Sourcing Specialist - Mr Price Home

Job Description

• Our Sourcing function aims to ensure we procure product at the best price and quality, in a responsible fashion, from a sustainable source and that the product reaches our Distribution Centre on time and in full.
• Reporting to the Senior Sourcing Specialist, this role includes souring on-trend product and world-class solutions, exploring new global opportunities, with a strategic focus on sustainability, reducing waste, improving value, and supplier performance - to increase our competitive advantage in the homeware market.

Responsibilities

A typical day would look like the this:

• Sourcing exciting new products that fit the buyers trend briefs.
• Briefing suppliers and negotiating on product tenders to source best value.
• Investigating new countries of supply, including opportunity in local manufacturing.
• Researching the latest homeware trends and competitor analysis.
• Researching preferred fibers, materials, production processes and packaging solutions.
• Identifying areas of opportunity within our business to improve sourcing solutions and sustainability.
• Motivating, influencing and coordinating implementation plans with merchants and suppliers.
• Onboarding new suppliers with critical path support.
• Driving social compliance and business sustainability initiatives.
• Rationalizing and monitoring existing supply base. 

Qualifications

• A relevant design or retail-related qualification.
• Intermediate MS Office, specifically Excel.
• 2 years’ buying or sourcing experience - homeware an advantage.
• A passion for sustainability initiatives, preferred fibers, materials and packaging solutions.
• Knowledge of the homeware industry, competitors and product.
• Experience in supplier negotiation and understanding of costing models, commodities and currencies.
• International travel to factories or trade fairs - an advantage.
• Ability to coordinate, prioritize, manage critical paths and take ownership.
• Ability to pull reports, analyze data and make recommendations.
• Creative problem-solving skills and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written), with the ability to motivate ideas and influence.