Associate Director - Sourcing (IB)

Job description

**Section I: Purpose of the Role** The Head of Sourcing will lead the strategic supply chain and procurement agenda for the entire portfolio of International Brands (e.g., Next, Nautica, Desigual, Sisley). The objective is to build an agile, high-margin domestic and international supply chain that supports the aggressive growth targets (GMV/Options) through 2029. This role is responsible for driving the structural shift toward domestic sourcing mix to unlock margin benefits, while ensuring technical excellence in garment engineering, fit, and production quality. **Section II: Key Responsibilities** - **Strategic Sourcing & Portfolio Management:** - Formulate and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for all IB brands to drive operational efficiency and margin improvement (aiming for structural margin benefits through domestic sourcing). - Ensure a balanced and differentiated supply base across core categories (Knits, Wovens, Denims, and Bottoms) to support scaling brands like Next and Nautica. - **Vendor Strategy & Relationship Management:** - Identify and onboard a high-performing vendor base capable of handling international quality standards and fast-turnaround replenishment. - Manage high-level negotiations for cost, capacity, and service level agreements (SLAs). - **Operational & Technical Excellence:** - Oversee end-to-end product execution, from design presentation to final delivery. - Drive technical processes, including: - **Tech Pack Translation:** Reviewing international specifications, adjusting for local sizing, and creating detailed Bills of Materials (BOM). - **Sampling & Fit Approval:** Overseeing prototype development and fit-approval workflows to ensure brand consistency. - Enable production teams to meet Go-To-Market (GTM) deadlines by optimizing lead times and managing constraints. - **Quality & Risk Management:** - Establish construction criteria and audit mass runs to ensure adherence to safety and quality benchmarks. - Preempt supply chain risks and implement contingency plans for both domestic and import channels (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China). **Section III: Stakeholders** - **Internal:** Design (IOB), Quality & Fits (HOB), Planning/Merchandising, Business Finance, Legal. - **External:** Global Brand Partners/Principals, Key Manufacturing Partners/Vendors, Industry Agencies. **Section IV: Role Profile Requirements** - **Education:** MBA or Master's degree in Fashion Management, Textile Engineering, or Business Management. - **Experience:** - 12–15+ years of experience in Sourcing, Product Development, and Vendor Management. - Strong background in both domestic and international apparel sourcing. - Deep understanding of garment technology and product execution. - **Skills:** - **Domain Expertise:** Proven track record in apparel sourcing, vendor negotiation, and production management. - **Technical Acuity:** Strong grasp of garment engineering, tech pack translation, and fit/QA standards. - **Strategic Thinking:** Ability to translate brand requirements (Next, Nautica, etc.) into scalable supply chain frameworks. - **Soft Skills:** Strong negotiation, cross-cultural relationship building, and team leadership skills.