The Opportunity: Sourcing Merchandiser

Location: Vaughan, Ontario

Salary: 55-58K

Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional certification in business/logistics or related discipline

Benefits: Standard + clothing allowance

Fulltime: On-site 5 days per week

Tony Curtis & Associates Inc. is currently interviewing for the position of Sourcing Merchandiser for one of Canada’s best known leading brands. If you are an experienced apparel merchandiser with an eye for detail and hands-on experience in fashion import and sourcing operations, then we would love to hear from you to discuss this exciting role. A minimum of 3-5 years experience with import and overseas sourcing. This role reports directly to the Sourcing Director.

The successful candidate will enjoy competitive compensation, a generous wardrobe discount, a subsidized group benefit plan, paid sick days and a great opportunity for growth and development as a key member of a dynamic team!

Tony Curtis & Associates Inc. thanks all applicants, however, only those legally authorized to work in Canada will be contacted.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to and working closely with the Sourcing Director, you will assist in the following activities:

·  Maintain and update manufacturing vendor and order database for overseas manufacturing: input and update accurate details of import purchases and style information in Microsoft NAV DYNAMICS system; create styles, maintain item description, material types, item category, season code, group code, ticketing, landed cost, colours, sizes and the like.

·  Verify apparel and accessories technical specification packages for thoroughness and accuracy and follow up with Product Developers for correction.

·  Issue purchase orders, organize all shipping documents, and confirm details with internal staff.

·  Follow up daily with vendors to oversee offshore production and solve related problems to ensure shipments are on time and budget; inspect incoming shipments for quality and conformance to standards and communicate with vendors to resolve claims and quality issues.

·  Communicate standards for quality, workmanship, labelling, inspection, compliance etc. to vendors.  

·  Audit and monitor product receipts, quality reports, and related payments.

·  Prepare reports on import purchase order summary, order status, risk analysis, vendor performance, and delivery performance as required.

·  Request style samples from overseas vendors for Merchandising review and consideration in assortment development.

·  Manage all incoming and outgoing samples and materials and follow up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery of all approval samples for presentations and photo shoots.

·  Assist to cost specification sheets and calculate related preproduction costs; assist with market research for specified products, perform other related duties and assignments as required

Qualifications:

• Equivalent of a Bachelor degree or professional certification in business, logistics or a related discipline with strong mathematical ability

• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant and progressive import technician and overseas sourcing experience including logistics, customs regulations, shipping documents, purchase orders and vendor negotiations; experience in garment construction, technical specifications and sample comments essential; knowledge of small leather goods an asset

• Current working knowledge of overseas sourcing and manufacturing requirements and practices in China, India/Pakistan and Europe

• Fluent oral and written English essential; Mandarin communication skills an asset

• Valid Canadian passport with availability to travel to China or outside of Canada periodically required

• Strong computer proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required with ability to handle large amounts of data; knowledge of enterprise product management systems preferred

• Able to handle boxes and merchandise weighing up to 5 kg

·         Quick learner with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to apply sound judgment in resolving conflicts and escalating to senior management when necessary

• Ability to build and manage effective relationships with vendors and various stakeholders  and good interpersonal skills as a team player to collaborate with internal staff

• Strong client service orientation

• High degree of business ethics and accountability with demonstrated discretion, confidentiality and integrity in safeguarding sensitive information

• Well-developed work organization and time management skills with strong attention to detail

• Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently or as a team player

• Strong sense of ownership, and tenacity to overcome challenges to deliver on commitments

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to adapt quickly to changing priorities while working under pressure and within time constraints to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Flexibility to work across multiple time zones to meet work obligations

·         Hard working, positive, can-do attitude with ability to accept and learn from feedback

• Excellent attendance and punctuality with a strong work ethic, conscientiousness, and reliability

• Ability to follow directions and comply with work instructions and health and safety standards to maintain a safe work environment.