What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Sourcing Manager position at Crate & Barrel?
Overview
We inspire purpose-filled living that brings joy to the modern home. With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the U.S. and Canada, we achieve together, drive results and innovate to inspire. Drawn together by a shared passion for our customers and a spirit of fun, we deliver high-quality home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced and bring beauty and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.
We’re here for it. We think you should be too. We’re looking for a driven professional with an inclusive mindset to join our team as an Associate Sourcing Manager.
This position maximizes company sales growth and profitability by overseeing the merchandising sourcing activities for assigned categories. The Associate Sourcing Manager is involved in all aspects of sourcing which will require the skills necessary to manage vendor selection, performance management, identify cost saving opportunities, create competitive environments, creatively negotiate and manage on time deliveries.
- This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL offices with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.
- This role is a People leader position
A day in the life as an Associate Sourcing Manager…
- Execute vendor strategies and utilize vendor matrix to support Product Design and Development and Buying strategies
- Negotiate first cost for new and existing products
- Develop and monitor pre-production activities (sample development, quotes, packaging, etc) to ensure all are completed in a timely manner
- Monitor purchase order milestones to improve cost and reliability
- Assess and analyze vendor capacities and partner with planning teams to utilize projections and forecasts
- Assess capabilities of new suppliers
- Close working partnership with Product Design and Development, Buying, Planning, and Quality and Compliance
- Improve vendor reliability through the management of vendor performance
- Achieve department margin goals
- Assess, react and communicate to appropriate business units on missed production or purchase order deadlines
- Assist the Sourcing Manager on products and tasks
- Participate in ongoing training regarding technology upgrades and new systems applicable to the position
- Monitor and adhere to key milestone dates on the PDP calendar
What you’ll bring to the table…
- Good reading and written language skills (English), multi-cultural awareness and respect, basic arithmetic, interpersonal skills, telephone presence, data entry skills
- Ability to manage a time and action calendar
- Knowledge of sourcing capabilities by country / region
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes for assigned categories
- Effective email communication with overseas vendors and agents
- Ability to be agile and flexible in a changing environment
- Ability to travel internationally
We’d love to hear from you if you have… (Experience Required from JD)
- 3 years experience in a Sourcing or Product Development Role
- Bachelor’s Degree