Sr. Sourcing Specialist Jobs

Implus Footcare, LLC is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in fitness, outdoor, sporting goods and footcare product categories. Implus is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, apara, airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect Fitness, Balega, Penguin, DryGuy, Spenco, Force Field, FuelBelt, Stabil, SKLZ, and Rock Tape. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 75,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Sourcing Specialist will drive sourcing activities related to the development of assigned categories for product initiatives around inline brands and private label for domestic and global partners. This role will coordinate cross-functionally to provide costing, vendor matrix and vendor capacity and capability insight for product line(s) from concept to reality and perform as critical contributor to the overall product development process, including new concepts, product treatments and product development/design techniques. This role will also execute RFx events, ensure vendor capacity and capability assessments are completed, focus on delivery of quality and improved margins, provide input to global vendor matrix strategy, ensure factory compliance, and in-depth costing analysis.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Lead cross-functional sourcing projects for low to medium complexity spend categories and/or low to medium impact spends.

· Correspond daily w/ overseas factories to deliver margin and value through evaluation of distinct product construction options

· Execute competitive negotiations with vendor matrix on products in development; recommend best value vendor for final award scenarios

· Build and maintain clear communication channels (written and verbal) with Asian development staff to ensure clear and concise understanding of product requirements

· Execute weekly work-in-progress meetings and development status updates with each factory

· Assist with product compliance initiatives

· Ensure sourcing supports all product design, development, and marketing/reporting deadlines

· Establish process to ensure compliance with all critical dates and performance/profitability goals

• Organize all established corporate product cost guidelines for assigned categories

Key Skills:

· High intermediate demonstrated skill with Microsoft Excel regarding spreadsheet report generation and analysis; Intermediate level skill set with other Microsoft Office products and applications.

· Professional correspondence via email, phone and letter

· College level mathematics capability including percentages

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Some functional understanding and ability to learn

· Understanding of fit and fit-for-use specifications

· Product construction and materials knowledge—ex. cut and sew, knitting, assembled goods

· Excellent organization skills and ability to comply with established documentation rules

· Strong problem-solving skills

· Ability to manage multiple projects at once

Desired Skills and Experience:

· Knowledge of apparel/accessory designs and trends

· Experience with consumer package goods (CPG) suppliers or prior apparel design/development experience,

· Adobe Illustrator/Adobe Photoshop

· Ability to work independently

Education and Certifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study; 4-6 years of sourcing experience

Minimum Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.
• Mobility: Open files and operate office machines; move between departments and attend meetings.
• Lifting, Pulling, Pushing: Exert up to 50 pounds for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Visual Abilities: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, read reports, create presentations and use a computer system.
• Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, vendors, and students.
• Talking: Frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.

· Predictable attendance on site

· Using a standard computer keyboard and monitor

· 25 pounds. with or without reasonable accommodation

• Work has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times.
• Work may require occasional travel

· Standard climate-controlled office setting

· Occasional exposure to open air, warehouse setting

Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.