Job
Description
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** - 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 Competencies** - 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 **Stakeholder Management** - Internal: Design, Merchandising, Finance, Senior Leadership - External: Vendors, Mills, Suppliers, Strategic Partners **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,
