Sourcing Manager Retail

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Sourcing Manager to lead the procurement and sourcing strategy for our sportswear and equipment retail brands. This role will be critical in ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of apparel, footwear, and equipment from trusted suppliers. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the sportswear industry, including product development, material sourcing, and supplier relationship management, with a focus on delivering products that meet the brand’s performance, durability, and design standards.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

61 Develop and execute a sourcing strategy for sportswear and equipment products, focusing on cost efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery to support retail brand goals.

61 Identify, assess, and build relationships with new and existing suppliers, manufacturers, and production partners globally, particularly in key regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America.

61 Negotiate pricing, contracts, and lead times with suppliers to ensure competitive rates and high-quality production.

61 Conduct supplier performance evaluations and audits to ensure compliance with the brand's quality standards, ethical sourcing guidelines, and sustainability initiatives.

2. Product Development & Collaboration

61 Partner closely with the design and product development teams to source materials and components that meet the performance, aesthetic, and functional requirements of sportswear and equipment products.

61 Stay updated on new material technologies, trends in sportswear, and innovations in equipment to continually improve product offerings.

61 Ensure that the sourcing process supports product development timelines, seasonal launches, and market trends.

61 Work with internal teams to ensure that all sourced materials meet necessary product standards for durability, safety, and functionality.

3. Cost Management & Budgeting

61 Conduct cost analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining quality and production standards.

61 Collaborate with finance and merchandising teams to ensure sourcing aligns with seasonal budgets and cost targets.

61 Develop and manage cost structures with suppliers to ensure long-term profitability while maintaining the brand’s competitive positioning.

4. Quality Assurance & Compliance

61 Oversee the quality control process, ensuring that all sourced products undergo thorough inspection and testing for functionality, performance, and quality standards.

61 Work with the QA team to monitor production runs and ensure adherence to specifications throughout the entire production process.

61 Ensure compliance with international regulations and certifications (e.g., ASTM, ISO, REACH) related to product safety, environmental standards, and labor practices.

61 Ensure that all sourced products meet the brand's sustainability and ethical standards, including responsible sourcing and environmental impact minimization.

5. Supply Chain Coordination & Risk Management

61 Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to ensure timely production and delivery of products to meet retail launch schedules.

61 Develop contingency plans to manage potential risks such as delays in production, raw material shortages, or changes in demand.

61 Continuously evaluate and improve the supply chain for efficiency and reliability, maintaining strong communication with suppliers to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

6. Market Trend Analysis & Vendor Relations

61 Stay informed on market trends, competitor strategies, and consumer preferences in the sportswear and equipment sector.

61 Participate in industry trade shows, conferences, and vendor meetings to identify new product opportunities and innovative sourcing strategies.

61 Build strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and vendors, ensuring they understand the brand’s vision and strategic goals.

61 Leverage relationships with suppliers to improve product offerings, negotiate better deals, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

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Key Requirements

Education

61 Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Textile Engineering, or a related field.

61 A Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, or APICS) is a plus.

Experience

61 Minimum of 5-7 years of sourcing experience within the sportswear and/or sports equipment industry.

61 Proven track record in managing global supply chains and successfully sourcing products that meet retail and performance standards.

61 In-depth understanding of the sportswear market, including materials (e.g., technical fabrics, rubber, plastics), product lifecycles, and market trends.

Skills

61 Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.

61 Strong understanding of product development, supply chain logistics, and cost management.

61 Proficiency with supply chain management software and systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, PLM systems).

61 Knowledge of sustainability standards and eco-friendly sourcing practices in the sportswear industry.

61 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in optimizing sourcing strategies and vendor performance.