Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager

sunnies inc.; Philippines; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

sunnies inc. is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing and Development Assistant Manager to lead end-to-end sourcing strategy, vendor development, and production alignment across procurement, product development, and supply chain functions.

The role focuses on achieving cost, quality, and speed-to-market targets while driving continuous improvement. The position requires 5–8 years in strategic sourcing with strong negotiation, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business or related field; MBA is an advantage.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Execute annual sourcing strategy aligned with brand direction and timelines.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Manage vendor scorecards and performance metrics (cost, quality, delivery, compliance).
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs, and payment terms to optimize margins.
• Ensure SLA adherence and escalate as needed.
• Support supplier risk management and supply continuity.
• Oversee production schedules to meet launch timelines.
• Monitor milestones from sampling to shipment and QA.
• Escalate production risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve delays and quality issues.
• Develop contingency and compressed lead time strategies for time-sensitive launches.
• Ensure alignment with specs, quality standards, and commercial requirements.
• Collaborate with Brand, Product Development, and Design during concept to commercialization.
• Ensure supplier compliance with technical specs and testing requirements.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing options for cost efficiency.
• Support product development sourcing for feasibility and scalability.
• Lead process improvements in sourcing and production planning via SOPs.
• Track KPIs with dashboards, scorecards, and management reports.
• Mentor sourcing team members in vendor management and negotiation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Ownership mindset

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management / related field

MBA (advantage)

Tools

MS Office (Advanced Excel)

ERP / procurement systems

Job description

The Strategic Sourcing and Development Assistant Manager manages end-to-end sourcing strategy execution, vendor development, and production alignment to ensure optimal cost, quality, and speed-to-market performance. Operating across procurement, product development, and supply chain functions, the role ensures that supplier capabilities are aligned with brand and commercial objectives while driving continuous improvement in sourcing and production processes.

YOUR OVERALL MISSION & DAY-TO-DAY

Sourcing Strategy & Vendor Development

• Execute and operationalize the annual sourcing strategy in alignment with brand direction, product development timelines, and commercial targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and contract manufacturers to strengthen and diversify the vendor base.
• Manage and maintain vendor scorecards, tracking performance across cost, quality, delivery, and compliance metrics.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and quarterly business reviews (QBRs), driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, lead times, MOQs, and payment terms to optimize cost structure and margin performance.
• Ensure supplier adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Escalate performance issues when required.
• Support supplier risk management by monitoring capacity, dependency, and supply continuity risks.

Production Planning & Launch Execution

• Oversee execution of production schedules in coordination with production planning teams to ensure alignment with launch timelines.
• Monitor end-to-end production milestones including sampling, tooling, manufacturing, quality control, and shipment.
• Identify and Escalate production risks early, providing mitigation plans to ensure on-time delivery of product launches.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve production delays, quality issues, and capacity constraints.
• Support the development of contingency and compressed lead time strategies for time-sensitive launches or supply disruptions.
• Ensure alignment of production outputs with approved specifications, quality standards, and commercial requirements.
• Partner closely with Brand Management, Product Development, and Design teams during product conceptualization, sampling, and commercialization stages.
• Ensure supplier compliance with technical specifications, testing requirements, and quality standards.
• Evaluate material, component, and manufacturing alternatives to support innovation, cost efficiency, and product performance improvements.
• Provide sourcing input during product development to ensure feasibility, scalability, and commercial viability.
• Support resolution of development issues including sampling delays, material limitations, and production constraints.

Process & Organizational Development

• Improve sourcing, procurement, and production planning processes through the development and implementation of scalable SOPs.
• Identify inefficiencies and lead initiatives to enhance supply chain effectiveness, speed, and reliability.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) through structured dashboards, weekly scorecards, and management reports.
• Escalate critical sourcing, production, and supplier issues with clear analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Lead or support cross-functional projects that strengthen sourcing capability, supplier performance, or supply chain resilience.
• Mentor and guide sourcing team members to build capability in vendor management, negotiation, and production coordination.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Creative: Lead projects that improve ways of working, products, or services across teams or stores. Track outcomes and use results to refine and scale effective solutions.
• Considerate: Balance business priorities with team capacity, making sure to stay composed under pressure and promote sustainable ways of working that support both people and operations.
• Customer Focused: Identify recurring customer or team pain points and collaborate with others to improve systems, processes, and communication for a better overall experience.
• Continuously Learning: Lead initiatives that apply new tools, systems or approaches. Document and share best practices that drive consistent improvement across teams or stores.
• Collaborative: Lead coordination across teams or functions. Align priorities, facilitate clear communication, and ensure smooth execution toward shared goals.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Decision Making & Accountability – Makes informed decisions and takes responsibility for results and addresses issues promptly.
• Strategic Thinking – Anticipates trends and aligns plans with business goals, recognizes how customer needs and day-to-day operations impact team goals, adjust plans to support immediate priorities and overall targets.
• People Development – Provide constructive, timely feedback, acknowledge achievements, and encourage colleagues to expand their skills.
• Conflict Management – Identify the root cause of disagreements, propose fair options and confirm agreements before closing the issue.
• Managing Self – Plan tasks in advance, adjust smoothly when schedules or assignments change, and remain composed during busy hours or peak workload.
• Learning Agility – Quickly understands and applies new processes or systems with minimal guidance, adjust priorities when plans change; explain new learnings to teammates in simple terms

YOUR TALENT

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; MBA is an advantage.
• 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain with experience as a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in vendor development and supplier negotiations, ideally in consumer goods, fashion, or retail.
• Experience managing end-to-end production cycles — from development through commercialization and delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen; able to build and defend cost models, evaluate make-vs-buy scenarios, and drive COGS improvement.
• Proficient in supply chain tools, MS Office (advanced Excel), and ERP or procurement systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; comfortable working cross-functionally with Brand, Finance, and Operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a bias for action and structured thinking.
• High ownership mindset; thrives in a fast-paced, brand-driven environment with shifting priorities.