Director of Sourcing, Hardlines

Director of Sourcing, Hardlines

Serena and Lily is seeking a Director of Sourcing to join our team in Sausalito, California. This role will report to the Vice President of Sourcing and will have direct reports to mentor and guide. We are looking for an experienced individual who has strong knowledge in sourcing, production, and product development. You will identify opportunities and make recommendations. You will manage information across functions, leading and working closely with all cross-functional partners. This role will manage a large supplier base both domestically and internationally in a range of product types. Each day can range from small tasks to building large strategies for this role.

The ideal candidate is a strong and motivational leader, a strategic thinker, a collaborative cross-functional partner, and a reliable team player. You must also have a strong business acumen, an impressive work ethic, advanced presentation skills, a deep understanding and appreciation for the S&L customer, and a sincere commitment to the development of your direct reports.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works directly with Agents/Vendors in all Hardlines product categories. Vendors range from overseas to domestic importers.
Managing and onboarding Domestic or Direct Import US vendors to suit Serena & Lilys packaging, labeling, and operations processes.
Optimize sourcing procedures to attain maximum efficiency.
Manage Calendar & timelines w/ cross-functional teams and vendors/agents to ensure on-time deliveries.
Close working partnership with Design, Merchandising, Planning, DC, and Quality & Compliance.

PRESOURCING & STRATEGY
Evaluate current supplier portfolio and introduce new suppliers to balance the sourcing matrix with strategic goals for growth.
Identify, cultivate and maintain new and existing supplier relationships both domestically and internationally.
Work with the design team during the initial development process to identify region or vendors for requested materials, finishes and products in the assigned product categories. Direct the sampling process by identifying markets to cost and sample.
Executes and advises on vendor strategies to support design and merchandising strategies (including vendor allocation).
Identify potential product in the assigned categories that present opportunities in new markets.
Responsible for identifying and tracking vendor capabilities, including innovation in design and production (materials and techniques), quality, core competency, capacity, speed to market.
Develop strategies to reduce core production lead times and increase speed to market

SOURCING & DEVELOPMENT
Deliver aesthetically correct samples that meet design/merchants vision.
Allocate designs to appropriate sources with support growth strategies.
Develop and monitor pre-production activities (sample development, quotes, packaging, etc) to ensure all are completed in a timely manner.
Negotiates favorable costs based on targets provided by Merchant team and effectively ensuring design and materials are aligned to either hit first cost target or make adjustments based on design and material direction.
Perform a consultant role for merchants and design. Identifying opportunities for improving design execution, quality and cost.
Manage the product development and approval process and ensure vendors follow protocol.
Strategically source, allocate and negotiate cost and deliveries. Improve IMU and reduce lead times.
Manage fabric deliveries and liabilities.

CAPACITY
Share major updates or changes from assortment strategies or adoptions that would affect the markets & allocation strategy.
Troubleshoot capacity issues and develop long term capacity planning strategies.
Assess and analyze vendor capacities and partner with planning teams to utilize projections and forecasts.

PRODUCTION
Monitor production process by reviewing weekly production status reports and maintain reports. Communicate to teams on delivery status. Anticipate and resolve issues.
Negotiates best delivery and ship dates.
Monitor purchase order milestones to ensure development is approved prior to ordering and any outstanding approvals are escalated to Sr Management.
Assess, react, and communicate to appropriate business units on missed production or purchase order deadlines.
Improve vendor reliability through the management of vendor performance - provides feedback to suppliers on their performance.
Work with vendors & internal teams on solutions for quality issues and production delays.
Executing enhancements on existing products.

QUALITY
Troubleshoot seasonal product issues related to development, production and/or delivery in assigned categories.
Work closely with internal teams on reviewing returns-develop plans for damage or quality issue reductions. Identify inferior quality source and chargeback.
Develop relationships with QA partners internally and internationally.
Work closely with vendors to track necessary product and package testing.
Ensure standards are met for packaging and product testing.

LEADERSHIP
Manage and mentor a team of 4, including sourcing managers and assistants.
Training in the following areas: S&L sourcing operating procedures, production and sourcing policies, technical, negotiation and communication skills.
Promote the development of subordinates through supervision and training.
Leadership experience managing teams working in a fast-paced environment.
Pro-actively approach problem solving.
Implement operational efficiencies.
Adapt quickly to changes.
Driven by deadlines with a high sense of urgency.
Experience traveling overseas to evaluate vendors and to determine areas of improvement.

REQUIRED SKILLS:
A minimum of 5 years in a Hardlines Sourcing or Production Role. Experience in furniture, lighting and decorative accessories is preferred.
Intermediate to advanced understanding of manufacturing processes for assigned categories.
Knowledge in product sourcing internationally as well as domestically.
Ability to manage small and large tasks simultaneously.
Strong knowledge of product testing requirements preferred.
Understanding of raw material properties, fabric, embroidery, construction, and finishes.
Strong capacity planning and production management capabilities.
Knowledge of product packaging and product testing.
Logistics and supply chain management and coordination experience.
Effective communicator with internal and external parties, must have the ability to work in/with cross functional teams.
Proactive approach to problem solving, adapt quickly to changes.
Demonstrates high level of organization and can quickly reprioritize based on the needs of the business - Detail oriented and driven by deadlines and high sense of urgency.
Ability to manage production to the master calendar.
Strong negotiation, financial reporting and quantitative analysis skills.
Must be willing to accommodate off hours/overseas meetings.
Proficient reading, written and verbal language skills (English).
Physically able to lift/unpack boxes and assist with sample assembly.
College Degree required.
Multi-cultural awareness and respect.

COMPENSATION:
$160-190k depending on experience
Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance should they choose to participate in Serena & Lilys benefits. Employees can enroll in our companys 401k plan. During the first year of employment, full-time employees accrue twenty days of PTO and seven paid holidays throughout the year.

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