At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge design and supply, assess product quality, and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join AYBL, a top women's activewear brand empowering women through fitness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with limitless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing brand and make a real impact in the activewear industry.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in sourcing or supply chain, strong commercial acumen, and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Ranked #1 fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 2022, AYBL has quickly become one of the most iconic women’s activewear brands worldwide. We are a passionate, innovative and ambitious brand on a mission to empower women through the power of fitness. Based in the UK, we are dedicated to providing premium, yet affordable activewear that encompasses our ‘Together we thrive’ ethos. We’re constantly on the lookout for new people who are equally ambitious, share our core values and consider themselves the best in their field. If this sounds like you and you’ve got what it takes to help push AYBL to the next level, this could be the place for you. The opportunities right now are limitless. We are looking to hire genuine people who demonstrate authenticity and a unique way of thinking. As we grow, you’ll grow too.
Main purpose of the role: The Senior Sourcing Executive acts as the commercial and product intelligence bridge between the design team and the supply base. This role requires a candidate with strong commercial acumen and the ability to assess product, quality and value — translating the design team’s creative vision into commercially viable, technically sound sourcing decisions ensuring alignment with the company’s sourcing strategy.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Commercial Product & Quality Assessment
- Assess product samples with a commercial eye — identifying what constitutes high-quality, cost-effective production versus poor value or quality risk.
- Evaluate supplier product capabilities and allocate suppliers based on design team briefs, balancing quality, lead time, MOQ, supplier capacity and price competitiveness whilst aligning this with the company’s sourcing strategy.
- Work closely with the Design team to translate creative briefs into technical sourcing requirements, identifying appropriate manufacturing partners for each product type or collection.
- Supplier Sourcing & Development
- Identify and develop new suppliers across activewear and associated categories, covering both AYBL and Because of Alice Brands.
- Evaluate supplier credentials, factory capabilities, certifications, pricing, and capacity to assess suitability for short- and long-term partnerships.
- Manage the end-to-end supplier onboarding process including sample approvals, documentation, compliance checks, and initial orders.
- Conduct supplier due diligence and risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities in the supply base and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Research global and local sourcing markets to identify emerging suppliers and manufacturing innovations relevant to the activewear industry.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for an allocated portfolio of strategic and development suppliers, maintaining strong, professional relationships.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs including cost, quality, on-time delivery, and compliance, escalating issues to the Sourcing Manager where required.
- Lead corrective action processes with underperforming suppliers, driving resolution and continuous improvement.
Person Specification
- Essential
- 3–5+ years of experience in sourcing, buying, or supply chain management within fashion, activewear, or a related consumer goods sector.
- Strong commercial product knowledge — the ability to assess quality, construction, and value across garments and accessories.
- Demonstrable experience working with manufacturers and understanding of production processes.
- Experience translating design briefs into actionable sourcing requirements.
- Confident negotiator with the ability to secure favourable commercial terms.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret cost and market data.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Desirable
- Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Fashion Buying, or a related field.
- Familiarity with compliance standards and ethical sourcing frameworks (e.g. BSCI, GOTS, OEKO-TEX).
- Experience working across international supply chains, particularly in Asia.
- Previous experience in a sourcing role at executive level.
Senior Sourcing Executive in Redditch employer: AYBL
AYBL is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture, perfect for those passionate about sports and activewear. With ample growth opportunities, 25 days of holiday, and a discretionary yearly bonus, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive environment dedicated to innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sourcing Executive in Redditch
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at AYBL, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Senior Sourcing Executive.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sourcing Executive in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at AYBL. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research AYBL and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AYBL
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at AYBL.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by AYBL
Look into any unique supply chain challenges AYBL might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
