Senior Merchandiser Apparel Sourcing & Supplier Management

As a part of the team at Levi Strauss & Co., your role involves managing vendor relationships, developing sourcing strategies, supporting product development, ensuring compliance and sustainability, coordinating operations, conducting market research, and analyzing trends. Your responsibilities include: - **Vendor Management:** - Identify, evaluate, and onboard apparel suppliers and manufacturers. - Maintain and improve supplier performance in terms of cost, quality, lead time, and compliance. - Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers. - **Sourcing Strategy:** - Develop and implement sourcing strategies for a consistent supply of quality apparels. - Conduct cost analysis and negotiate prices with vendors. - Collaborate with design and merchandising teams for alignment with product development. - **Product Development Support:** - Collaborate with product development and technical teams to source fabrics, trims, and prototypes. - Manage the development timeline and ensure timely sample submissions from vendors. - **Compliance and Sustainability:** - Ensure all suppliers adhere to ethical sourcing standards and sustainability policies. - Perform factory audits and work with QA/Compliance teams to ensure certifications and standards are met. - **Operational Coordination:** - Monitor and manage purchase orders, shipment schedules, and inventory levels. - Troubleshoot supply issues to minimize delays and production disruptions. - Utilize ERP/sourcing platforms to track vendor performance and order status. - **Market Research & Analysis:** - Stay informed on global market trends, raw material price fluctuations, and emerging sourcing destinations. - Recommend opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement. Your qualifications should include: - Bachelors degree in Fashion, Textile Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field. - 10+ years of experience in apparel sourcing or supply chain management. - Strong understanding of garment manufacturing, textiles, and global sourcing practices. - Excellent negotiation and communication skills. - Experience with sourcing software/ERP systems (e.g., PLM, SAP, etc.). - Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed. - Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing best practices is a plus.,