Principal Associate - Sourcing

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Brand Strategy & Product Alignment

● Internalize Brand DNA: Deeply understand the target consumer demographic, price architecture (margin limitations), and aesthetic expectations for the brand. ● Maintain Fit Consistency: Master the brand’s product categories and standardized Fit Blocks to ensure global fit integrity is delivered to the end consumer.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

● Lead the Design Handshake: Review design tech packs to ensure all technical information is comprehensive, accurate, and clearly translated for vendors and the COE (Center of Excellence). ● Stakeholder Alignment: Establish seamless communication channels across Sourcing, Design, Brand Management, and internal leadership. ● Facilitate COE Operations: Act as the liaison between the COE and vendors, ensuring accurate delivery of critical assets (size specs, reference samples, patterns, and markers). ● Weekly T&A (Time & Action) Reviews: Conduct weekly alignment meetings with stakeholders to review the Buy Plan and accurately forecast sample volumes for the upcoming weeks and months.

1. Technical Design & Sample Management

● PLM & Spec Management: Develop accurate size specifications for every style, upload them to the PLM system, and ensure vendors fully comprehend the technical requirements. ● Lead Sample Reviews: Facilitate cross-functional sample review sessions (Proto and Pre- Production/Gold Seal) alongside the Design team. ● Strict SLA Adherence: Consolidate design and technical comments, communicating them to vendors and updating the PLM system within a strict 48-hour window.

1. Calendar & Timeline Management

● Action Calendar Execution: Manage the product development timeline, mapping Proto requirements and size specs against the line assortment strategy. ● Buy Plan Management: Drive the Pre-Production (PP) / Gold Seal approval process, ensuring timelines are managed and resolved within a 3-day SLA. ● Production Readiness: Ensure all PP samples are fully approved at least 45 days prior to the ex-factory delivery date. ● System Updates: Ensure timely management of size specs (style-level and seasonal master charts), style attributes, and routine system updates (e.g., Dexter/PLM).