Job Title
Apparel Sourcing Manager – Dual Brand across New Era and `47
Location
Milton Keynes
Reporting to
Senior Global Head of Sourcing EMEA
Job Description
The role of the Apparel Sourcing Manager is to execute the EMEA sourcing strategy for both `47 and New Era for Seasonal programs to support the product development and bulk production of Apparel categories to meet our brand quality standards. The Apparel Sourcing Manager will work closely with peers in the strategic business units, product development and design teams in Boston and MK .The Apparel Sourcing Manager reports to the Senior Head of Global Sourcing EMEA.
Pre-Season Management; Annual/ Seasonal Planning
* Review the seasonal category strategy with Senior Global Head of Sourcing EMEA, New Era and `47 Category Manager.
Product Management:
* Support Product Development and Product Management on sample and artwork development that align with the category sourcing strategies.
* Communicate raw material seasonal requirements to planning and vendors for SMS and bulk production.
* Manage sampling time and action calendar to meet key milestones.
* Monitor on-time delivery of development samples and SMS
* Collaborate with Product Development and Design to troubleshoot seasonal style issues
* Liaise with Headwear Sourcing on fabric requirements for Hook Up Program's.
Financial Management
* Ensure initial costing for all development is updated on PLM/Airtable prior to final line review and sales sample ordering
* Review and resolve style exceptions not meeting style /category margin goals prior to finalizing costings
* Lead cost negotiations for adopted categories.
Seasonal Planning
* Provide input to Senior Global Head of Global Sourcing to identify gaps in the supply chain for future opportunities
In Season Management
* Communicate adopted styles and delivery/lead times requirements to Production teams
* Communicate pre-booking or early fit requirements for style exceptions to cross functional team
* Communicate to merchandising and planning about raw material and production minimums for adopted styles
* Confirm PO qty placement and TAC for adopted styles with Production and vendors
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviours
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
* Knowledge of Manufacturing and product engineering, trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity, production cycle timeline, calendar management, fabric construction and manufacturing
* Managing the sourcing finished goods function, experience in both the European and Asian market
* Develop credible relationships with suppliers, customers and employees with proven results in obtaining cost reductions and reducing costs in the manufacturing/supplier channel
* Knowledge of trends in market conditions, pricing and futures markets as they may impact the purchase of current as well as possible future products and services.
* Detail oriented with strong follow through
* Demonstrate proactive problem solving
* Ability to react to change
* Influencing, negotiating skills
* Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft applications, web-based applications
Personal qualifications
Must be able to demonstrate achievement over time in all of the following areas:
* A personality profile suited for an expansion stage enterprise, i.e. an entrepreneurial, roll-up-the-sleeves type who is self-starting, flexible, focused, confident, "hungry", resilient and resourceful
* Able to think through the details and contingencies of options and plans and make sound business decisions
* Articulate and able to clearly state objectives and strategies to superiors, customers and suppliers
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
* Knowledge of Manufacturing and product engineering, trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity, production cycle timeline, calendar management, fabric construction and manufacturing
* Managing the sourcing finished goods function, experience in both the European and Asian market
* Develop credible relationships with suppliers, customers and employees with proven results in obtaining cost reductions and reducing costs in the manufacturing/supplier channel
* Knowledge of trends in market conditions, pricing and futures markets as they may impact the purchase of current as well as possible future products and services.
* Detail oriented with strong follow through
* Demonstrate proactive problem solving
* Ability to react to change
* Influencing, negotiating skills
* Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft applications, web-based applications
Personal qualifications
Must be able to demonstrate achievement over time in all of the following areas:
* A personality profile suited for an expansion stage enterprise, i.e. an entrepreneurial, roll-up-the-sleeves type who is self-starting, flexible, focused, confident, "hungry", resilient and resourceful
* Able to think through the details and contingencies of options and plans and make sound business decisions
* Articulate and able to clearly state objectives and strategies to superiors, customers and suppliers
Qualifications
Minimum experience:
* 5 Years' Global Sourcing experience.
Physical Requirements:
* Domestic and International travel required
Please note that this role is 4 days based in our Milton Keynes office, and 1 day working from home.