Sourcing Manager, Lighting (CN/SEA)

THE ROLE

Sourcing Manager, Lighting

We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Sourcing Manager to build and lead our Lighting Category. This person will be tasked with identifying and onboarding new vendor partners from scratch. The role will focus primarily on Lighting category with potential expansion into other categories.

This is a rare opportunity to own and build a sourcing operation in a high-impact category. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of category manufacturing, strong vendor relationships (or the ability to cultivate them), and the operational rigor to scale new supply chains that deliver on cost, quality, and lead time.

Responsibilities:

Business Need Analytics & Supplier Identification: Finds, vets, pitches, signs, and onboards premium consumer product manufacturers specializing in portable lighting and table lamps to secure the best quality, cost, speed, reliability, and scalability.

Rapid Vendor Onboarding: Pitches and onboards consumer lighting factories quickly. This must be done with clear criteria around initial testing for cosmetic finishes, structural safety, electronics compliance, and their ability to scale mass production if the test period is successful.

Supplier Relationship Management: Sets up vendors for success through structured onboarding training and rigorous performance management using Weekly Business Reviews (WBR) and Monthly Business Reviews (MBR).

Drive Operational Excellence: Drives excellence in partner operations for existing portable lighting suppliers while expanding the global vendor base and continuously improving product costs, component quality, and commercial terms.

Pricing & Cost Optimization: Collaboratively works with merchants, procurement, and vendor partners on granular cost-breakdown analysis (focusing on shade materials, ceramic/metal bases, cord sets, and switch components) to achieve target margins.

Build for Speed, Scalability & Flexibility: Partners with factories and internal functional teams to build rapid replenishment models and scalability through raw material and component staging (e.g., fabric for shades, sockets, switches, raw bases) and factory capacity reservation.

Data-Driven Planning: Educates manufacturing partners to analyze sales data and utilize planning projections to deliver optimal, demand-driven replenishment.

Compliance and responsible sourcing: ensures factories meet legal, ethical, and sustainability standards, including fair labour practices and certifications.

Risk Management & Contingency Planning: Protects the supply chain through counter-sourcing raw materials, establishing backup factories, and designing alternative regional sourcing strategies to mitigate material and logistics disruptions.

Brand Ambassadorship: Acts as an Ambassador to partners in all interactions, building and deepening strategic relationships to drive continuous product finishing and operational improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: 10+ years of strategic global sourcing and merchandising experience specifically within portable lighting, table lamps, task lamps, and accent lighting categories.

Technical Category Knowledge: Deep understanding of consumer-facing lamp assembly, including shade manufacturing (fabric, glass, metal), diverse base materials (ceramics, marble, wood, metals), inline switches, and dimming technologies.

Self-Motivated: Proven ability as a self-starter and quick independent learner, adapting swiftly to changing design trends, finish specifications, and global manufacturing landscapes.

Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail with a data-driven approach to production decision-making, aesthetic quality assurance, and mechanical problem-solving.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with a sharp focus on execution, manufacturing process improvement, and premium product enhancement.

Curiosity: Continuous learner with a proactive attitude, open to new design innovations in consumer portable hardware and adaptable to shifting supply market circumstances.

Supply Chain & Operations Background: Stellar track record in consumer goods supply chain management, material logistics, or factory operations, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the e-commerce/retail landscape.

Collaborative Nature: Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering deep collaboration across cross-functional design, merchandising, and commercial teams. Highly skilled in written and verbal communication and executive presentations.