Materials Sourcing Manager, Wool

The Role- Material Sourcing Manager, Wool

RESPONSIBILITIES:

●    Develop and execute a comprehensive Wool procurement strategy that optimizes cost, quality, and sustainability across all applicable products.

●    Build, maintain, and expand a global network of Wool suppliers, including tanneries, rawhide processors, and specialty Wool producers, to ensure reliable and competitive sourcing.

●    Partner with Product Development and Merchandising to build and maintain a central Wool materials library with a curated assortment of premium Wool optimized for high quality, product consistency, speed to market, and cross-category application.

●    Analyze and monitor the global Wool market, including price trends, supply-demand dynamics, sustainability regulations, and emerging risks, to inform procurement strategies and minimize price volatility.

●    Establish and maintain long-term partnerships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and driving value across the supply chain.

●    Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sourcing, product development, quality assurance, and merchandising to align material procurement strategies with product requirements and company objectives.

●    Identify and evaluate opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and process efficiencies across the Wool value chain.

●    Create and implement risk mitigation strategies, including multi-sourcing, forward purchasing, and compliance with responsible sourcing initiatives.

●    Lead supplier performance management efforts to ensure quality assurance, compliance with ethical labor standards, and adherence to environmental regulations.

●    Provide regular reporting on procurement performance, cost savings, and market conditions.

●    Establish, codify, and enforce Wool quality performance standards that ensure consistency across vendors, enable accurate teardown benchmarking, and tie material specifications directly to expected product performance, durability, and customer experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

●    Proven experience in materials procurement, supply chain management, or sourcing, with a specific focus on Wool or Wool-based materials.

●    Deep understanding of the Wool value chain, including rawhide sourcing, tanning processes, finishing techniques, and Wool grading, as well as quality variations and end-use applications.

●    Strong professional network and/or knowledge of major players in the Wool market, including tanneries and ethical Wool suppliers.

●    Expertise in analyzing and mitigating price volatility in the Wool market and managing commodity risk.

●    Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships across multiple geographies.

●    Demonstrated success in achieving cost reduction and process optimization goals.

●    Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including product development and sourcing.

●    Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.