Senior Manager, Sourcing - Apparel

Senior Manager, Sourcing

This position is responsible for the operation of a department. An individual in this position will be expected to perform additional job-related responsibilities and duties as assigned and / or necessary.

Essential Functions

An individual must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Develop complex sourcing strategies for assigned products by collaborating with cross-functional business partners (for example, merchants, planners) to understand product demand. Serves as a subject-matter and industry expert for multiple commodities and items sourced from an assigned country, both in- and out-of-season. Overseas assigned sourcing programs at the item level, including seasonal and in-country regions and growing areas. Influences internal and external business partners (for example, merchants) to bring product and packaging innovation to market. Aligns the sourcing strategy with merchants’ annual operating plan. Provides perishability and quality insights to guide merchandise flow and replenishment decisions. Incorporates company growth strategy into planning (for example growth in direct imports).

Creates complex vendor decision matrices by evaluating new and existing vendors based on performance metrics and long-term potential. Incorporates company strategies into alignment decisions. Negotiates with vendors to obtain products at lowest sustainable costs. Calculates and understands the cost impacts of a commodity / product’s initial mark up. Measures and tracks awarded cost against actual cost through the commitment tracker. Ensures cost keys are accurate. Inform planners and merchants of changes to conditions that will affect the cost of goods.

Develops strategic vendor relationships with multi-year contracts for business continuity. Identifies, develops, and maintains supplier relationships that meet company financial, ethical, and sustainability standards. Assesses and develops vendor production, distribution, and technological capabilities to ensure adequate supply. Conducts quarterly performance reviews with vendors. Manages and resolves vendor issues.

Drives the execution of multiple business plans and projects by identifying customer and operational needs; developing and communicating business plans and priorities; removing barriers and obstacles that impact performance; providing resources; identifying performance standards; measuring progress and adjusting performance; accordingly, developing contingency plans; and demonstrating adaptability and supporting continuous learning.

Provides supervision and development opportunities for associates by selecting and training; mentoring; assigning duties; building a team-based work environment; establishing performance expectations and conducting regular performance evaluations; providing recognition and rewards; coaching for success and improvement; and promoting a belonging mindset in workplace.

Promotes and supports company policies, procedures, mission, values, and standards of ethics and integrity by training and providing direction to others in their use and application; ensuring compliance with them; and utilizing and supporting the Open Door Policy.

Ensure business needs are being met by evaluating the ongoing effectiveness of current plans, programs, and initiatives; consulting with business partners, managers, co-workers, or other key stakeholders; soliciting, evaluating, and applying suggestions for improving efficiency and cost effectiveness; and participating in and supporting community outreach events.

Key Skills

The following key skills are required to perform one or more essential functions of this position.

Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management, Negotiation Strategies, Cost Management

Leadership Expectations

An individual must be proficient in each of the competencies listed below to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position

Respect the Individual : Demonstrates and encourages respect for all; builds a high-performing team; seeks, and embraces differences in people, cultures, ideas and experiences; creates a workplace where all associates feel seen, supported and connected through culture of belonging so associates thrive and perform; drives a positive associate and customer / member experience for all; identifies, attracts, and retains the best team members.

Respect the Individual : Creates discipline and focus around developing talent, through feedback, coaching, mentoring, and developmental opportunities; promotes an environment allowing everyone to bring their best selves to work; empowers associates and partners to act in the best interest of the customer / member and company; and regularly recognizes others’ contributions and accomplishments.

Respect the Individual : Builds strong and trusting relationships with team members and business partners; works collaboratively and cross-functionally to achieve objectives; and communicates and listens attentively, with energy and positivity to motivate, influence, and inspire commitment and action.

Act with Integrity : Maintains and promotes the highest standards of integrity, ethics and compliance; models the Walmart values and leads by example to foster our culture; supports Walmart’s goal of becoming a regenerative company by making a positive impact for associates, customers, and the world around us (e.g., creating a sense of belonging, eliminating waste, participating in local giving).

Act with Integrity : Follows the law, our code of conduct and company policies, and sets expectations for others to do the same; promotes an environment where associates feel comfortable sharing concerns and reinforces our culture of non-retaliation; listens to concerns raised by associates. takes action and encourages others to do the same; holds self and others accountable for achieving results in a way that is consistent with our values.

Act with Integrity : Acts as an altruistic servant leader and is consistently humble, self-aware, honest, and transparent.

Serve our Customers and Members : Delivers expected business results while putting the customer / member first and consistently applying an omni[1]merchant mindset and acts with an Every Day Low-Cost mindset to drive value and Every Day Low Prices for customers / members.

Serve our Customers and Members : Adopts a holistic perspective that considers data, analytics, customer / member insights, and different parts of the business when making plans and shaping the team’s strategy.

Strive for Excellence : Consistently raises the bar and seeks to improve; demonstrates curiosity and a growth mindset; seeks feedback, asks thoughtful questions, fosters an environment that supports learning, innovation, and learning from mistakes, and intelligent risk-taking; and exhibits resilience in the face of setbacks.

Strive for Excellence : Seeks and implements continuous improvements and encourages the team to leverage new digital tools and ways of working.

Physical Activities

The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position.

Reads information, often in small print.

Visually verifies information, often in small print.

Communicate effectively in person or by using telecommunications equipment.

Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or electronic device.

Enter and locate information on electronic devices.

Presents information to small or large groups and individuals.

Observes associate, customer, or supplier behavior.

Travel

Traveling is necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position.

Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or worksites during the workday.

Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or worksites requiring an overnight stay.

Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or worksites requiring consecutive overnight stays.

Travels internationally to and from multiple facilities or worksites requiring extended overnight stays.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, mathematics, engineering, or related area.

10-15 years’ experience in merchandising, sourcing, planning, or related area.

Outstanding communication & interpersonal skills

Influencing skills (remote teams included), able to lead projects & bring structure.

Strong analytical and data interpretation skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent relationship management and influencing skills

Strong competencies in :

Customer Centricity

Business Ownership & Solution Orientation

Leadership Enhancement & Collaborative Assertiveness

Innovation, Learning & Change Agility

Fashion Sourcing Expertise with a Know-how of cost structures & Macro negotiation levers

Strategic Orientation

Digital Mindset

Resilient in tough times building self & business capabilities.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Storytelling.

Ability to develop talent.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in business, supply chain management, engineering, or related areas.

6 years’ experience in procurement in a retail environment.