Sourcing Manager, Footwear

Job description

**ABOUT QUINCE** Quince is a destination for builders, creators, innovators, and operators who want to come together and challenge the status quo. Our mission is simple: make really high quality essentials for really low prices, fairly and sustainably. We deliver on that mission through a unique manufacturer-to-consumer (M2C) model eliminating the layers of traditional retail that add cost and result in consumers paying more than they need to. We find, build relationships with, and work directly with the manufacturing partners behind some of the world’s finest products. From there, our teams design smart, efficient operational processes and build and deploy proprietary technology, AI, and analytics to help us scale fast. What began with a small assortment of elevated basics has quickly grown into a cross-category brand spanning apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. Today, tens of millions of people across a growing number of countries come – and return – to Quince because they trust us to deliver. **OUR CULTURE** Quince is a culture built for builders by builders. Our way of working starts with a blank sheet of paper. We question conventional thinking, use technology and data to uncover new opportunities, and move quickly to turn ideas into reality. We aren’t interested in replicating how others do retail. We’re building a better way – at a speed and scale unlike anything that’s been done before. - We dream big and chase the hard problems others shy away from. Rejecting long-held assumptions is part of our company's DNA. Where conventional wisdom says you have to choose – soft or durable, speed or rigor, quality or price – we ask why that trade-off has to exist in the first place. - Our pace is fast and the bar is high because our customers expect a lot from us and we refuse to let them down. We believe the best results come from challenging ourselves, learning from one another, and building on each other's strengths. - Here, responsibility is not determined by role, tenure, or seniority. Every team member - no matter their level - has the opportunity to drive our business and shape our trajectory. If you’re someone who likes to imagine new possibilities and build better systems rather than plug-in to outdated ones, Quince is the place for you. **THE ROLE- Sourcing Manager, Kids&Baby Shoes** **RESPONSIBILITIES:** ● Business need analytics & supplier identification: finds, vets, pitches, signs and onboards vendors, to secure the best quality, cost, speed, reliability and scalability ● Pitching and on-boarding vendor partners in speed. This should be done with clear criteria around the initial test period and ensuring their ability to scale, if the test period is successful. ● Supplier relationship management: sets up the vendor for success thru vendor onboarding trainings, performance management thru WBR and MBR, etc ● Drive excellence in partner operations for existing supplier relationships within current Quince categories, while expanding the supply base and improving Quince's product costs, quality, and commercial terms. ● Pricing and cost optimization: collaboratively works with merchants, procurement and vendor partners on achieving margin target ● Build for speed, scalability and flexibility: works with vendors and Quince functional teams to build speed (fast Replenishment) and scalability, thru material staging and capacity management, educating vendors to build muscles for analysing sales data, using planning and sales data to deliver optimum replenishment ● Compliance and responsible sourcing: ensures factories meet legal, ethical, and sustainability standards, including fair labour practices and certifications ● Risk management and contingency planning: counter sourcing, establish backup vendors or alternative sourcing strategies ● Act as an Ambassador to our partners in all interactions, building and deepening our relationships for continuous improvement **QUALIFICATIONS:** ● Experience: 10 year + sourcing and merchandising experience in K&B SHOES categories ● Self-Motivated: Proven ability as a self starter and quick independent learner adapting swiftly to new challenges ● Detail Oriented: Exceptional attention to details with a data driven approach to decision making and problem-solving. ● Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with a focus on execution, process improvement, and brand enhancement. ● Curiosity: Continuous learner with a proactive attitude, open to new perspectives and adaptable to changing circumstances. ● Supply Chain or Operations Background: Good track record in supply chain management or operations contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the retail landscape. ● Collaborative Nature: Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across teams, skilled in written and verbal communication and presentation. **WHY QUINCE?** Joining Quince means being part of a mission-driven team reshaping retail. You will work alongside talented colleagues, tackle meaningful challenges, and contribute to building a more sustainable, accessible future for customers and partners alike. **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & HIRING INTEGRITY** Quince provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applications for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Quince is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete your application or to perform the essential functions of a role at Quince, please let us know by completing [this accommodation form](https://forms.gle/DpJ11jHa1WbqfUWB9). We review all requests individually and will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Quince will conduct background checks in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. *Security Advisory: Beware of Frauds* At Quince, we're dedicated to recruiting top talent who share our drive for innovation. To safeguard candidates, Quince emphasizes legitimate recruitment practices. Initial communication is primarily via official Quince email addresses and LinkedIn; beware of deviations. Personal data and sensitive information will not be solicited during the application phase. Interviews are conducted via phone, in person, or through the approved platforms Google Meets or Zoom—never via messaging apps or other calling services. Offers are merit-based, communicated verbally, and followed up in writing. If personal information is requested to initiate the hiring process, rest assured it will be through secure and protected means.