Manager, Sourcing (Accessories)

Knitwell Group • Hingham, MA

4d • $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

About us KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful. Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good. About the role The Manager of Sourcing is responsible for managing the development and sourcing of Accessory products (handbags, footwear, etc) from design inception through order placement, as well as managing all corresponding milestones and on time deliverables.

Requirements

• College degree or equivalent
• 5-7 years of directly related experience
• Knowledge of Footwear and Handbags
• Strong organizational, operational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills
• High-level proficiency with MS Office Professional applications (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)
• Effective time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable and effective in dealing with conflict
• Proven ability to manage and develop teams

Responsibilities

• Ensure alignment and understanding of design, merchant, production, quality, and cost objectives/goals and balance sourcing allocation accordingly.
• Think analytically and plan strategically to the needs of the business; develop the strategic sourcing plan, providing input and perspective on Agent and Factory capabilities.
• Manage product development samples with a focus on design intent, quality standards, technical standards, craftsmanship execution, and on time deliverables.
• Manage and order raw materials to ensure they are in process for timely delivery and pass testing requirements at all stages of the product life cycle.
• Responsible for achieving seasonal IMU targets
• Negotiate seasonal programs using a technical and fact-based quantifiable method to define cost increases and/or decreases across all known factors
• Conduct seasonal analysis of current and prior years comp cost breakdowns, and ability to present and discuss findings.
• Define cost competitive alternatives during development, through commercialization, and any lifecycles stages where needed.
• Create time-action calendar based on corresponding product, raw material, and manufacturing lead-time requirements.
• Become subject matter expert in development of global lead-times and use knowledge to challenge Agents / Factories with the objective of working to reduce lead times where possible and/or where not reasonable lead time requested.
• Manage Fit, Photo, and LP sample timing against product life cycle calendar
• Maintain minimum order quantities data by category with physical visibility to the CFT
• Work with Agents and Product Integrity team to ensure all products are tested in compliance with all applicable U.S. laws and Regulatory Compliance and KWG Product Safety and Testing Protocols, on a timely basis.

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees