Sourcing Manager

JOB SUMMARY

- Oversee unit that sources merchandise for either TJX United States and Canadian store chains or TK Maxx Europe. Evaluate performance of TJX staff to meet order requirements and monitor budget expenses. Interface with TJX management on strategic and buying decisions and customer trends. Direct market research activities and monitor TJX staff visits at trade fairs and exhibitions for market sector. Review manufacturer and factory performance on orders and set standards for productivity and quality.



- Work closely with US global sourcing and buying team on strategic initiatives regarding customer needs, brands and company marketing efforts. Ensure TJX's inspection programs and company compliance guidelines are followed with regard to sourcing and buying.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Oversee and direct the activities of designated sourcing unit and communicate the overall sourcing and buying strategy for products and merchandise. Organize daily meetings with TJX staff to coordinate timetables and schedules. Review TJX staff reports on status of trips with buyers, visits to trade or TJX client needs. Reset priorities as required to meet business needs. Conduct performance reviews through ongoing feedback and documentation of TJX staff.



- Constant interaction with TJX management on business objectives, sales trends on Vietnam and other country merchandise category expansion plans. Oversee market conditions that impact sourcing and buying requirements. Conduct top- level negotiations on best price for merchandise in conjunction with TJX buyers. Coordinate sourcing opportunities with other sourcing managers to optimize resources and create synergies in the business.



- Identify and drive implementation of continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers in support of business goals- innovate cost savings, lead-time reduction, increased inventory turns, improved processes.



- Approve proposals of sourcing TJX staff to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions. Optimize resources for these trips and coordinate buyer participation at shows and manufacturer or factory visits. Analyze productivity of shows and subsequent orders. Participate in new vendor or manufacturing site visits as required.



- Research and travel to meet agents, factories and vendors in the international markets to build relationships, review production capabilities and identify potential opportunities. Ensure factories are capable of producing brand merchandise that meet TJX requirements and are socially compliant. Guide buyer's activity.



- Distribute company guidelines on TJX's standards and requirements for social compliance. Educate TJX staff on work processes. Make recommendations on ways to improve TJX company guidelines and provide interpretation to TJX staff on any changes.



JOB IMPACT

- Overall responsibility for sourcing unit of 8-15 TJX employees (or service workers) handling multiple product lines of merchandise. (Future plan to build)



- Work in a team environment with US and Vietnam based merchants, product teams and logistics management. Monitor outside vendors, agents, manufacturers and factories.



DECISION MAKING

- Decisions involve coordination with TJX executives and managers on long term company strategy for sourcing brands and price negotiations with suppliers, vendors or agents. Evaluate sourcing and buying opportunities in other countries and make recommendations to management. Evaluate vendor performance and solve problems which could negatively impact order fulfillment or shipment of goods.



- Approve selection of new vendors or manufacturers. Partner with U.S. teams in decision making on processes and procedures in merchandising, sourcing, buying and logistics areas. Recommend potential candidates to hire or promote. Evaluate staff performance.