SUMMARY OF POSITION:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Sr. Sourcing Specialist to support our global manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role is critical in evaluating and managing relationships with international third-party suppliers—primarily located outside the United States—for our sporting goods and apparel categories. The ideal candidate will have experience working with overseas manufacturers, a strong grasp of sourcing strategy, and overall vendor management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Supplier Management & Sourcing Operations
- Identify and qualify reliable third-party manufacturers, primarily in Asia, Central America, or other key regions.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, certifications (e.g., WRAP, ISO, BSCI), and compliance with company quality and ethical standards.
- Build and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with vendors.
- Maintain a database of approved suppliers, lead times, and risk profiles.
Product & Category Sourcing
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities for sporting goods and apparel, including raw materials and finished goods.
- Collaborate with design, product development, and merchandising teams to understand material needs and product specifications.
- Stay informed on category trends and material innovations to propose sourcing solutions aligned with business needs.
Cost Management & Negotiation
- Conduct cost analysis and negotiate payment terms, and contracts with assigned suppliers.
- Track and report cost savings initiatives and identify areas for optimization.
Production Coordination
- Monitor production schedules and help the purchasing team resolve issues related to delays, non-compliance, or quality failures.
- Review 3rd Party QC reports for failures/inconsistencies, and work with suppliers to remedy.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Working with our internal Compliance team to ensure supplier adherence to social compliance, environmental regulations, and product safety standards.
- Participate in supplier audits and collaborate with Quality Assurance for ongoing performance evaluation.
Other duties as assigned.
POSITION SPECIFICS:
- This is a full-time position
- Standard schedule 8-5, with flexibility based on scheduled calls with international suppliers.
- This position requires in-office attendance at least 4 days per week (subject to increase in future).
- This position is based out of the Fountain Valley, CA office
- This position is expected to travel approximately 10-20% international and domestic for supplier visits, trade
PAY TRANSPARENCY
- The Company is committed to fair, equitable, and transparent compensation. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.
- The salary range for this role in Fountain Valley, CA is $90,000 - $110,000.
- In addition, you may be eligible for additional compensation, such as a bonus. Employees may also be eligible for a wide range of other benefits, including health & wellness benefits, retirement, time off, employee discounts, and others.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not have any leadership requirements and/or responsibilities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of sourcing or procurement experience, preferably in sporting goods, apparel, or consumer products.
- Prefer experience in technical product development in soft goods and hard goods.
- Proven success in working with overseas suppliers and managing manufacturing timelines.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
- Familiarity with Incoterms, international shipping, customs, and trade compliance.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated successful project management capabilities.
- Excellent problem-solving skills who constantly thinks in a solution-oriented manner.
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Teams.
- Strong analytical skills with Excel and supply chain software (e.g., PLM, ERP).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Candidate must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with ability to: be in a stationary position 50% of the time; occasionally move about inside the office to access fine cabinets, office machinery (such as a calculator, copy machine, printer, etc.); constantly operate a computer; occasionally ascend/descend stairs; constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinets; the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations; the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feed of the observer); and frequently move boxes weighing up to 10 pounds pounds across office for various needs. Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions if projects/opportunities arise. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
