Sourcing Manager

About the Role

Garan, Incorporated is seeking a dynamic Sourcing Manager to spearhead sourcing strategies that align with the company's expansion goals. This position involves overseeing fabric development, negotiating terms, and ensuring the efficient creation of materials. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, a proactive and analytical mindset, strong organizational capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the product development cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging fabric trends, analyze the competitive landscape, and inform strategic sourcing decisions.
• Source and develop raw materials globally, ensuring adherence to customer quality and cost specifications.
• Gather, organize, and analyze detailed supplier cost data, comparing quotes and recommending options to meet cost and quality targets.
• Support costing analyses, scenario modeling, and supplier cost breakdowns to aid negotiations and achieve margin objectives.
• Provide recommendations for supplier allocation based on competitive quotes and performance feedback.
• Develop and communicate the Lead Development (LD) and sampling allocation plan, updating cross-functional teams on any changes due to development feedback, capacity, or timelines.
• Negotiate development lead times and collaborate with suppliers to re-engineer fabric qualities, aiming for optimal terms for the company without compromising design integrity or quality.
• Monitor and manage raw material comments, ensuring timely approvals and tracking outstanding due dates.
• Review and approve raw materials upon successful completion of SVO wash tests and required performance testing, communicating outcomes and next steps to the cross-functional team.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to market shifts or supplier performance issues, escalating concerns as necessary.
• Maintain daily communication with internal and external stakeholders to drive development progress, resolve issues, and ensure alignment on priorities.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of sourcing strategies and timely delivery of projects.
• Partner with the cross-functional team to execute the product vision from concept to sales, ensuring material selections support design intent, quality standards, and commercial goals.
• Build, maintain, and organize raw material submissions in both physical and digital libraries.
• Identify opportunities to leverage or platform material qualities across the organization.
• Propose and implement suggestions for improving the efficiency of development workflows, supplier communications, and material library management.
• Support quality and compliance initiatives, including testing and updating cross-functional teams on progress.
• Manage and mentor the Sourcing Assistant, providing clear direction, training, and feedback to ensure efficient task execution.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of sourcing activities and identify areas for enhancement.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in materials and sourcing fundamentals, including fabric and trim development, supplier quoting, and timeline management.
• Strong costing and analytical skills, with the ability to compare quotes, identify cost drivers, and present data-backed recommendations.
• Effective negotiation and influencing abilities to secure favorable lead times and costs, and to align stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and follow-through, managing multiple developments concurrently and meticulously tracking approvals and risks.
• Keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in material specifications, submissions, documentation, and PLM updates.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, liaising effectively with Design, Product Development, Quality, and Production teams, and escalating issues with proposed solutions.
• Proven supplier relationship management skills, fostering productive partnerships while ensuring accountability for service, quality, and cost.
• A continuous improvement mindset, identifying opportunities to optimize processes, speed, and cost through material leveraging and process enhancements.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in business administration, merchandising, textiles, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing, product development, or a comparable role, ideally within a manufacturing or high-volume production setting.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a capacity for data interpretation and trend identification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Familiarity with supply chain management tools is beneficial.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to build strong working relationships across the organization.

Work Environment & Additional Information

• This is an onsite position requiring 5 days per week in the office.
• Occasional extended working hours may be necessary during peak development or production periods.
• The role may involve lifting and moving sample packages and garments, typically up to 25 lbs.
• Garan is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. We encourage innovation, continuous improvement, and support professional growth.