Vice President, Global Sourcing and Quality Assurance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead a team that fosters a culture of protecting the Living Spaces brand through responsibly sourced quality merchandise

• Drive strategies in partnership with International Fair-Trade Product & Labor Standards to ensure compliance policies are met across all products and suppliers

• Develop relationships with service providers for factory and product assessment, testing, inspection, and data management

• Manage product testing schedules to meet product and program timelines

• Drive merchandise quality, sustainability and risk management initiatives with best-in-class suppliers that evolve with both the needs of the business and industry standards

• Negotiate complex contract terms with suppliers with an eye on cost, efficiency, quality, and service

• Deliver on margin goals by driving cost and product development initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional leaders

• Negotiate and oversee process for entering into sourcing-related business agreements (e.g., private brands contracts, confidentiality agreements, fill rate agreements with suppliers, etc.)

• Optimize global merchandise productivity and profitability by proactively mitigating cost drivers

• Lead supplier rationalization and increase leveraging of strategic suppliers across all factory direct relationships

• Drive sourcing strategies that evolve with shifts in trade policies and allow for flexibility through an on-going, active knowledge of a dynamic geo-political landscape

• Lead with a focus on flexible product development models that drive increased creativity and innovation from manufacturers

• Develop processes and operations that enable efficiency, scale and productivity

• Drive innovation of tools, in collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development and Manufacturing, and spearhead their implementation to enable the team to manage and mitigate risk, uncertainty and threats while

• ensuring supply chain continuity, cost control and quality assurance

• Lead team responsible for all aspects of supplier strategy, rationalization, placement, cost negotiation, product safety/quality and on-time deliveries for over 10K home furniture, bedding, and accessory products per year

• Drive and advocate for employee development, engagement, and diversity to advance a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and organizational vibrancy

• Mentor and inspire team with areas of focus that span multiple product categories and brands

• Attend industry trade shows to identify and report on new sourcing opportunities

• Drive sourcing strategies and solutions that support global distribution while balancing need for localization and speed-to-market

• Implement sourcing strategies that maximize value capture and minimize risk with a goal of year-over-year improvement across categories

• Keep pulse on industry trends to drive and evolve sourcing strategies

• Develop and drive clear and consistent strategies that align with the overall product vision

• Build and lead a highly skilled and effective team including proactively recruiting and retaining a diverse team of key talent

• Drive large scale initiatives that reshape business processes

• Proactively seek new opportunities, ideas, techniques, and materials to drive product innovation with both new and existing suppliers

• Foster positive communication within and across disciplines

• Leverage knowledge of the Company's products and services to manage the needs of diverse stakeholders and ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional partners and vendors

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B. S.) or equivalent from four-year college in Merchandising/Product Development/Design, Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field with an advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of significant, proven experience leading product sourcing teams on a global scale. In-depth working knowledge of import/export marketing and manufacturing relationships, including quality control/testing processes and programs and logistics. Deep knowledge of international labor and regulatory standards and other established supplier performance schemes. Successful experience working, and thriving, in a matrixed company structure. Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a U.S. passport for international travel.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in Microsoft platforms such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Working knowledge of Merchandising, Design and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.

Certificates and Licenses: Lean, Six-sigma or other TQM certificates preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Global Sourcing team has team members in three different countries managing more than 100 suppliers providing merchandise for Living Spaces stores, website, and manufacturing operations. Develop and execute the company's business strategies in order to attain the goals of the board and shareholders. Provide strategic advice so direct reports will have accurate view of the market and the company's future. Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate. Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated all the way from the top down in the company and that they are followed at all times. Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners, and authorities. Able to delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of direct reports providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance.

The hiring pay range provides a guide for what we would reasonably pay for the position. Pay will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to: applicant's education, relevant work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with geographic market data. Living Spaces reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Pay is determined by various factors including market demand, applicable skills, work experience and education, location, company budget, and in-demand skill sets.

Retail, Guest Services, and Distribution Center Team Members are eligible to receive team bonus based on meeting specific goals and KPI's.

Benefits Include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) (full and part time eligible)
• Vacation
• Sick Time
• Flex Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program

For more details, please visit our website at: Careers (livingspaces.com)

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person's race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.

E-Verify

Living Spaces participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired team members are queried through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify their identity and employment eligibility.

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