Sourcing Developer, Apparel

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

We are looking for a skilled Sourcing Developer with a sound understanding of vendor management and product development in the apparel industry. In this role, you will be responsible for strategically allocating styles to vendors, managing the end-to-end product development process, and leading initiatives aimed at process improvement and meeting various business requirements. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about vendor capabilities and product intricacies, coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive successful outcomes.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL ENTAIL: (but not confined to)

• Product Development Process: Demonstrate expertise in the end-to-end product development process, including calendar building, vendor management, and product replenishment, while maintaining a sound understanding of vendor capabilities
• Calendar Management: Ensure strict adherence to the brand development calendar, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, and collaborating with your manager to derive solutions
• Vendor Collaboration: Partner with vendors to ensure consistent product excellence, as well as timely and seamless sample execution, issue resolution
• Strategic Execution: Work closely with your manager to understand brand product development strategies, executing operational and project activities independently, and coordinating with internal cross-functional teams and vendors
• Work Plan Implementation: Effectively implement work plans, regularly monitoring progress, and working with your manager to prioritize actions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Data Analysis: Analyse internal and vendor performance data to provide actionable insights, supporting continuous improvement, optimizing vendor capabilities, and driving overall process excellence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Planning, Global Materials Supply, Logistics, Technical Design, Quality teams to achieve brand goals and objectives
• Communication: Confidently express your views with supporting data, proactively communicate with stakeholders when development concerns arise, and provide solutions to maintain set calendar dates
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in company-wide initiatives to promote VF and improve supply chain systems and processes within the VF Asia Product Supply framework

PREREQUISITES

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum 2 years of experience in sourcing. Prior experience in the Apparel industry is highly preferred while Footwear and / or Equipment industry can be considered.
• Excellent command of English
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is mandatory. Familiarity with Airtable Smartsheet, Power BI, Tableau is a bonus.
• Platforms: Familiarity with digital platforms for product development, in particular FlexPLM is highly advantageous.
• Proven experience in the product development of knitted and woven apparel, vendor management, and sourcing activities within the apparel industry
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
• Proactive problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement
• Strong learning agility, receptive to changes and adapt, as well as maintain effectiveness in a rapidly changing environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Ability to travel
• Passionate about product and possess a curious, inquisitive and open mindset to learn