Merchant Director (Handbag)
FUNCTION:
Responsible for strategic leadership in overseeing the development of all new products, and materials, including vendor relations management and selection, negotiations, while meeting standards for social compliance, quality and delivery and guiding the Merchandising team to adhere to Seasonal Calendar due dates. Main liaison to U.S. headquarters for strategic initiatives in Sourcing, Design & Product Development, and Purchasing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (Note: Other duties may be assigned)
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Responsible for strategic leadership in overseeing the development of all new products, and materials, including vendor relations management and selection, negotiations, while meeting standards for social compliance, quality and delivery and guiding the Merchandising team to adhere to Seasonal Calendar due dates. Main liaison to U.S. headquarters for strategic initiatives in Sourcing, Design & Product Development, and Purchasing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (Note: Other duties may be assigned)
- Analyze vendor profile data and manufacturing trends in order to give sourcing recommendations, identify alternatives, assess associated risk, and conduct scenario analysis.
- Establish a supply chain that best supports offshore sourcing strategy and business requirements.
- Strategize and assign global sourcing efforts to achieve sourcing objectives.
- Provide leadership and vision to all Merchandisers
- Develop and administer processes, procedures, and standards for all Merchandiser functions.
- Supply manufacturing trend reports in China and other Asian countries in product categories.
- Direct Senior Product and Senior Material Merchandisers in strategic sourcing initiatives and in product development of new finished goods and raw materials/components
- Provide support to Merchandisers on key decisions and troubleshooting throughout the Product Development cycle.
- Optimize supplier capabilities to address business requirements.
- Accountable for on time delivery of purchase orders in established quality standard
- Work to establish and maintain relationships with potential new and existing Vera Bradley partners
- Ensure ongoing support of all strategic initiatives.
- Create annual department budgets in alignment with US expectation; meet and track budget accordingly
- Identify, lead and participate in continuous improvement projects.
- Attend textile and sourcing shows domestically and internationally.
- Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
- Assume additional responsibilities and performs special projects as needed or instructed
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- 20+ years experience in leadership, sourcing, development, manufacturing, and quality for fashion consumer goods exported to the North American market;
- Working experience to lead a team and skill to communicate the company vision
- Strong problem solving skills
- Working knowledge of legal contracts, i.e. Terms and Conditions of Purchasing, Incoterms, Vendor Manual, and other contracts
- Strong, effective, and proven negotiating skills with strong decision making ability.
- Know and understand the manufacturing landscape in the fashion consumer goods industry
- Working knowledge of local and global social and business culture.
- Knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing landscape in the fashion consumer goods industry in mid- and low-cost regions and understanding of quality standards in these regions
- Understanding of basic technical aspects for items and products to be sourced
- Strong fashion sense and the ability to interpret trends and translate 2D sketches into 3D samples
- High level ability to creatively solve problems
- Ability to understand and interpret Design direction and articulate ideas to multi cultural team
- High level of flexibility and the ability to change priorities as directed by cross-functional US teams
- Knowledge of Vera Bradley products/brand preferred
- Ability to anticipate potential issues at an early stage of product development
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in Mandarin and English, Cantonese preferred
- Cross-cultural sensitivity
- Must be able to synthesize and structure results for oral and written presentations