Vice President, Global Sourcing and Quality Assurance

Living Spaces Furniture • La Mirada, CA

362d • $210,000 - $280,000

About The Position

The Vice President, Global Sourcing and Quality Assurance, will develop and cultivate partnerships with best-in-class suppliers and internal stakeholders as they pertain to the sourcing and production of furniture. In partnership with the EVP, Merchandising and Vendor Relations, will set the vision, strategy and priorities for the sourcing team and will be responsible for continuously improving supplier relationships and the cultivation of global and cross-functional partnerships. Will lead, collaborate, and produce results regarding brand extension, product quality, efficiency, and revenue growth. As part of the Global Sourcing, Merchandising and Product Development team, this person will serve in a key strategic position utilizing extensive knowledge of successful global sourcing and product development strategies to drive margins and improve efficiencies across all markets and distribution channels (owned & operated retail and wholesale). This position will travel regularly domestically and internationally (up to 50%) to ensure a presence with the regionally based sourcing teams and supplier community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B. S.) or equivalent from four-year college in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field with an advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of significant, proven experience leading product sourcing teams on a global scale
• In-depth working knowledge of import/export marketing and manufacturing relationships, including quality control/testing processes and programs and logistics
• Deep knowledge of international labor and regulatory standards and other established supplier performance schemes
• Successful experience working, and thriving, in a matrixed company structure
• Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a U.S. passport for international travel
• Proficient in Microsoft platforms such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Working knowledge of Merchandising, Design and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software

Nice To Haves

• Lean, Six-sigma or other TQM certificates preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead a team that fosters a culture of protecting the Living Spaces brand through responsibly sourced quality merchandise
• Drive strategies in partnership with International Fair-Trade Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met across all products and suppliers
• Develop relationships with service providers for factory and product assessment, testing, inspection, and data management
• Manage product testing schedules to meet product and program timelines
• Drive merchandise quality, sustainability and risk management initiatives with best-in-class suppliers that evolve with both the needs of the business and industry standards
• Negotiate complex contract terms with suppliers with an eye on cost, efficiency, quality, and service
• Deliver on margin goals by driving cost and product development initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional leaders
• Negotiate and oversee process for entering into sourcing-related business agreements (e.g., private brands contracts, confidentiality agreements, fill rate agreements with suppliers, etc.)
• Optimize global merchandise productivity and profitability by proactively mitigating cost drivers
• Lead supplier rationalization and increase leveraging of strategic suppliers across all factory direct relationships
• Drive sourcing strategies that evolve with shifts in trade policies and allow for flexibility through an on-going, active knowledge of a dynamic geo-political landscape
• Lead with a focus on flexible product development models that drive increased creativity and innovation from manufacturers
• Develop processes and operations that enable efficiency, scale and productivity
• Drive innovation of tools, in collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development and Manufacturing, and spearhead their implementation to enable the team to manage and mitigate risk, uncertainty and threats while ensuring supply chain continuity, cost control and quality assurance
• Lead team responsible for all aspects of supplier strategy, rationalization, placement, cost negotiation, product safety/quality and on-time deliveries for over 10K home furniture, bedding, and accessory products per year
• Drive and advocate for employee development, engagement, and diversity to advance a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and organizational vibrancy
• Mentor and inspire team with areas of focus that span multiple product categories and brands
• Attend industry trade shows to identify and report on new sourcing opportunities
• Drive sourcing strategies and solutions that support global distribution while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market
• Implement sourcing strategies that maximize value capture and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement across categories
• Keep pulse on industry trends to drive and evolve sourcing strategies
• Develop and drive clear and consistent strategies that align with the overall product vision
• Build and lead a highly skilled and effective team including proactively recruiting and retaining a diverse team of key talent
• Drive large scale initiatives that reshape business processes
• Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques, and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers
• Foster positive communication within and across disciplines
• Leverage knowledge of the Company's products and services to manage the needs of diverse stakeholders and ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and vendors

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) (full and part time eligible)
• Vacation
• Sick Time
• Flex Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees