Global Sourcing Specialist

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading national specialty retailer in the consumer products industry, renowned for its extensive private brand portfolio. This is an incredible opportunity to join a global sourcing team that has recently centralized its operations and is experiencing significant growth. You'll be stepping into a highly visible role where your contributions directly shape the success of dynamic product lines, making a tangible impact on the business from day one.

Are you a proactive and detail-oriented individual with a passion for cultivating strong vendor relationships and a keen eye for cost analysis? This role offers the chance to become an integral part of a thriving team, where your expertise will drive product development from concept to on-shelf delivery, ensuring profitability targets are met for an assigned private brand category. As an individual contributor, you will own critical aspects of the sourcing process, directly influencing the market presence and success of innovative products. This is an exciting opportunity to grow with a dynamic team, with genuine potential for conversion into a full-time position for the right candidate.

What You'll Do

• Take full ownership of supplier relationships within your assigned private brand category, acting as the primary point of contact and fostering strong partnerships that ensure consistent product flow and quality.
• Engage with both domestic and international vendors to meticulously manage pricing, track timelines, and monitor production status, ensuring seamless communication and on-time delivery of products.
• Master the art of negotiation, driving favorable costing agreements and conducting in-depth cost analysis to guarantee products meet profitability goals and market demands, directly impacting the bottom line.
• Guide new product development through its entire lifecycle, from initial concept and design phases to final production and successful market launch, bringing exciting new offerings to customers.
• Proactively monitor product availability to maintain optimal in-stock positions, preventing potential disruptions and ensuring consistent customer access to their favorite products.
• Act as a critical problem-solver, addressing and resolving issues that arise across your product categories with efficiency, strategic thinking, and innovative solutions, safeguarding product integrity and delivery.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including merchants, inventory teams, product development, and design to successfully bring innovative products to market, fostering a cohesive and efficient development process.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 2-3 years of proven experience in sourcing or procurement, encompassing both direct or indirect procurement.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating and negotiating with a diverse range of suppliers or vendors.
• Strong analytical skills, particularly in cost analysis, with the ability to articulate cost drivers and advocate for improved pricing.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, as it will be a primary tool for daily operations and analysis.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of tailoring your message to different audiences for maximum clarity and impact.
• Highly organized and adept at managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously without compromising quality.
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset, thriving in an evolving team environment where priorities can shift.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Prior experience working with international suppliers is a plus, though not strictly required.
• Backgrounds in merchandising, buying, or product development are welcome, providing valuable context to this role.

What to Expect

Given the global nature of our client's supplier network, some flexibility in your working hours may be required to accommodate occasional early morning or evening calls. The team is moving quickly to fill this vital role, and we are looking for someone who can start soon and immediately contribute to their exciting growth trajectory.

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.

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