Senior Sourcing Executive

RK BRANDS LTD; Redditch; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

AYBL is seeking a Senior Sourcing Executive in the UK to bridge design and supply, translating creative vision into commercially viable sourcing decisions aligned with the brand’s strategy. You will evaluate supplier capabilities, manage onboarding, and develop strategic partners across activewear and related categories.

You will negotiate favorable terms, analyze cost data, and collaborate closely with design teams to translate briefs into rigorous sourcing requirements, ensuring quality, lead

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in sourcing, buying, or supply chain management within fashion, activewear, or related consumer goods sector.
• Strong commercial product knowledge — ability to assess quality, construction, and value across garments and accessories.
• Demonstrable experience working with manufacturers and understanding of production processes.
• Experience translating design briefs into actionable sourcing requirements.
• Confident negotiator with the ability to secure favourable terms.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret cost and market data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess product samples with a commercial eye to identify high-quality, cost-effective production versus poor value or risk.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, allocate suppliers based on briefs, balancing quality, lead time, MOQ, capacity and price.
• Translate design briefs into technical sourcing requirements and identify manufacturing partners for each product type.
• Identify and develop new suppliers across activewear and related categories for AYBL and affiliate brands.
• Conduct supplier due diligence, evaluate credentials, factory capabilities, certifications, pricing and capacity.
• Manage end-to-end supplier onboarding including sample approvals, documentation, compliance checks and initial orders.

Skills

Sourcing

Supply chain management

Fashion knowledge

Negotiation

Analytics

Education

Business or Supply Chain degree

Job description

Main description

Ranked #1 fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 2022, AYBL has quickly become one of the most iconic women’s activewear brands worldwide.

We are a passionate, innovative and ambitious brand on a mission to empower women through the power of fitness. Based in the UK, we are dedicated to providing premium, yet affordable activewear that encompasses our 'Together we thrive' ethos.

We’re constantly on the lookout for new people who are equally ambitious, share our core values and consider themselves the best in their field. If this sounds like you and you’ve got what it takes to help push AYBL to the next level, this could be the place for you.

The opportunities right now are limitless. We are looking to hire genuine people who demonstrate authenticity and a unique way of thinking.

As we grow, you’ll grow too.

Main purpose of the role

The Senior Sourcing Executive acts as the commercial and product intelligence bridge between the design team and the supply base. This role requires a candidate with strong commercial acumen and the ability to assess product, quality and value — translating the design team’s creative vision into commercially viable, technically sound sourcing decisions ensuring alignment with the company’s sourcing strategy.

Roles & Responsibilities

Commercial Product & Quality Assessment

• Assess product samples with a commercial eye — identifying what constitutes high-quality, cost-effective production versus poor value or quality risk.
• Evaluate supplier product capabilities and allocate suppliers based on design team briefs, balancing quality, lead time, MOQ, supplier capacity and price competitiveness whilst aligning this with the company’s sourcing strategy.
• Work closely with the Design team to translate creative briefs into technical sourcing requirements, identifying appropriate manufacturing partners for each product type or collection.

Supplier Sourcing & Development

• Identify and develop new suppliers across activewear and associated categories, covering both AYBL and Because of Alice Brands.
• Evaluate supplier credentials, factory capabilities, certifications, pricing, and capacity to assess suitability for short- and long-term partnerships.
• Manage the end-to-end supplier onboarding process including sample approvals, documentation, compliance checks, and initial orders.
• Conduct supplier due diligence and risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities in the supply base and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Research global and local sourcing markets to identify emerging suppliers and manufacturing innovations relevant to the activewear industry.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for an allocated portfolio of strategic and development suppliers, maintaining strong, professional relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs including cost, quality, on-time delivery, and compliance, escalating issues to the Sourcing Manager where required.
• Lead corrective action processes with underperforming suppliers, driving resolution and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Essential

• 3–5+ years of experience in sourcing, buying, or supply chain management within fashion, activewear, or a related consumer goods sector.
• Strong commercial product knowledge — the ability to assess quality, construction, and value across garments and accessories.
• Demonstrable experience working with manufacturers and understanding of production processes.
• Experience translating design briefs into actionable sourcing requirements.
• Confident negotiator with the ability to secure favourable commercial terms.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret cost and market data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Fashion Buying, or a related field.
• Familiarity with compliance standards and ethical sourcing frameworks (e.g. BSCI, GOTS, OEKO-TEX).
• Experience working across international supply chains, particularly in Asia.
• Previous experience in a sourcing role at executive level.