Head of Sourcing Strategy

Role Mission

This position focuses on bridging global sourcing with product development, establishing sourcing as a strategic enabler from the outset. Through fostering robust partnerships across Innovation, Creation, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sustainability teams, you will drive a learning culture that enhances quality and on-time delivery. Your success will rely on delivering a sourcing roadmap that allows for the flawless execution of our product portfolio, balancing cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

Team Overview

You will join the Product Organization, the innovative engine responsible for designing, developing, and sourcing cutting-edge products.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Alignment: Foster collaboration between the sourcing organization, primarily based in Vietnam, and the wider product organization located in Switzerland.
• Integrate Sourcing Considerations: Ensure that sourcing requirements are strategically embedded into the product roadmap so that all projects are fully ‘sourcing ready’ by the product freeze.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as a strategic partner across cross-functional teams, including Innovation, Creation, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sustainability.
• Learning Culture: Embed a ‘learning culture & process’ within the product development cycle to enhance quality and timely deliveries structurally.
• Portfolio Execution: Develop a sourcing roadmap that supports the flawless execution of the product portfolio, while balancing cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

Candidate Profile

• 8+ years of substantial experience in strategic footwear sourcing and production operations; experience in apparel and accessories is beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of the product development lifecycle, emphasizing integration points for sourcing, along with experience in upstream product strategy, innovation, product creation, and quality management.
• Ability to connect the dots across functions, navigating ambiguity and adapting to shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to manage a portfolio of cross-functional projects effectively.
• Proven strategic thinking and execution capabilities, with a track record of translating objectives into actionable plans within complex organizational structures.
• Experience in working within a global organization, effectively promoting collaboration between geographically dispersed teams, particularly between Europe and Asia.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse internal stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with experience in implementing methodologies that foster a learning-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex trade-offs (cost, quality, delivery) and develop effective solutions; proficient in synthesizing and simplifying complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to various audiences, engaging and influencing senior leaders.