Director of Sourcing, Apparel -Hong Kong

• Manages Team for assigned categories and guides their Associates to source best product for all TJX banners: TJX United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
• Collaborate with management on strategic sourcing decisions and customer trends. Direct market research activities and monitor staff visits at trade fairs and exhibitions for market sector. Review manufacturer and factory performance on orders and set standards for productivity and quality.
• Teach, coach and train staff, evaluate and share feedback on their performance regularly. Identify high potential performers as well as Associates who need improvement. Monitor and manage expenses for their categories.
• Work closely and partner with Buyers, Merchandising Teams, and Product Development on strategic initiatives regarding customer needs, brands and company marketing efforts. Support strategies to meet TJX business needs.
• Ensure inspection programs and company compliance guidelines are followed regarding sourcing. Work with Team to secure on time delivery, and that all Logistics requirements are met.

• Responsible for and directs the activities of their sourcing Teams. Communicates and shares the overall vision and sourcing strategy for their categories. Organize meetings with staff to coordinate timetables and schedules. Review staff reports on status of trips with buyers, visits to trade fairs or TJX client/buyer/management needs. Reset priorities as required to meet business needs. Conduct performance reviews through ongoing feedback and documentation.
• Partner with Corporate Buyers responsible for negotiating deals and driving sales and profit objectives initiated by senior merchants. Support strategies to meet business needs for off-price goods.
• Constant interaction with Office & TJX management on business objectives, sales trends and other country merchandise category expansion plans. Oversee market conditions that impact sourcing requirements. Conduct top level negotiations on the best price for merchandise in conjunction with TJX buyers. Coordinate sourcing opportunities. Collaborate with others to optimize resources and create synergies in the business.
• Identify and drive implementation of continuous improvement initiatives with key supplies in support of business goals – innovative cost savings, lead-time reduction, increased inventory turns, improved processes.
• Approve proposals of sourcing staff to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions. Optimize resources for these trips and coordinate foreign buyer participation at shows and manufacturer or factory visits. Analyze productivity of shows and subsequent orders. Participate in new vendor or manufacturing site visits as required.
• Research and travel to meet with agents, factories and vendors in the market to build relationships, review production capabilities and identify potential opportunities. Ensure factories can produce brand merchandise that meet TJX requirements and are socially compliant.
• Distribute company guidelines on TJX’s standards and requirements for Social Compliance. Educate staff on work processes. Make recommendations on ways to improve company guidelines and provide interpretation to staff on any changes.
• Support the TJX business Programs in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and other offshore activities where applicable.
• Develop strategy and SOP. Engage resources as needed to ensure smooth operation of the office.
• Has overall responsibility for a Sourcing Team of 18+ Associates, handling multiple product categories.
• Work in a team environment with U.S., Canadian, European and Australian based merchants, product teams and logistics management. Monitor outside vendors, agents, manufacturers and factories.
• Sourcing decisions in collaboration with TJX Management, including long term company strategy for sourcing brands and price negotiations with suppliers, vendors or agents. Evaluate sourcing opportunities and make recommendations to management. Evaluate vendor performance and solve problems which could negatively impact order fulfillment or shipment of goods. Approve selection of new vendors or manufacturers. Partner with U.S., Canadian, European or Australian teams in decision making on processes and procedures in merchandising, sourcing and logistics areas.
• Recommend potential candidates to hire or promote. Evaluate staff performance. Proactively address issues with Associates with performance issues.

• College degree or equivalent work experience. 10 + years or more years of management, merchandise and strategic sourcing experience desired. Ability to provide direction to staff and prioritize workflow. Experience with international companies required.
• Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills required in English, and Mandarin. Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative, fosters Teamwork. Requires strong analytical, strategy, negotiation skills, and computer skills. Ability to set budgets and prepare financial forecasts.

TJX Companies