Senior Manager, Footwear
Job description
About the role
Quince seeks a Senior Manager to own the complete footwear and leather goods journey for the Americas region. This role is responsible for shaping sourcing strategy, defining quality standards, and driving execution across the supply chain. The position focuses on nearshoring initiatives within the Western Hemisphere to reduce lead times and improve logistics efficiency. You will partner directly with global manufacturers, analytics teams, and product management to translate business goals into actionable plans. Your decisions will directly define the quality, value proposition, and availability of products for millions of customers. This position is critical to building a more responsive and cost-effective supply chain for the company. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in environments with high ambiguity and rapid decision-making. You will be challenged to solve complex business problems by combining data, technology, and operational expertise. Success requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, ensuring that products move from concept to delivery efficiently. You must be comfortable advocating for the customer while maintaining strong relationships with manufacturing partners. Your work will embody the company values of transparency, excellence, and social responsibility.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Orchestrate the intake of product briefs, challenging assumptions, and clarifying goals to ensure alignment on objectives for footwear initiatives.
- Lead the end-to-end sourcing process for footwear and leather goods, translating concept documents into tangible execution plans from development to delivery.
- Design and manage build workflows for suppliers in the Western Hemisphere, with a specific focus on nearshoring strategies to reduce lead times and optimize capacity.
- Review product samples, analyze cost structures, and conduct compliance checks prior to final approval to safeguard quality and margin targets.
- Partner with manufacturing and analytics teams to align strategy, data, and execution for continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
- Explore new footwear concepts, materials, and production techniques that meet cost, quality, and sustainability targets while supporting innovation goals.
- Coordinate and ship product collections on schedule, resolving logistical blockers and managing timelines proactively to maintain velocity.
- Validate production runs, monitor market performance, and iterate based on data signals and feedback to drive iterative enhancements.
- Guard brand integrity by maintaining rigorous standards for materials, fit, and finishing across all suppliers in the supply chain network.
- Leverage advanced AI literacy and data analysis to interpret retail operations metrics and drive smarter sourcing decisions.
- Utilize automation proficiency and product management skills to streamline workflows and eliminate operational friction.
- Apply strategic sourcing and supply chain management expertise to optimize the end-to-end value chain for footwear and accessories.
Requirements
- Must possess the ability to manage complex sourcing problems under conditions of ambiguity while maintaining a rapid pace of decision-making to meet aggressive timelines.
- Bring a data-driven mindset and an understanding of how AI, analytics, and automation apply to modern retail operations to enhance forecasting and efficiency.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of at least three years in sourcing or operations roles specifically within the footwear or accessories industry to ensure relevant expertise.
- Be prepared to engage in discussions regarding a base salary in the range of $140,000 USD and a total compensation package up to $160,000 USD as part of the total expected earnings.
- You should understand just-in-time manufacturing principles and how they intersect with retail technology and analytics to balance efficiency with responsiveness.
- Commit to the company's mission of providing high-quality essentials at accessible prices through thoughtful sourcing and operational excellence.
- Exhibit strong ownership and accountability for delivering results while navigating high ambiguity and driving clarity through proactive problem-solving.
- Adhere to company policies and ethical standards, ensuring transparency and social responsibility in all interactions with suppliers and stakeholders.
Nice to have
- Previous experience working with suppliers based in Mexico or the Dominican Republic to leverage regional expertise and capabilities.
- Familiarity with the unique dynamics of the Western Hemisphere supply chain to optimize logistics and reduce risk.
Practical notes
This role is a full-time position based in the United States with remote flexibility. The compensation band reflects the total expected earnings for this position. Please confirm specific details on the official application portal. Quince is an equal opportunity employer.