Sourcing, Forecasting & Product Development Coordinator

TLF’s Sourcing & Product Development Specialist you will play a critical role in identifying, qualifying, and expanding TLF’s cut and sew, textile, and trim vendors, ensuring the efficient sourcing of materials and the accurate costing of products. You will be responsible for managing relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, and analyzing costs to maintain profitability. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with various teams within the company to ensure that sourcing and costing processes align with production timelines and quality standards. This role requires strong organizational, communication, negotiating skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

POSITION ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Including but not limited to the below):

Costing & Pricing Analysis:

• Analyze and compare costs of materials from different suppliers to determine the most cost-effective options.
• Develop and maintain costing templates and databases to accurately calculate product costs.
• Collaborate with the design and production teams to gather necessary information for costing analysis.
• Conduct regular cost reviews and recommend strategies to optimize product costs without compromising quality.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to calculate product costs and establish pricing strategies.
• Analyze cost breakdowns and identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality.
• Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to make informed pricing decisions and maintain competitiveness

Negotiation:

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure favorable agreements.
• Work closely with vendors to streamline processes and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor market trends and leverage negotiation strategies to achieve cost savings.

Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for fabrics, trims, and other materials required for product development.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster collaboration and drive innovation.
• Conduct regular supplier assessments and audits to ensure compliance with quality and ethical standards.

Product Development Coordination:

• Collaborate with design and merchandising teams to understand product requirements and develop sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate product sampling and prototyping activities with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Track and manage sample development timelines to ensure timely delivery and iteration as needed.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and external partners to address design revisions, technical specifications, and quality feedback.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish quality standards and specifications for materials and finished products.
• Conduct pre-production and post-production inspections to ensure compliance with quality requirements.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and industry standards related to product safety, labeling, and sustainability.

Supply Chain Coordination:

• Coordinate with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished products.
• Monitor production schedules and inventory levels to anticipate any potential supply chain disruptions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline supply chain processes and improve efficiency.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of sourcing activities, product specifications, and supplier agreements.
• Prepare regular reports on sourcing metrics, product development status, and supplier performance.
• Communicate insights and recommendations to management to support decision-making and strategic planning.

Forecasting and PLM Management

• Highly experienced in analyzing sell-through reports for sales forecasting on items to determine re-order points and quantities (in advance of running out of stock)
• Highly experienced in setting up and managing a PLM system to optimize purchasing, sourcing, product development, vendor relations and communication, technical packs, product spec, and trim requirements and updates that align with our designs and critical path calendar timelines.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 7 years equivalent experience in overseas sourcing /manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 7 years in production, merchandising, purchasing, pricing/costing, development, and/or knowledge of product creation and how processes and events interact from product concept to delivery (development, tech, lab, production/manufacturing, and materials)
• Minimum of 4 years in the apparel industry for vendor manufacturing approval and ISO compliance for sourcing, production, purchasing, pricing/costing, and development
• Experience establishing credible relationships with suppliers and employees with proven results
• Advanced Excel & Google Sheets skills required
• Extremely proficient in a PLM System
• Highly proficient in Asana (or similar project management app)
• Highly proficient in Netsuite ERP and Netsuite Warehouse Management Apps (or similar ERP and WMS apps)
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with a diverse group of people
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and multi-tasking skills and exceptional follow-through
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and changing demands
• Excellent negotiating skills and ability to resolve conflict
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate international teams
• Proven written and verbal English communication skills
• Comprehensive understanding of the apparel market segments and product lines
• Responsible for having an in-depth understanding of fabrics
• Clearly understands the development process and core supply chain strategies
• Understanding of apparel cost structures across multiple products. Able to use this knowledge to negotiate price across global suppliers to analyze cost, suggest methods to reduce cost and achieve all margin goals
• Knowledge of trade regulations, production cycle timeline, calendar management, fabric construction and manufacturing
• Ability to analyze information, make decisions, and recommend actions to drive business results
• Excels at time management and ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects
• Ability to react and embrace change
• Displays a positive attitude, high level of energy, and clear sense of urgency and direction