Manager, Global Sourcing & Product Development

MISSION

The Manager, Global Sourcing & Product Development leads the development, sourcing, costing and production of Indigo proprietary product. This position collaborates cross-functionally to ensure production of life enriching products reflective of the Indigo brand and design aesthetic, while also driving margin and profitability. 

KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Profit improvement & cost reduction
• Corporate calendar adherence
• On time delivery
• Adoption rate
• Production lead times
• Product integrity and quality

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Functional

• In partnership with merchant and design teams, set strategic product development and sourcing strategies aligned to category strategy
• Execute and deliver against key accountabilities of Global Sourcing & Product Development strategy
• Manage development of product to ensure they meet design vision and margin/cost parameters
• Develop and maintain a strategic relationship with supply base, seeking innovation and continued profitability
• Accountable for seasonal vendor allocations or on-boarding of new suppliers, ensuring balanced vendor loading
• Negotiate product cost with all vendors, ensuring target price and margin are achieved
• Drive efficiency and cost savings by owning all aspects of vendor contract negotiations, including defected goods and late deliveries
• Communicate revisions/changes to all relevant stakeholders and monitor production to ensure on-time delivery
• Ensure product quality by reviewing product components, samples and fabrics and comparing to pre-production and top of production line standards
• Facilitate formal technical pack handoff with design team to ensure critical data is communicated for accurate product sampling and costing
• Track sample development and adoption rates; review all received samples including facilitating review with design team
• Confirm and track all order placements with vendors, partnering to manage exceptions to calendar
• Coordinate all packaging needs with appropriate merchant partner to ensure costs are reflected in FOB costs
• Build strong, productive relationships with all vendors/suppliers
• Act as liaison between design and merchant groups and all vendors/suppliers
• Provide timely production updates to relevant merchant and design stakeholders
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant trade agreements in order to save duty costs and mitigate taxes and tariffs
• Ensure the completion of team deliverables and set/adhere to team budgets, as applicable
• Monitor new industry trends styles/techniques allowing us to bring appropriate vendors
• Act as an advocate for the customer by placing them at the forefront of all decision-making processes
• Proactively identify and anticipate customer expectations and needs
• Act as an advocate for the customer by placing them at the forefront of all design and decision-making processes
• Challenge the status quo by consistently identifying areas for improvement, diagnosing issues and working to resolve them

People

• Collaborate with others to drive flexible and iterative solutions, quickly and easily
• Bring out the best in others, empower and constructively stretch talent
• Give authentic feedback on performance and potential
• Ensure all team members understand where they stand and have clear performance objectives aligned with Indigo and team goals
• Collaborate with others to drive flexible and iterative solutions, quickly and easily
• Share technical knowledge with others and actively seek to learn from those more knowledgeable than yourself
• Help others see the impacts of their efforts and proactively engage other functions to get input
• Encourage others to freely share their point of view and be open to feedback
• Accountable for the overall engagement, productivity, turnover and bench strength of the team

Cultural

• Model Indigo’s beliefs and convey a positive image in everything you do
• Celebrate diversity of thought and have an open mindset
• Take an active role in fostering a culture of continual learning, taking risks without the fear of making mistakes
• Embrace, champion and influence change through your team and/or the organization

SCOPE

Reports to: Sr. Director, Global Sourcing, Quality Assurance & Sustainability

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Design
• General Merchandise
• Supply Chain
• Product Quality & Sustainability

External:

• Buying offices / Agents
• Vendors