Sourcing Director, Outerwear

About the role

Quince is on the lookout for a Sourcing Director to spearhead its outerwear category. This pivotal position will oversee the global vendor relationships and sourcing strategies, playing a crucial role in shaping the apparel supply chain. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Apparel Sourcing, the selected candidate will be instrumental in ensuring that Quince maintains its commitment to quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience and a passion for innovative sourcing practices to help further Quince's mission of providing high-quality essentials at accessible prices.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain and sourcing strategy specifically tailored for the outerwear categories, incorporating a multi-sourcing approach to enhance resilience and flexibility.
• Identify and onboard new manufacturing partners, ensuring they align with Quince's direct-to-consumer model and effectively operate within a rapid replenishment framework.
• Provide thorough training for partners on the Quince Operating System (OS), focusing on operational excellence, financial models, and technical integration through the Vendor Portal.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to meet and exceed key performance indicators, including maintaining a defect rate of less than 0.5% and ensuring replenishment lead times are under 14 days.
• Collaborate closely with the Merchandising and Product Development teams to lead catalog expansion, successfully launching new styles and colors that meet customer demand.
• Conduct structured Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with partner management, emphasizing strategic alignment, performance highlights, and areas for future improvement.
• Analyze market trends and consumer insights to inform sourcing strategies, ensuring that Quince remains competitive in the outerwear category.
• Foster strong relationships with existing suppliers while actively seeking out new partnerships that can enhance the brand's product offerings and sustainability goals.
• Monitor and manage the financial performance of the sourcing strategy, ensuring that it remains margin-accretive and contributes positively to the company's bottom line.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in sourcing and supply chain management to drive Quince's innovation agenda.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management, preferably in a director-level capacity within major US-based retail organizations.
• Extensive network of partner factory connections in the apparel sector globally, particularly in the APAC, IST, and EMEA regions.
• A strong passion for product development, with a proven track record of leveraging factory expertise to design, cost engineer, and successfully launch products to market.
• A general management mindset complemented by a solid background in supply chain management and lean/just-in-time manufacturing practices.
• Deep knowledge of cost structures within the apparel category, with the ability to implement cost-saving measures through effective negotiation tactics.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong analytical skills, focused on execution, problem-solving, and process improvement.
• A continuous learner who is open to new perspectives and proactive in addressing challenges that arise in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with AI and technology applications in supply chain management, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes.
• Experience in the direct-to-consumer retail model, particularly in the apparel industry.
• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field; an advanced degree would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in sustainability initiatives within sourcing and supply chain operations.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in supply chain management software and tools, particularly those that facilitate vendor management and performance tracking.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to secure favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Analytical skills for data-driven decision-making, particularly in assessing supplier performance and market trends.
• Excellent project management abilities, ensuring that sourcing initiatives are completed on time and within budget.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and ethical sourcing standards in the apparel industry.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Practical notes

• This position is based in China, and candidates must be willing to relocate if not currently residing in the area.
• The role requires a full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared for occasional travel to meet with suppliers and partners.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits, will be provided.
• Quince values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, as we believe varied perspectives enhance our team and mission.

Join us at Quince, where your expertise in sourcing and supply chain management will contribute to our mission of providing high-quality, sustainable essentials at affordable prices. If you're driven by impact, growth, and purpose, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the retail industry.