What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Sourcing - Apparel position at Fourth Floor?
Our client, a childrens apparel company, is looking for a Vice President of Sourcing to join their team in NYC!
Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end sourcing strategy for all apparel categories (infant, toddler, boys, girls), ensuring alignment with brand, quality, and margin goals.
- Identify, negotiate, and manage a global vendor matrix across multiple geographies, balancing speed, cost, and compliance.
- Partner closely with design, merchandising, planning, and buying teams to align product development calendars and deliver on assortment strategies, including off-price programs.
- Build and execute sourcing strategies tailored to both full-price and off-price channels, ensuring flexibility and speed-to-market.
- Oversee cost engineering, fabric/trim development, MOQ management, and capacity planning.
- Ensure all vendors adhere to social compliance, testing, and quality standards, with a focus on children’s product safety.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to the sourcing and production teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
- Stay ahead of market trends, country-of-origin shifts, and geopolitical risks impacting global sourcing.
Qualifications:
- 10 years of experience in global sourcing or production for apparel preferred kid’s apparel.
- Proven success sourcing for off-price and value channels (e.g., TJX, Ross, Burlington) in addition to full-price retailers.
- Strong knowledge of the buying cycle and merchandising process to effectively partner cross-functionally and deliver commercial results.
- Deep understanding of children’s product safety requirements, testing protocols, and CPSIA compliance.
- Established vendor relationships across key sourcing regions (Asia, Central America, etc.) with ability to negotiate competitive pricing and lead times.
- Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
- Proficiency in PLM systems, cost breakdowns, and calendar management.
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Production, Merchandising, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
Salary : $300,000 - $400,000