At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful sourcing strategies and collaborate with top retail brands.
- Company: Join a dynamic team transforming the retail sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive pay, and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in retail while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail sourcing and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel opportunities for an exciting work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Direct message the job poster from Blue Astral Consulting
Partner with Blue Astral and Non-Executive Director
SVP – Retail Sourcing
Location: Hybrid (client site, office, remote)
Travel: Required, frequency varies
Our Client is expanding their Retail Performance Improvement (PI) team and seeking experienced professionals who can deliver real impact in the retail sector. If you are a high performance consultant who began your career in Sourcing or Product Development in the Retail Sector, this is your chance to join a fast‑growing team helping clients transform during critical, high‑impact situations.
About the Role
The Retail PI team works across the retail industry to deliver meaningful business performance improvements in:
- Revenue growth
- Cost and profit improvement
- Cash management
- Digital enablement
- Organisational effectiveness
You’ll partner with healthy, under‑performing, and distressed companies to solve their most complex challenges—creating long‑lasting enterprise value.
What You’ll Do
We’re looking for individuals with deep sourcing expertise in apparel or grocery and the drive to implement change. Depending on your level of experience, you may:
- Lead or support overhauls of sourcing strategies for brands and retailers
- Conduct vendor negotiations with an analytics‑driven approach to profitability
- Build Excel‑based financial models to quantify sourcing and negotiation impacts
- Advise on product development, cost drivers, and go‑to‑market process trade‑offs
- Collaborate with design, product development, and buying teams to optimize calendars and delivery
- Contribute to broader performance improvement programmes, including:
- Category strategy and revenue growth initiatives
- Indirect procurement and SG&A cost reduction
- End‑to‑end supply chain transformation and footprint optimization
- Store network, operations, and omnichannel transformation
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive and relevant retail sector experience gained in both industry and a blue‑chip strategy consulting firm
- Proven leadership of sourcing departments or categories OR strong upward trajectory in consulting/industry with direct sourcing impact
- Significant experience in vendor negotiations and sourcing strategy development
- Strong financial literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills
- Track record of practical, results‑oriented delivery in high‑pressure environments
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence in engaging C‑suite stakeholders
- Passion for retail and participation in industry discussions and events
- Flexibility to travel (sometimes at short notice) and work outside standard hours when required
- Fluency in English (additional languages a plus)
Education
- Master’s degree and/or MBA (preferred in Business, Finance, or Engineering)
- Evidence of strong academic performance
Why Join Our Client?
- Hybrid work model supporting flexibility and work‑life integration
- A dynamic, inclusive culture built on authenticity, growth, and equity
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Our Client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Consulting, and Supply Chain
Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
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SVP Retail Sourcing employer: Blue Astral Consulting
Contact Detail:
Blue Astral Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SVP Retail Sourcing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their sourcing strategies and performance improvements.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in vendor negotiations and sourcing strategy development. Highlight your analytical skills and how they’ve led to real results in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SVP Retail Sourcing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the SVP Retail Sourcing role. Highlight your sourcing expertise and any relevant achievements in retail performance improvement to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for retail and how your background in sourcing can help us drive meaningful change for our clients.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves financial modelling and vendor negotiations, be sure to include examples of how you've used analytical skills to achieve results in past roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Astral Consulting
✨Know Your Sourcing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your apparel sourcing expertise. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they led to measurable improvements. This role is all about delivering impact, so having concrete examples will really help you stand out.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since the job involves building Excel-based financial models, be prepared to demonstrate your analytical prowess. You might even want to bring a sample model or two to showcase your skills. This will show that you can quantify sourcing impacts effectively.
✨Engage with Confidence
You’ll need to communicate with C-suite stakeholders, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information in a straightforward way. Role-playing with a friend can help you refine your delivery.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in retail and sourcing. Being able to discuss current events or innovations in the industry will demonstrate your passion for retail and your commitment to staying informed. It’s a great way to connect with your interviewers!