Foreign Based Homeware Sourcing Specialist at Mr Price Group

Your Purpose

• We are looking for an enthusiastic foreign based homeware Sourcing Specialist based in China who will support the sourcing and merchant strategy by travelling regularly to secure opportunistic and value-engineered buys across three of the Group’s divisions - Mr Price Home, Sheet Street and Yuppiechef business.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Build a high performance, value-driven network of factories and suppliers in order to be first-contact for all over-runs, cancelled stock and raw material opportunities which must be within the specified merchant parameters and in adherence to the Group’s Code of Conduct.

• Conduct in depth analysis and monitoring of key metrics & KPI's across the sourcing value chain in order to measure supplier performance and highlight potential risks or further opportunities to the business.
• Investigate ways in which to enhance business processes through; improving and flexing lead-time efficiencies (long, short, quick response), reducing costs and eliminating waste in the pipeline to maximise profitability.
• Assess QA metrics and develop continuous improvement plans with suppliers needing improvement.
• Participate and advise in developing, implementing and driving a short- and long-term sourcing and supplier specific strategies to support the business strategic objectives and merchandise direction, whilst ensuring that there is a responsible balance between sourcing channels, supplier performance, capacity and capability planning, as well as managing any potential risk to the business.
• Engage with key stakeholders on the Group's Sustainability and Supplier Compliance initiatives to monitor and ensure Divisional targets are met as set in the annual business strategy.
• Identify opportunities to increase usage of preferred (sustainable) fabrics, fibres and materials where the price architecture permits.
• Identify opportunities with the support of suppliers, supply chain and merchants to use more environmentally friendly product packaging to decrease the usage of single-use plastic.
• With this role operating internationally, the incumbent will also have a fair knowledge of contract law and customs regulation in order to understand challenges that come with logistical constraints and legal issues. You will be a proactive problem-solver who operates effectively and independently, even in areas of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Degree or Diploma in Procurement & Sourcing / Interior Design / Retail Management / Textile Management)
• At least 5 years sourcing or similar experience – preferential if homeware sourcing experience
• Credible references from retailers and/or recognised trading houses
• Knowledgeable on global sourcing trends, retail market insights and homeware products
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office
• The ability to travel internationally to various locations to source products.