Columbia Sportswear, Inc.:
Raw Materials Sourcing Lead Job in Burlington, VT

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.
At Columbia, were as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, were proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: Its perfect. Now make it better. As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Columbia Global Manufacturing brings product ideas to reality in order to connect active people with their passions. We cover everything from raw materials development, product development, fit engineering, quality, sourcing and then the Liaison Offices that manage the product manufacturing.

As the Raw Materials Sourcing Lead, you will lead the development and execution of a global raw materials sourcing strategy for Columbia Sportswear Apparel, Accessories and Equipment. You will collaborate with cross-functional and liaison office partners to understand the Companys direction and product line needs. You will grow the alignment with the finished goods strategy as well as optimize vendor resources and capabilities to provide quality, sustainable profitability and delivery.

HOW YOULL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Collaboratively build and maintain a Raw Materials Source Strategy that sets the direction for development teams in PDX and the LOs to execute seasonal and strategic commercialization. Ensure that the strategy manages risk, aligns with finished goods strategy and Brand strategies, and optimizes location and capability of raw material source base. Communicate the RM source strategy to cross-functional partners across the business
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of our suppliers capabilities and business plans. Utilize factory performance metrics of development, quality, delivery, cost, and compliance to guide the source selection process. Establish and manage vendor performance metrics and review to drive improved execution from the source-base
Be a leader for continuous process improvement for material sourcing. Participate on projects or issues that develop and impact material sourcing, costing, production flow, development and other related manufacturing area
In collaboration with Liaison Offices, develop new vendors to provide the capacity and/or product needed to support future brand needs
Find and work with strategic Tier3 (yarn suppliers) and Tier4 (dyes and chemical) vendors to realize long term RM cost competitiveness, quality assurance and enable cost-neutral sustainable design to core toolkit fabric and trims
Drive calendar alignment and awareness to ensure that key sourcing and cross functional deadlines are met
In close collaboration with Materials Costing Team track key material cost drivers and timely communicate relevant information, with product cost implications, to appropriate stakeholders across the business
Position requires travel internationally, approximately up to 25% of time. Role may require 50+ hours per week, usually with 8-10 hour days. Attendance at evening/weekend meetings may be required

YOU ARE A natural problem solver, anticipating and resolving complex issues through data analysis, quick thinking, and discretion
Organized and analytical
A people person, comfortable building relationships and collaborating with othersStrong interpersonal and political savvy skills
A strong influencer and have story building/telling skills
A motivator and can negotiate to achieve results

YOU HAVE 8+ years experience in apparel or other soft goods sourcing, development, merchandising, production, or a manufacturing environment
College degree in business, apparel/textiles, manufacturing, or related experience. Possess strong organizational skills
Must have a comprehensive knowledge of raw materials and garment manufacturing including, sourcing, costing and functional components
Experience developing and implementing strategies and finding/onboarding suppliers across the globe
Possess strong working knowledge of global trade agreements and regulations, standard manufacturing practices, and planning operations
International management experience and direct experience with Asian outsourced manufacturing preferred


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Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.


This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.


At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CSC believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.