Sourcing Director

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Director of Sourcing for Boots & Accessories, you will lead the global sourcing strategy for our Exclusive Brands, with direct accountability for cost optimization, margin enhancement, quality performance, and timely product delivery. This role requires strategic oversight of a global vendor network, including cost negotiations and management of complex supplier relationships. You will exercise independent judgment and discretion in shaping sourcing direction, mitigating global supply chain risks, and driving compliance. As a key cross-functional leader, you will mentor sourcing team members, influence product development, and play a critical role in meeting company-wide financial and operational goals. International travel is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy & Execution: Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for Boots
• and Accessories, optimizing factory allocation by capability, product type (e.g., work, western, fashion), lead
• time, cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Vendor Portfolio Management: Strategically diversify and manage a global factory/vendor base with deep
• specialization in boot construction types (e.g., Goodyear welt, cemented), ensuring alignment with brand and
• margin goals.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Design and implement risk mitigation strategies for geopolitical volatility,
• raw material constraints, and regional disruptions. Ensure full compliance with international labor,
• environmental, and California legal standards.
• Trade & Tariff Optimization: Lead tariff mitigation efforts and duty optimization for footwear under various
• trade programs (e.g., GSP, USMCA). Partner with legal and customs to ensure strategic country-of-origin
• (COO) shifts are fully compliant and cost-effective.
• Time & Action (T&A) Oversight: Ensure timely execution of design handoffs, sample approvals, commercial
• buy readiness so that production milestones and delivery is met.
• Strategic Vendor Relations: Serve as executive point of contact for key boot and Accessory manufacturers.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation in design-for-manufacturing, and strategic partnership development.
• Product-Centric Cost Leadership: Lead seasonal and core cost negotiations at the factory level. Leverage
• deep knowledge of construction methods, materials (e.g., leather, rubber, synthetics), and component sourcing to secure best-value pricing. Create raw material standardization, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives, including outsole, upper material, lining, and component procurement.
• Margin & P&L Ownership: Own sourcing contribution to category-level margins. Drive multi-season cost reduction and efficiency programs that directly impact gross margin, inventory turns, and operating profit.
• Forecasting & Capacity Planning: Lead vendor capacity planning to align with rolling forecasts, market
• demand, and product tiering. Ensure vendors have the visibility to meet fluctuating demand cycles.
• International Travel & Vendor Engagement: Conduct strategic travel to key global manufacturing hubs (e.g.,
• Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam, India) for vendor onboarding, cost discussions, and relationship-building.
• New Vendor Development: Lead strategic identification and onboarding of new boot/accessory vendors
• based on category expansion, risk diversification, or regional shifts. Ensure onboarding aligns with technical,
• social compliance, and brand standards.
• Executive Reporting & Insights: Prepare and present strategic sourcing updates to senior leadership,
• offering insights on vendor performance, cost trends, margin impact, and sourcing risk indicators.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead the boot and accessory sourcing team with expertise in development, production, and commercialization. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Regulatory Adherence: Maintain full compliance with all federal, California state, and international labor,
• safety, and environmental regulations. Uphold ethical sourcing standards across all vendor relationships.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform strategic and operational tasks consistent with director-level
• expectations and company priorities as assigned by senior leadership.
• Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Textiles, or related field
• 15 years of experience with large scale, high-volume global apparel sourcing with demonstrated success in
• managing complex vendor networks, countries of origin, and in region travel experience EMEA, APAC,
• LATAM, NA
• Vast knowledge and working experience with garment construction, textile development and category-specific
• sourcing including complex categories such as Boots, Accessories, Denim and Outerwear (high technology-
• performance experience a plus)
• Proven ability to manage full product lifecycle from Concept to PO placement with a focus on cost engineering
• Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings without compromising product quality
• or timelines
• Proficient with PLM, ERP software, Microsoft Office Suite; Advanced Excel, and experience with data analytics
• tools (BI) a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret forecasts cost data
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Ability to travel a minimum of 35% to visit vendors, mills and production facilities when requested
• Excellent communication, customer service, time management and organizational skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to manage and develop talent

Competencies

• Customer Centric/Product Driven– Is attentive to our customers and understands our brand/product quality requirements
• Offers product options that are aligned with our brand ethos and design intent/direction
• Continually searches for ways to partner and work in a transparent manner with multiple divisions
• Ensure Effective Communication - Listens carefully and attentively to others' opinions and ideas
• Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally
• Establish Trust - Follows through on commitments. Is honest and direct with others. Promotes a culture of
• respect for, commitment to, and compliance with Company values, beliefs, and standards. Ensures the protection of confidential information.

Benefits

• Bonus eligible **
• Merchandise discount: 50% off Exclusive Brands and 40% off third-party brands
• Paid Time Off plan for year-round Partners.**
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.**
• 401(k) plan with generous company matching **