Sourcing Manager

The People Brand•Irvine, CA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are a collaborative, fast paced organization built on innovation, partnership, and teamwork. We value strong relationships, entrepreneurial thinking, and individuals who are passionate about building great product and driving results. This role is responsible for executing global strategic sourcing strategies, as well as driving product vision to commercialization. Sourcing is accountable for successfully implementing the brand portfolio’s aesthetic, quality, cost, margin, and on-time delivery to maintain and elevate high product standards. The Sourcing Manager collaborates closely with the global vendor partner community. This position drives key sourcing metrics, including cost negotiations throughout the entire product development process, ensuring the delivery of high quality products, and guaranteeing on-time delivery. A working knowledge of strategic global sourcing is essential, encompassing both direct-to-factory and agent relationships, while balancing vendor and Country of Origin (COO) strategies. This role requires strong internal partnerships with critical cross-functional departments, including Buying, Planning, Design, Product Development, and Technical Design.

Requirements

Strong communication, customer service, time management, and organizational skills
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Textiles, or related field (or equivalent years of direct work experience)
10+ years of experience with global apparel sourcing, with demonstrated success managing complex vendor networks, countries of origin, and in-region travel experience across EMEA, APAC, LATAM, and NA preferred
Knowledge and working experience with garment construction, textile development, and category-specific sourcing across knits, wovens, and outerwear preferred
Proven ability to manage the full product lifecycle from concept to PO placement with a focus on cost engineering
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings without compromising product quality or timelines
Proficient with PLM, Microsoft Office Suite, and Excel
Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret forecasts and cost data
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
Ability to travel internationally for up to 14 days at a time across multiple countries of origin, up to 35% of the year
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop talent
Listens carefully and attentively to others’ opinions and ideas. Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
Follows through on commitments. Is honest and direct with others. Promotes a culture of respect, accountability, and compliance with company values, beliefs, and standards. Ensures the protection of confidential information.

Responsibilities

Strategically allocate development and production orders to optimize capacity, capability, cost effectiveness, quality, and on-time delivery.
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks throughout the sourcing and supply chain lifecycle.
Manage and execute the Time & Action calendar for orders through shipment, ensuring adherence to deadlines for order placement and production milestones.
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with the global network of vendors. Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendor communications, fostering partnerships that drive continuous improvement in both quality and efficiency.
Lead comprehensive cost negotiations with vendors to secure competitive pricing without compromising quality, ethical standards, or delivery timelines. Conduct thorough cross costing analyses across multiple vendors, regions, and material options to identify opportunities for cost savings and ensure optimal value for the company.
Proactively manage and monitor all product costs throughout the development and production lifecycle to ensure the consistent achievement of target margins. Implement strategic cost saving initiatives and identify areas for expense optimization while maintaining product integrity and quality standards.
Ensure vendors receive timely and accurate visibility into demand to optimize production, raw material procurement, and capacity allocation.
Maintain vendor scorecards to track and evaluate performance across key metrics such as quality, on-time delivery, compliance, and responsiveness. Use data from scorecards to drive vendor improvement initiatives and strategic decision making.
Implement and manage the company’s strategic approach to vendor and mill country of origin to balance country penetration and minimize risk.
Ensure new vendors meet company standards and agree to all requirements related to quality, ethical practices, and operational efficiency.
Drive initiatives to optimize raw material sourcing, identifying opportunities for consolidation, cost savings, and improved utilization without compromising product quality or design.
Actively participate in weekly cross functional meetings to provide updates on sourcing activities, address challenges, and collaborate with design, product development, and buying teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution.
Demonstrates an elevated level of quality work, attendance, and professionalism
Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude, and teamwork with peers and management
Adhere to all local, federal, and state laws in addition to company policies, procedures, and practices
Perform any other duties assigned by management