Director, Sourcing

Implus Footcare, LLC Implu is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 16 brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. Implus is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Airplus, Balega, DryGuy, Forcefield, Harbinger, Little Hotties, Perfect, RockTape, SKLZ, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Sof Sole, Spenco, Sport-Brella, TriggerPoint, and Yaktrax. From fitness accessories to training aids, insoles, socks, and shoe care, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 80 countries worldwide..

At Implus we believe in the power of diversity, equity & inclusion and are committed to creating an environment where all team members can thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking a Director of Sourcing who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director, Sourcing is a global function, accountable for all sourcing and vendor management activities for assigned product categories and for all Implus regions. The Director, Sourcing has responsibility for all vendor matrix and costing strategies and tasks, while leading direct reports and driving company product initiatives in coordination with cross-functional partners.

The Director, Sourcing will assist with the delivery of industry leading products, while unlocking improved product margins and ensuring all Sourcing procedures and processes are followed throughout the product development and production cycles. The Director, Sourcing role is a critical cross-functional member of a broader Category Team consisting of: Sourcing, Product Development, Product Line Management, and other internal groups. The Director, Sourcing role is accountable for developing vendor relationships, country of manufacture strategy, vendor matrix strategy and other Sourcing efforts to support assigned categories for Implus global business.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leadership, development, and guidance for direct reports
• Strategically partner w/ overseas factories to deliver exceptional and continuously improving margin opportunities—to include value engineering possibilities
• Recommendation of vendor matrix and assignment of Tech Packs to vendors—for all Implus regions, and in alignment with Product Development
• Plan/organize resources to achieve margin improvement goals and on-time delivery of finished goods
• Serve as the primary vendor liaison and contact for assigned categories
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of clear communication channels (written and verbal) with all external development and inspection staff to ensure clear understanding of product quality and production requirements
• Lead and maintain connections to Implus category teams to facilitate continuous product improvement on margins, vendor innovation, quality, vendor performance, direct report performance and value engineering of products
• Confirm final costing and PO placement of assigned category developments prior to production
• Oversee production in coordination with QC team in Asia through work-in-progress meetings and other means
• Identify and develop viable vendor matrix opportunities for product categories
• Maintain thorough communication with Product Development and Design Team(s) on all styles / packaging graphics
• Analyze and report on data from ERP system for VPs / teams as needed
• Ensure vendor and item data is accurate for cohesive flow through ERP system

Key Skills:

• Minimum 5 to 8 years work experience, preferably within fitness/footwear/footcare accessories, apparel and/or fitness product development; may consider operations management, production and/or commercialization functionality
• High intermediate demonstrated skill with Microsoft Excel regarding spreadsheet report generation and analysis; Photoshop capable; Intermediate level skill set with other Microsoft Office products and applications
• Proven experience in analyzing / presenting product design/development and cost benefit results.
• Significant experience managing global vendor base and supporting global commercial business

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Broad knowledge of fitness, footcare/footwear products, textile, designs, and trends.
• Experience with consumer package goods (CPG) vendors or prior apparel design/development experience.
• Cost/ratio analysis capability

Education and Certifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study

Minimum Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Visual Abilities: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, read reports, create presentations, and use a computer system.
• Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, vendors, and students.
• Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling: Write, type, and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.
• Mobility: Open files and operate office machines; move between departments and attend meetings.
• Talking: Frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Lifting, Pulling, Pushing: Exert up to 50 pounds for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Predictable attendance on site
• Using a standard computer keyboard and monitor
• 25 pounds. with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times.
• Work may require occasional travel
• Standard climate-controlled office setting or house setting

Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.