Sourcing & Product Development Manager - Footwear (Maternity Cover) in London

We're a global brand made up of a very diverse mix of talented people in a huge variety of roles. Our products are designed in house and made by a small number of suppliers and artisans around the world to sustainable standards. We are a brand embarking on a very exciting plan and we are seeking new members of the team who want to contribute to this.

The role

We are currently recruiting for a Sourcing and Product Development Manager to join our footwear team. In this role you will be the main point of contact for all European and Far East footwear factories. You will be responsible for footwear products from a critical path, sourcing/development and price perspective. The person in this role is expected to oversee and ensure that the AllSaints footwear collection is developed and sourced inline with brand standard. You will work with production & buying to ensure that the critical path is accurate and allows on time delivery of product, at the best possible margin and to the highest quality. Experience in footwear is essential for this role, as well as the ability to understand the full product cycle and its role within a rapidly expanding business.

About the team

Working as part of the footwear team you will report into the Production and Sourcing Director and will have one direct report. You will be based at our East London Studios.

What you'll be doing (key responsibilities)

• Work closely with design departments and be responsible for timely SMS samples prior to market week.
• Attend the buy handover and once the buy has been handed over oversee the negotiation and placing of orders in line with the critical path ensuring that the weighted margin is achieved and that shipment dates in line with the critical path are agreed.
• Liaise with the technical department to ensure that they have visibility of what has been bought and assist in prioritising comments being issued.
• Liaise with all relevant departments to ensure that the AllSaints product is manufactured to the highest quality and in line with the critical path.
• As and when reasonable travel to meet suppliers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to understand requirements in line with strategic goals, and prioritise initiatives to deliver to the timelines required.
• Foster a culture of change management leading with the 'Why' and 'How' to enhance the 'What' we do.
• Constantly driving transparency and communication across all stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment.
• Be the key central supply chain link for both MW & WW for all stakeholders (retail, wholesale & digital).
• Ensure efficient and correct flow of information between the supply chain and the regional teams with regard to the availability of products and regional priorities.
• Work with supply stakeholders to ensure methods, techniques and processes are optimised to support strategic goals.
• Ensure strong relationship building with key vendor senior leadership teams.

What we're looking for (skills & qualifications)

• You will have proven management experience and will have strong leadership skills, with the ability to give clear direction, motivation and development for the product assistant.
• Have extensive experience of working across both genders on footwear.
• Proven experience of successfully managing & working to a critical path.
• Strong negotiation & influencing skills with experience of working with open costings.
• Full understanding of a critical path & the importance of adhering to deadlines set by the critical path.
• The ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines set.
• Extensive knowledge of Google platform, PIM, Excel, Word & Outlook.
• Excellent organisational skills in order to manage multiple projects, whilst delegating to team members.
• Excellent communication skills, effectively communicating business goals and targets to both the team and supply partners.

About the location

Based in our East London Studios in vibrant Shoreditch with perks and benefits offered from local businesses including discounts on food, shopping and health & beauty. Studio Location: Approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and a 5 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street.

What we stand for

• The Customer is the Boss: We work as one proud team to get the best for our customers.
• One Team: We are joined up and encourage others to share their ideas.
• We Do What We Say We Will: We know our goals, and we work with clear outcomes in mind.
• We Are Responsible: We are self aware, understand the impact we have on others and are positive about the future.

A generous wardrobe allowance so that you can wear our beautiful clothes to work each day. We are a disability committed certified employer. Employee discount for you to spend with family and friends. 25 days holiday increasing to 28 days after 2 years continuous service. Bank holidays, birthdays and volunteering days off. Access to dental cash plan & free virtual GP appointments through Aviva. UNUM employee assistance helpline. Life assurance cover. Access to discounted gym membership and corporate discounts. Hybrid working in our historic East London studios, working hours are 9-5.30pm. Free, confidential, wellbeing and lifestyle support with Retail Trust. Enhanced family leave benefits (neonatal, fertility, maternity, paternity, adoption, menopause). Health days for you to use either for physical or mental wellness. Dedicated mental health support from our mental health first aiders. Eye care vouchers, season ticket loans and much more!

#WeAreAllSaints Our aim is to develop truly diverse teams and create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to give of their best whilst contributing to the success of our brand. We recognise the importance and strength of diversity and commit to providing equal opportunities to everyone in our employment and recruitment processes. We safeguard against any form of discrimination irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or age. Even if you feel you don't tick all the boxes, we'd still very much like to hear from you. We want you to know that finding people who have a passion for our brand and are open to learning is incredibly important to us. If you need any support or adjustments during your application, please get in touch with us and we are happy to help.