Sourcing Director

Position Title:

Department:

Reports To:

Location:

Experience Required:

Role Overview

The Chief Sourcing Officer (CSO) will lead the company’s Sourcing & Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality functions across all product categories, driving innovation, best-in-class quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.

A strong technical understanding of fabrics is critical to this role. Success in this position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and a relentless focus on quality.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing of materials and category management strategies.
• Manage the complete product portfolio with cost transparency and optimization.
• Lead cost analysis and implement methods to reduce procurement, production, and manufacturing costs without compromising quality.
• Build and execute negotiation strategies to secure competitive deals and long-term vendor partnerships.
• Continuously optimize sourcing procedures for efficiency and performance improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, merchandising, and production teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Monitor and adapt to supplier dynamics and global sourcing trends.
• Conduct detailed cost, scenario, and risk analyses, including benchmarking and forecasting.
• Establish supply chain risk-mitigation strategies and business continuity plans.
• Identify, onboard, and nurture trustworthy, compliant, and innovative vendors and mills.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of raw materials and finished goods.
• Partner with design teams to introduce new fabrics, technologies, and innovations.
• Deliver on annual sourcing development goals, including onboarding new vendors/mills across key sourcing regions (e.g., Banaras, South India, new dyeing/printing units).

People & Team Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing sourcing team aligned with delivery, quality, and cost-efficiency targets.
• Define team roles, allocate responsibilities, and monitor performance.
• Foster a culture of motivation, transparency, and retention.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and goal setting within approved budgets.
• Act as a mentor and coach, developing the next generation of sourcing leaders.

Financial Ownership

• Own and manage sourcing budgets and all cost-saving initiatives.
• Approve sourcing expenditures within financial parameters.
• Track and report cost-saving outcomes and budget adherence.

Key Competencies

Behavioural

• Eye for Detail
• Great Planning and High Execution Capability
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
• High Focus on Quality
• Ownership
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
• Productivity Planning & Organizational Skills
• Relationship Building
• Leadership & Decision-Making
• Strategic Mindset

Technical

• Deep technical understanding of fabrics, mills & sourcing processes
• Commercial Acumen & Negotiation Skills
• Advanced Data Analytics & Procurement Costing
• Proficiency in Excel, Data Dashboards & SAP

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• 100% compliance with sourcing and delivery calendars
• On-time delivery of all committed goods
• Achieving cost savings vs. budget
• Quality and process compliance across all vendors
• Annual onboarding of new vendors and mills
• Strong vendor performance (timeliness, compliance, quality)
• Implementation of innovations in fabrics, processes, and sourcing techniques

Direct Team:

Stakeholder Management

• Internal:

  Design, Merchandising, Finance, Senior Leadership

• External:

  Vendors, Mills, Suppliers, Strategic Partners

Reporting to:

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering or a related technical field; MBA preferred
• 20+ years of experience in apparel/fashion sourcing with deep technical expertise in fabric
• Proven ability to drive cost efficiencies and supplier-led innovation
• Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management expertise
• Analytical, commercially astute, with a strong eye for detail and ownership
• Proven ability to influence, lead, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment