Sourcing Associate

Crate & Barrel; Northbrook (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel in Northbrook, IL seeks a Sourcing Associate to support seasonal sourcing activities, vendor performance management, and cost analysis. The role collaborates with Design to align product development and supplier strategies.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in sourcing-related roles, a college degree, and strong Excel/G Suite skills to drive accurate data and reporting. Hybrid work option with on-site Monday–Thursday and remote Fridays.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in an associate-level role within sourcing, product development, production, or Merchandising.
• College degree preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and G Suite.

Responsibilities

• Supports associate managers and senior managers in seasonal sourcing activities and ongoing vendor performance management.
• Monitor pre-production tasks (sample development and costing).
• Calendar milestone tracking.
• SKU data gathering and management to ensure all item related information is accurate and complete prior to SKU set-up exercise.
• Reporting - IMU tracking and analysis.
• Monitor internal on-time performance reporting.
• Capacity reporting.

Skills

Financial reporting

Quantitative analysis

Email communication

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Manufacturing basics

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

G Suite

Job description

Under broad supervision, responsible for developing, monitoring, and pursuing tactical and strategic initiatives/projects in a specialized area (e.g., commodities, vendor/contract relationships, or supplier management). Prepares analytical reports and forecasts in order to track product costs. Recommends appropriate course of action to senior purchasing/sourcing leaders. Works closely with Design to ensure successful product development.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

A day in the life as a Sourcing Associate

• Supports associate managers and senior managers in seasonal sourcing activities and ongoing vendor performance management
• Monitor pre-production tasks (sample development and costing)
• Calendar milestone tracking
• SKU data gathering and management to ensure all item related information is accurate and complete prior to SKU set-up exercise
• Reporting -
• IMU tracking and analysis
• Monitor internal on-time performance reporting
• Capacity reporting

What you’ll bring to the table

• Excellent written and oral skills
• Poses multi-cultural awareness and respect
• Strong financial reporting and quantitative analysis skills, retail math skills
• Customer focus (internal and external)
• Effective email communication with overseas vendors and agents
• Negotiating skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Adaptable to meet rapidly changing priorities
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes for assigned categories

We’d love to hear from you if you have

• 2+ years in an associate-level role within sourcing, product development, production, or Merchandising
• College degree preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and G Suite