Temporary Sourcing Lead

Outdoor Research•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Sourcing and Quality, the Temporary Sourcing Lead will be working closely with the Product Team across all categories and will be responsible for supporting the finished goods vendor space. Our vendor partners are very important to us. This role will also execute sourcing and costing strategies to help deliver excellent product.

Requirements

A passion for the outdoors
A can-do, positive attitude with a collaborative mindset
People call you a “team player,” a “go-getter,” and a “great listener”
The ability to adapt and respond with a sense of urgency
Interpersonal skills that inspire and build trust, resulting in effective work relationships
3-4 years of similar work experience
Knowledge of product team roles in the outdoor/fashion industry
Knowledge of the apparel/accessories commercialization and manufacturing processes
Experience visiting off-shore factories
In-depth knowledge of the apparel manufacturing process
Comfortable with coaching, mentoring & providing feedback for growth
Possess confidence in your strengths, take on challenges and prefer negotiating face to face
Knowledge of labor laws in various apparel and accessories manufacturing countries
Proficiencies in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and above all, Excel

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with patterns, industry standards, best practices, quality expectations and compliance regulations
Fluency in another language
Extensive Excel or Power BI skills such as building dashboards
Process modernization
Familiarity with AI - Copilot
Centric PLM experience, mastery a bonus

Responsibilities

Work cross functionally with Product Managers, Tech Design, Designers, Quality and Planning
Develop and build relationship with vendors to drive business objectives
Manage vendor allocations and capability matrices to ensure the right product is at the right factory
Communication internally and externally as needed by the Director and the business
Set vendor expectations, manage calendars and ensure seasonal calendar timelines are met
Support with cost tracking, engineered costing, and cost data
Negotiate directly with Vendors and manage risk to cost
Attending fittings and support the Product Team to make cost-effective decisions
Monitor and evaluate vendor performance seasonally
Problem-solve with Vendors and the Product Team when issues arise
Flexible schedule to take Vendor calls after or before normal work hours due to time zone restrictions
Lead projects around process efficiency, costing tools, manufacturing improvements, sourcing strategy, etc.
Collaborate with all departments on various projects, SMUs, and other support as needed.