Sourcing Manager (Homeware)

We have an exciting opportunity for a creative & experienced, dynamic individual to join the leading Homeware supplier in South Africa. We are a customer centric company, working closely with our customers to ensure we deliver a great product that offers value in terms of quality, price and design.
You will be involved in all stages of the product life cycle from new product concepts, range extensions through to overseeing the production, packaging, delivery and store merchandising. You need to hit the ground running and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. You will thrive and develop if you have excellent attention to detail, a passion for the product and enjoy interfacing with customers.

Responsibilities:
• Product selection and presentation – you need to find the gaps
• Staying up to date with trends and processes within the Homeware Industry.
• Sourcing new factories to improve existing ranges as well as new products
• Management of critical path for multiple products from costings to through production and customer delivery
• Attending trade fairs and supplier visits in the Far East
• Negotiating with suppliers and customers
• Attending meetings with customers
• Working with designers and marketing to ensure great packaging
• Stock management and forecasting
• Store merchandising – you will be involved at all levels of merchandising

Skills and Experience:
• 5+ years’ experience in Product Development within the Homeware sector – supply or retail - essential
• Management experience required
• Far East factory and sourcing experience essential
• Ability to travel to Asia - must have travelled multiple times previously
• Fantastic organisational skills, highly analytical with strong excel skills
• Process and procedures driven and an adherence to deadlines.
• Project and people management skills, able to multitask at a high level
• Strong communication skills
• Comfortable with managing and communicating at an executive level
• A passion and energy for trends, the products and a fast-paced and innovative working environment
• Strong Business acumen

Minimum Requirements
• University degree / Tertiary education