Position Purpose

In this important role this person will work with Director/VP in setting the vision, leading change, and is responsible for a wide breadth and depth of Sourcing activities related to multiple assigned product group/categories and vendors. Directs the Sourcing Managers and processes in supporting corporate goals as they relate to service, quality, and profitability for assigned product categories. Creates successful vendor performance management partnerships, while continuously improving relationships through direct communication and feedback.  Provides responsible monitoring and feedback related to L.L.Bean’s social responsibility requirements and contributes to successful business outcomes working collaboratively with business partners. . The Sr. Manager Sourcing functions at a highly autonomous level with a significant impact to the business.

Responsibilities

Sourcing:

• Responsible for Sourcing Management oversight of assigned product group/categories and vendors.

• Work with Product Development pre-season to review line assortments and determine sourcing requirements.

• Work in close collaboration with Product Development/Merchandising, Production Planning, Supply Chain, Distribution, and other cross functional partners, contributing to an environment of shared success.  Lead and assume responsibility for the Sourcing Plan and Timeline development and management.

• Understand risks/benefits associated action plans and execute as necessary to address changes in business situations.

• Develop, implement, and manage sourcing strategies and programs.

• Identify and assess risks/benefits of the geographic, economic, political stability and infrastructure (logistics, territories trade laws/opportunities, duty, exchange rates) of the region. Develop and implement recommendations and alternatives as required to cover weaknesses in assessment.

• Assess risks/benefits of how L.L.Bean is sourced on core programs. Develop position back-ups or dual vendors where appropriate.

• Stay informed of how L.L.Bean is positioned for growth, acquisitions etc. and develop forward looking sourcing solutions that will best support growth of the company.

• Participate in and lead multifunctional project teams to select world class suppliers.

• Represent Sourcing on corporate projects and teams.

• Negotiate production lead-time, production minimum and under minimum surcharge.

• Work with risk management and legal counsel to minimize risk to L.L.Bean with regards to the Master Vendor Agreement (MVA) and product recall issues.

Product Costing:

• Responsible for product costing including flash costing and vendor cost negotiation.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Product Creation, and Merch Financial Planning, to meet category IPM goals.

• Identify, benchmark, and evaluate industry trends, technologies, approaches that are applicable to Sourcing at L.L.Bean.  Recommend and implement changes based on findings.

• Oversee and negotiate Terms of Sales.   Negotiate payment terms.

• Maintain Product Costing System accuracy and resolve information discrepancies.

Vendor Performance Management:

• Responsible for working with vendors directly for the quality management of assigned product group/categories.  

• Assume accountability for the vendor’s adherence to vendor performance management criteria.

• Hold Vendor and Sourcing staff accountable for high performance expectations.

• Establish action plans for non-conforming products and vendors.

• Monitor and take action on on-time performance and charge issues.

• Oversees department of Sourcing Managers

• Engage in proactive talent development and succession planning within Sourcing department. Anticipate, help identify and drive changes within the work team and across the organization. Create a high-performance culture and effectively lead teams thru uncertainty.

• Actively coaches’ others to improve their performance.

• Develops strategies and oversees tactical work while balancing short term needs & long term results.

• Demonstrate strong leadership presence in translating the department’s vision into actionable goals and communicate the strategy and accountabilities necessary to achieve the goals.

• Consults at many levels, leading cross functional communication and driving decision support.

• Invites different perspectives as a means of input to problem solving.

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Budget Management:

• Develop department budget and operate within budgetary guidelines. 

• Contribute to Sourcing area’s Strategic Cost Management efforts through appropriate use of operating budget dollars and responsible management of merchandise samples.

Support function:

• Partner with the Global Monitoring team to provide continued vigilance and feedback to the vendors regarding legal and compliance requirements as needed.

• Assist Quality Assurance team with vendor communication, implementation of quality action plans and resolving charge back issues.

• Support Corporate Sustainability goals and objectives.

• Perform additional related responsibilities as requested.

Health and Safety Requirement

Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to be active participants in health and safety by following all safety policies and procedures, reporting unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership, and conducting work in a safe manner. Those in a leadership role are also expected to model safe behaviors, evaluate risk, and ensure that risks are reduced to acceptable levels.

Education

4-Year Bachelors Degree

Experience

8 years

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Excellent influencing skills 

• Strategic thinker

• Strong collaboration skills

• Strong knowledge of category technology.

• Thorough knowledge and experience to deal with Material, Quality, Inventory and Human Right issues.

• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes and facilities.

• Strong management experience, leading teams to deliver results collaboratively.

• High degree of business negotiation experience and skills.

• Ability to travel and adapt to multiple countries, cultures and situations.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects and meet aggressive deadlines

• Proficiency in MS-Office, SAP, PTC Flex/PLM, and CLO/Digital Product Creation