Sourcing Manager, Business to Business

• Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Network Optimization:

• Lead and advise on vendor strategies, utilizing a vendor matrix to support Product Development and Buying strategies, including vendor allocation.
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with vendors for B2B customized projects and in alignment with broader product category strategies.
• Assess and analyze vendor capacities, identifying innovation in design, production (materials and techniques), value (cost and quality), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• Negotiate favorable first costs based on targets, ensuring design and materials align with cost objectives and client requirements.
• Source specific materials, custom finishes, and product modifications as required by client designs.
• Facilitate discussions with vendors for general B2B inquiries regarding existing assortment (e.g., special orders, expedited shipping, unique packing or location requirements)

• Project & Product Lifecycle Management (B2B Focus):

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of multiple large-scale, high-volume, multi-SKU custom projects.
• Oversee and monitor pre-production activities, including sample development, quotes, and packaging, ensuring timely completion.
• Coordinate and track all project stages, including PIB (Product Information Book) approvals, COM (Customer's Own Material) fabric workflows, purchase order coordination, and shipment/delivery timelines (including direct vendor shipping logistics).
• Facilitate feasibility assessments with vendors for new B2B product requests and manage project kick-offs.
• Oversee the development and tracking of new unique assortment SKUs from design handoff to sample organization and PIB requests.
• Liaise with vendors on CAD updates, prototype development, and sample timelines (1st samples, review, delivery), escalating potential delays as needed.

• Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as the central point of contact for all project-related communication, both internally and externally.
• Manage the seamless flow of information between clients, vendors, internal Design, Buying, Planning, Quality & Compliance, Merchandising, and Logistics teams.
• Assess, react to, and communicate to appropriate business units on missed production or purchase order deadlines.

• Documentation & Compliance Coordination:

• Oversee the intake, review, and approval process for all necessary vendor forms and files, including Factory Audits, Security/Ethical Sourcing Forms, Quality Assessments, and Facility Profiles.
• Coordinate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts with ESG team and provide audit support as required for client specific directives.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion and internal distribution of vendor-provided documentation, such as Item Data Sheets and information for product cutsheets.

• Financial Analysis & Reporting:

• Analyze and calculate costs of procurement, suggesting methods to decrease expenditure and achieve margin goals.
• Maintain and update internal spreadsheets and custom trackers with all relevant project information, including product inquiries, pricing, negotiated costing, and project statuses.
• Possess strong financial reporting and quantitative analysis skills.

• Team Leadership & Development:

• Supervise and manage a sourcing associate, helping them achieve individual savings targets.
• Recruit, hire, train staff, evaluate performance, and recommend or initiate promotions, transfers, and corrective action.
• Participate in ongoing training regarding technology upgrades and new systems applicable to the position.

• Ability to effectively manage small and large-scale, high-volume, multi-SKU custom projects from inception to delivery.
• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (English, written and verbal), with the ability to liaise effectively across internal teams and external partners/clients.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A bias for action in a fast paced environment with yet to be defined ways of working or processes.
• A strong sense of urgency and drive to resolution through leading cross functional partners through areas that lack complete clarity.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of manufacturing processes for assigned categories.
• Ability to manage a timing and action calendar.
• Ability to be agile and flexible in a changing environment.
• Familiarity with compliance, ethical sourcing, and quality assessment processes is a plus.
• Ability to travel overseas.

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a Sourcing or Product Development role.
• 3 years of relevant management experience, including direct reports.
• Proven strong background in sourcing and product development for Furniture and Housewares.
• Demonstrated B2B or contract project management experience.

Crate & Barrel