Principal Global Sourcing Analyst, Apparel

Columbia Sportswear Company•Boston, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Global Sourcing Analyst plays a critical role in shaping and advancing global sourcing strategy across key product categories. This role operates as a senior individual contributor, driving alignment between long-range sourcing direction and enterprise priorities for profitability, speed, resilience, and compliance. As a recognized subject matter expert, this role influences portfolio-level decisions, leads complex cross-functional initiatives, and provides strategic guidance to leadership and regional teams. The position is accountable for translating business objectives into actionable sourcing strategies, while continuously evolving sourcing capabilities and frameworks. This role focuses on Outerwear and Technical Apparel and requires deep expertise in vendor segmentation, regional optimization, and risk management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field
8+ years of professional experience and mastery of relevant technical or business skills required to accomplish the job.
Demonstrated experience developing and influencing sourcing strategy across regions or product categories
Deep knowledge of global manufacturing, costing, and vendor capability evaluation
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate data into clear business recommendations
Proven ability to influence without authority and align cross-functional stakeholders
Working knowledge of global trade environments, compliance standards, and sourcing risks
Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in Outerwear and Technical Apparel sourcing and construction
Demonstrated experience in vendor strategy (segmentation, consolidation, or capability development)
Familiarity with sourcing analytics, planning tools, and scenario modeling approaches
Understanding of sustainability frameworks and responsible sourcing practices
Experience supporting or leading sourcing transformation or process improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Lead development of category-level and multi-season sourcing strategies aligned to enterprise financial and operational goals
Translate long-range business plans into clear sourcing direction across regions, vendors, and capabilities
Drive vendor segmentation and allocation strategies to optimize cost, capability, and risk balance
Identify and evaluate shifts in trade, geopolitical, and macroeconomic dynamics; recommend sourcing adjustments
Act as a trusted advisor to cross-functional partners (Product, Planning, Finance, Quality, Compliance)
Lead alignment across stakeholders on sourcing trade-offs, clearly articulating impacts to cost, margin, speed, and risk
Influence sourcing decisions through structured analysis, scenario modeling, and insights
Lead high-impact, cross-regional initiatives with limited direction and high ambiguity
Ensure sourcing strategies align with global compliance, responsible sourcing, and sustainability standards
Identify emerging risks and recommend mitigation strategies across regions and vendors
Partner with Compliance and regional teams to address issues and drive resolution plans
Contribute to continuous improvement of responsible sourcing practices
Develop and refine tools, frameworks, and best practices to elevate sourcing strategy and execution
Drive consistency and discipline in sourcing processes and decision-making
Share expertise and provide informal mentorship across the team
Identify opportunities to improve sourcing models, vendor engagement, and cost management approaches