Head of Sourcing - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

The role of the Head of Sourcing is integral to the Responsible Sourcing Leadership team and instrumental in the development and successful implementation of the ASOS back to fashion strategy. This role works collaboratively with the wider Responsible Sourcing, Buying, Merchandising and Technical Leadership teams to manage the lifecycle of ASOS supplier/factories, from onboarding to ongoing management of supplier relationships and the delivery of a fit for future and strategic supply base. Working collaboratively with the other senior team members to successfully implement our preferred supplier strategy, leading the team to drive data integrity and strategic decision making critical to the delivery of a fit for future supply base capable of meeting ASOS's business needs.,

• Operating as a senior manager within the Ethical, Sustainable and Fabric teams to deliver our objectives, driving strategic business change and global growth


• To be accountable for developing & maintaining a fit for future supply base which deliveries the right product at the right time with enhanced profitability and speed


• Ensure the business fully understands the scope and capability of the current base, maximising the full potential and efficiently filling any gaps


• In collaboration with key internal stakeholders build fit for future supplier strategy, developing short, medium- and long-term objectives (commercial, technical and ethical)


• Management of supplier's capacity and production plans for on time delivery


• Responsibility for onboarding process, ensuring all proposed suppliers meet the needs of the business


• Management and mitigation of supply base risk for short and long lead sourcing enabling agility and profitability


• Management of the supplier scorecard and setting supplier KPIs (key performance indicators) while also undertaking regular supplier reviews and taking appropriate action where necessary


• Supplier introduction, onboarding, development, and ongoing relationship management


• Improving buying and merchandising intelligence including training around open costings


• Collaboration with suppliers on cross-costing initiatives and improving visibility of the fully vertical process


• Responsible for supplier comms to the wider business that cover global macro changes


• Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams and external suppliers to drive speed through evolution


• Shaping and driving fast and agile processes and ways of working for departments


• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team


• Working closely with Commercial to develop a sound supply base, striving for consistent best practice partnerships


• Leading and driving business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change


• Attending Sourcing Fairs/ Trade Fairs and providing feedback to be given to the wider business


• Contributing ideas and feedback to support the continuous development of the team


• Leading and building a dedicated team with a focus on growing future talent


• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working


• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feed-back


• Supporting our culture by championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategies
  
  Proven work experience as Sourcing Manager, Buying Manager or Head of Sourcing


• The ability to work cross-functionally with other areas of Commercial, including Buying, Merchandising, Fabric, Ethical and Sustainable teams


• Knowledge of international suppliers, supplier set up and onboarding processes


• Demonstrable analytical skills, process mindset, critical thinking and a command of the details


• Strong leadership skills and capacity to inspire people, experience of managing and developing a team


• Solid communication skills to provide clear direction both visually and verbally to individuals at all levels of the company


• Extremely well organised, proven ability to work in a fluid, fast-paced environment


• Demonstrates the ability to drive the success through strategic, creative and commercial thinking


• Has expert negotiation and influencing skills, can successfully gain buy in from the team and leaders to potentialize opportunities


• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team


• Uses relevant market insights and sales data to inform decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business


• Shows strong awareness of current sourcing trends, market conditions and opportunities within a Global context


• Has an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development


• Has strong systems skills including MS Office


• Flexibility to travel, as required
  
  We're ASOS, the online retailer for fashion lovers all around the world.


We exist to give our customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgement, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

But how are we showing up? We're proud members of Inclusive Companies, are Disability Confident Committed and have signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and we placed 8th in the Inclusive Top 50 Companies Employer list.

Everyone needs some help showing up as their best self. Let our Talent team know if you need any adjustments throughout the process in whatever way works best for you.


• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)


• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)


• Employee sample sales


• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials


• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment


• Discretionary bonus scheme


• Private medical care scheme


• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits


Why take our word for it? Search #InsideASOS on our socials to see what life at ASOS is like.

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