Associate Global Sourcing Manager

We are partnering with a category-defining health and wellness company dedicated to improving the lives of pets, pet parents, and people. This organization is a leader in its field, operating a vast network of pet care centers, hospitals, and clinics, all driven by a powerful purpose: to create a healthier, brighter future for all. They foster a vibrant culture where every team member is encouraged to bring their authentic self to work, nurture their wellbeing, and collaborate to achieve outstanding results. Aquent is proud to connect top talent with this innovative and impactful company.

Unleash Your Impact in Global Sourcing!

Are you ready to make a tangible difference in how quality products reach pet parents and their beloved companions? This is an exhilarating opportunity to step into a pivotal role within global sourcing, where your strategic vision and expertise will directly shape product development and supply chain efficiency. You'll be at the forefront of identifying new opportunities, optimizing costs, and ensuring the highest quality standards are met. Your insights and negotiation prowess will drive significant impact, contributing directly to the company's mission to improve lives through innovative and responsible sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the development, refinement, implementation, and strategic management of global sourcing initiatives for assigned categories.
• Lead new product development projects within designated categories, guiding them from initial concept through to successful delivery.
• Continuously identify, rigorously assess, and recommend new, high-quality suppliers to strategically expand and strengthen the global network.
• Perform in-depth analysis of bids and various data points to formulate and propose actionable sourcing recommendations that drive value.
• Conduct and participate in critical negotiations with suppliers to secure optimal terms, fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to maximize sourcing effectiveness and achieve shared objectives.
• Research and analyze manufacturer capabilities, including cost structures, production capacity, and delivery history, ensuring all products consistently meet brand specifications and quality standards.
• Proactively seek out and identify opportunities for cost optimization and margin enhancement across the entire supply chain.
• Identify and clearly communicate potential issues to relevant stakeholders, driving them to swift and effective resolution.
• Manage ongoing vendor performance, focusing on critical metrics such as service levels, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor cost and availability trends of key factors (e.g., raw materials, packaging, labor) and recommend strategic courses of action.
• Maintain professional and effective verbal and written communication with all professional contacts, consistently prioritizing company interests.
• Expertly prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet established deadlines with precision.
• Travel as needed to engage directly with vendors, manufacturers, and attend relevant industry trade shows.
• Utilize strong data analysis skills to determine and execute appropriate courses of action, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent, combined with a minimum of 2-3 years of progressive experience in global sourcing.
• Proven experience in manufacturing processes, quality control, and a strong understanding of national chain or specialty chain retail environments.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of import/export marketing and manufacturing relationships, including comprehensive quality control/testing processes, programs, and logistics.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to build trust and foster strong, collaborative partnerships.
• Adept at partnering and negotiating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including vendors, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.
• Strong business acumen and advanced analytical skills, capable of dissecting complex data to make informed and strategic decisions.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including mastery of MS Office Suite, and the aptitude to quickly learn and utilize internal applications.
• A proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities concurrently, with the talent to seamlessly shift focus between tasks with minimal challenge.
• A champion of change, capable of influencing team members and driving successful initiatives through effective leadership.
• Commitment to accomplishing goals through partnerships built on mutual trust, fairness, integrity, and honesty.
• Ability to understand and communicate effectively with diverse leaders and associates across various levels and functional areas.

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About Skill:

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.