Associate Global Sourcing Manager [212509]

Skill · San diego, United States

Aquent is seeking a visionary professional to partner with a leading health and wellness company, a true pioneer dedicated to elevating the lives of pets, pet parents, and communities. This organization operates an expansive network of pet care centers, hospitals, and clinics, all united by a powerful mission: to forge a healthier, brighter future for all. They cultivate a dynamic culture where authenticity, wellbeing, and collaborative excellence are celebrated.

Are you driven by the opportunity to make a profound impact on the quality of products that reach pet parents and their beloved companions? This is your chance to step into a pivotal global sourcing role, where your strategic vision and expertise will directly influence product innovation, supply chain efficiency, and cost optimization. You will be at the forefront of identifying cutting-edge opportunities, negotiating favorable terms, and upholding the highest quality standards. Your contributions will directly advance the company’s mission to improve lives through responsible and innovative sourcing practices.

What You’ll Do

• Champion the development, refinement, implementation, and strategic management of global sourcing initiatives across assigned categories.
• Lead new product development projects from initial concept through to successful market delivery within designated categories.
• Proactively identify, rigorously assess, and onboard high-quality suppliers to strategically enhance and expand the global network.
• Perform in-depth analysis of bids and diverse data sets to formulate and present actionable sourcing recommendations that create significant value.
• Conduct and actively participate in critical negotiations with suppliers to secure optimal terms and cultivate strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams to maximize sourcing effectiveness and achieve collective objectives.
• Research and analyze manufacturer capabilities, including detailed cost structures, production capacity, and delivery history, ensuring all products consistently meet stringent brand specifications and quality standards.
• Continuously seek out and pinpoint opportunities for cost optimization and margin enhancement throughout the entire supply chain lifecycle.
• Identify and clearly articulate potential issues to relevant stakeholders, driving them towards swift and effective resolution.
• Manage ongoing vendor performance through meticulous tracking of key metrics such as service levels, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor market trends in cost and availability of critical factors (e.g., raw materials, packaging, labor) and recommend strategic courses of action.
• Maintain exceptional professional verbal and written communication with all contacts, consistently prioritizing the company’s best interests.
• Expertly prioritize and manage multiple complex tasks concurrently, consistently meeting established deadlines with precision.
• Travel as needed to engage directly with vendors, manufacturers, and attend influential industry trade shows.
• Leverage strong data analysis skills to determine and execute appropriate data-driven courses of action.

What You’ll Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, complemented by a minimum of 2-3 years of progressive experience in global sourcing.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing processes, quality control, and a robust understanding of national chain or specialty chain retail environments.
• Proven working knowledge of import/export marketing and manufacturing relationships, including comprehensive quality control/testing processes, programs, and logistics.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to build trust and foster strong, collaborative partnerships across diverse groups.
• Adept at partnering and negotiating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including vendors, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.
• Strong business acumen and advanced analytical skills, enabling the dissection of complex data to make informed and strategic decisions.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including mastery of MS Office Suite, and the aptitude to quickly learn and effectively utilize internal applications.
• A proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities concurrently, with the talent to seamlessly shift focus between tasks with minimal challenge.
• A champion of change, capable of influencing team members and driving successful initiatives through effective leadership.
• Commitment to accomplishing goals through partnerships built on mutual trust, fairness, integrity, and honesty.
• Ability to understand and communicate effectively with diverse leaders and associates across various levels and functional areas.

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