What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sourcing Manager position at GEWL Procure?
gdg Enterprises Worldwide, LLC
Houston, Texas
GEWL is a hospitality-focused procurement administration entity, centrally based in the international port city of Houston, TX with coast-to-coast reach. Conceived by Gin Braverman as a sister company to her hospitality focused ID firm, gin design group, GEWL offers design, sourcing and procurement.
We specialize in F&B & hospitality projects requiring loose furnishings, custom casegoods, art & accessories, custom finishes, upholstery and fixtures.
Over the past decade, our team has designed and procured hundreds of concepts, which has given us an in-depth understanding of industry-specific nuances, including service permits and codes, local, national & international vendors and suppliers, and unique guest touchpoints.
Job Summary
The Sourcing Manager leads the sourcing and purchasing of FF&A (Furniture, Fixtures & Accessories) across our hospitality projects. This role partners closely with design, clients, internal and external project teams to manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, coordinate logistics, and ensure products are delivered on time and within budget. The position requires a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable managing supplier partnerships and the detailed execution required to keep projects moving.
Experience with custom furniture, hospitality FF&E packages, and installation coordination is highly valued.
Responsibilities and Duties
Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management
- Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with the company’s FF&A (Furniture, Fixtures & Accessories) needs, project schedules, and overall business objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard reliable suppliers, negotiating pricing, contracts, warranties, and service terms to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and long-term partnerships.
- Build and maintain a strong supplier network across both off-the-shelf and custom furniture vendors.
- Monitor market trends, product innovations, tariffs, and material pricing to identify opportunities for cost savings, improved quality, and competitive advantage.
- Establish supplier performance metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize quality, delivery reliability, and vendor accountability.
End-to-End Procurement Execution
- Oversee procurement from initial sourcing and vendor selection through purchasing, logistics coordination, delivery, and installation.
- Manage RFQs, purchase orders, contracts, and procurement documentation to maintain accuracy, transparency, and accountability throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Coordinate freight, transportation, and delivery schedules to ensure alignment with project milestones and installation sequencing.
- Manage freight logistics, tariff impacts, and appropriate insurance coverage for shipped goods.
- Track order progress and proactively identify and mitigate risks impacting schedule, cost, or quality.
Financial & Quality Oversight
- Manage procurement budgets, cost tracking, and purchase order management across multiple projects.
- Monitor projected versus actual spend and escalate cost or schedule risks early.
- Oversee product inspections, quality assurance processes, and warranty management to ensure delivered items meet design specifications and performance standards.
Project & Operational Management
- Lead procurement planning in coordination with project teams, ensuring timely sourcing and purchasing aligned with design development and construction schedules.
- Maintain detailed procurement schedules and status reporting across active projects.
- Ensure installation logistics are coordinated, including site readiness, path of travel, and timing for large furniture deliveries.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
- Partner closely with design, project management, and operations teams to translate design intent into procurement strategies and vendor selections.
- Provide regular updates to internal teams and clients regarding procurement status, delivery schedules, and potential challenges.
- Proactively resolve issues related to suppliers, deliveries, or product performance while maintaining strong vendor and client relationships.
Compliance & Industry Standards
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and applicable regulations.
- Stay informed on relevant building codes, product standards, sustainability considerations, and import/export requirements affecting furniture procurement.
Qualifications
Required Experience
- 5 years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, preferably within hospitality, interior design, furniture manufacturing, or FF&E procurement.
- Proven experience managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and executing complex procurement projects.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict timelines and budgets.
- Experience coordinating logistics, freight, and large furniture deliveries.
- Strong knowledge of FF&A sourcing, furniture manufacturing processes, and product specifications.
- Familiarity with tariffs, freight logistics, and international sourcing considerations.
- Experience managing procurement documentation including RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier contracts.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Interior Design, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.