Sourcing Lead - Apparel

Sourcing Lead — Chêne Gear

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Type: Full-Time

About Chêne

At Chêne, we build gear for hunters who demand more — more from their equipment, more from their experience, more from the brands they trust. We believe in things made right, built to last, and backed with service that honors the people who use them. Every decision we make ties back to that standard.

We’re growing fast, expanding into new categories, and building systems to match the scale of the brand. That’s where this role comes in.

The Role

We’re looking for a Sourcing Lead who believes quality isn’t a box to check — it’s the job. In this role, you will own and expand Chêne’s supply chain and vendor relationships, ensuring we deliver products that meet the highest standards while supporting margin goals and reliable production timelines.

You will be the primary point of contact with our factory partners worldwide, leading negotiations, strengthening long-term relationships, and solving problems before they show up in-season. You’ll bring rigor and consistency to how we source, test, and commercialize product — while helping Chêne scale with purpose.

What You’ll Do

Quality First

· Build and maintain a reliable, diversified vendor network across domestic and international partners.

· Create and manage QA/QC processes from concept through finished goods.

Lead Vendor Relationships

· Negotiate costing, lead times, and capacity to support seasonal needs.

· Ensure factories understand not just what we build — but why we build it that way.

Drive Supplier Performance & Margin Health

· Implement vendor scorecards across cost, delivery, and quality.

· Conduct costing scenarios and tariff analysis to support long-term sourcing strategy.

Own Compliance & Standards

· Ensure all testing, documentation, and product compliance requirements are met.

· Stay ahead of legislative changes affecting materials, chemicals, and labeling.

Cross-Functional Leadership

· Support Product, Merch, Design, Development, CX, and Operations in seasonal planning.

· Lead material and finished goods testing to ensure durability and performance meet the Chêne standard.

Requirements

What You Bring

· A track record of building premium products through thoughtful sourcing and quality control.

· Ability to operate in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift and clarity must be created.

· Strong relationship instincts — you know how to work with people and earn trust on both sides.

· A systems-oriented mindset that brings structure without slowing momentum.

Qualifications

· 7 years sourcing technical apparel or soft goods internationally, including direct factory engagement.

· Deep knowledge of fabrics, textiles, construction, and commercialization processes.

· Hands-on experience managing product testing, QA/QC workflows, and compliance documentation.

· Proven ability to manage supply chain timelines from raw material to final delivery.

· Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.

· Passion for the outdoors, hunting, waterfowl, or related fields is a strong plus.

Why Join Chêne

· You’ll work with a team that believes in the work and in each other.

· You’ll have the chance to build systems and influence decisions that meaningfully shape the future of the brand.

· You’ll be part of a company that’s growing with purpose — not chasing hype.