Sourcing / Production Lead - Factory Sourcing
Location : North London ( Office based )
Salary to £60,000 ( DOE ) + benefits
Our client is a global fashion manufacturing business supplying leading high street and online retailers, and they're looking for an experienced Sourcing Lead to join their UK office in North London. This is a hands-on role at the heart of the business, focused on finding and developing the right factories to bring product to life, on time, on cost and to the right standard.
The role
You’ll own the factory sourcing process from start to finish ( Turkey / Morocco / China ) matching each product and customer brief to the factory best placed to produce it. Working closely with the design, technical, merchandising and account teams, you’ll make sure the business has the capability and capacity it needs to grow, while protecting quality, margin and ethical standards.
Key responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate and onboard new factories, assessing capability, capacity, quality standards and cost competitiveness
- Place product with the right factory based on category, construction, volume and lead time requirements
- Negotiate CMT and FOB prices, minimum order quantities and terms to hit target costs and protect margin
- Build and maintain strong relationships with an existing factory base across key sourcing regions
- Work with the technical and QA teams to make sure factories can meet fit, quality and specification requirements
- Monitor factory performance on delivery, quality and responsiveness, and address issues quickly
- Make sure all factories meet ethical and compliance standards, including social audits (SMETA/Sedex, BSCI) and customer-specific requirements
- Support sustainability and traceability initiatives, including certified product (GOTS, OCS, GRS) where required
- Track critical paths with merchandising and step in when production is at risk
- Contribute to the wider sourcing strategy, including new regions, near-shoring opportunities and reducing supply chain risk
- Travel to factories and trade shows as required
About you ( experience must haves )
- Recent and proven experience in a sourcing role within a fashion clothing supplier or clothing manufacturer .
- A strong understanding of garment construction and which factories suit which product types
- An established network of factory contacts in one or more key regions (for example Turkey, Portugal, Morocco, China, Bangladesh, India or the UK)
- Confident negotiator with a strong commercial and costing mindset
- Good working knowledge of ethical compliance and audit standards
- Organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple suppliers and deadlines at once
- Happy to travel internationally
- Commutable to London and eligible to work in the UK
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Sourcing / Production Lead - Fashion employer: Recruit So Simple Ltd
Join a vibrant and innovative fashion business in the heart of London, where creativity meets collaboration. As a Boyswear Designer, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that values your input and fosters professional growth through diverse projects and cross-functional teamwork. With competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry while enjoying the perks of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing / Production Lead - Fashion
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Recruit So Simple Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Recruit So Simple Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit So Simple Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Recruit So Simple Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Recruit So Simple Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
