Main purpose of the role:
The Senior Sourcing Executive acts as the commercial and product intelligence bridge between the design team and the supply base. This role requires a candidate with strong commercial acumen and the ability to assess product, quality and value — translating the design team’s creative vision into commercially viable, technically sound sourcing decisions ensuring alignment with the company’s sourcing strategy.
Commercial Product & Quality Assessment
* Assess product samples with a commercial eye — identifying what constitutes high-quality, cost-effective production versus poor value or quality risk.
* Evaluate supplier product capabilities and allocate suppliers based on design team briefs, balancing quality, lead time, MOQ, supplier capacity and price competitiveness whilst aligning this with the company’s sourcing strategy.
* Work closely with the Design team to translate creative briefs into technical sourcing requirements, identifying appropriate manufacturing partners for each product type or collection.
* Identify and develop new suppliers across activewear and associated categories, covering both AYBL and Because of Alice Brands.
* Evaluate supplier credentials, factory capabilities, certifications, pricing, and capacity to assess suitability for short- and long-term partnerships.
* Manage the end-to-end supplier onboarding process including sample approvals, documentation, compliance checks, and initial orders.
* Conduct supplier due diligence and risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities in the supply base and proposing mitigation strategies.
* Research global and local sourcing markets to identify emerging suppliers and manufacturing innovations relevant to the activewear industry.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for an allocated portfolio of strategic and development suppliers, maintaining strong, professional relationships.
* Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs including cost, quality, on-time delivery, and compliance, escalating issues to the Sourcing Manager where required.
* Lead corrective action processes with underperforming suppliers, driving resolution and continuous improvement.
Person Specification
* 3–5+ years of experience in sourcing, buying, or supply chain management within fashion, activewear, or a related consumer goods sector.
* Strong commercial product knowledge — the ability to assess quality, construction, and value across garments and accessories.
* Demonstrable experience working with manufacturers and understanding of production processes.
* Experience translating design briefs into actionable sourcing requirements.
* Confident negotiator with the ability to secure favourable commercial terms.
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret cost and market data.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Fashion Buying, or a related field.
* Familiarity with compliance standards and ethical sourcing frameworks (e.g. BSCI, GOTS, OEKO-TEX).
* Experience working across international supply chains, particularly in Asia.
* Previous experience in a sourcing role at executive level.
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