong sourcing & product development strategy capability with the ability to balance quality, speed, cost, and business objectives
Hands-on & Execution Focused –Strong ownership and ability to work independently
Energetic & Self-motivated - Agile and proactive with a collaborative and growth mindset
Communication Skills – Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills