Essential Functions
Develops complex sourcing strategies for assigned products by collaborating with cross-functional business partners (for example, merchants, planners) to understand product demand. Serves as a subject-matter and industry expert for multiple commodities and items sourced from an assigned country, both in- and out-of-season. Oversees assigned sourcing programs at the item level, including seasonal and in-country regions and growing areas. Influences internal and external business partners (for example, merchants) to bring product and packaging innovation to market. Aligns the sourcing strategy with merchants’ annual operating plan. Provides perishability and quality insights to guide merchandise flow and replenishment decisions. Incorporates company growth strategy into planning (for example growth in direct imports).
Creates complex vendor decision matrices by evaluates new and existing vendors based on performance metrics and long-term potential. Incorporates company strategies into alignment decisions. Negotiates with vendors to obtain products at lowest sustainable costs. Calculates and understands the cost impacts of a commodity/product’s initial mark up. Measures and tracks awarded cost against actual cost through the commitment tracker. Ensures cost keys are accurate. Informs planners and merchants of changes to conditions that will affect the cost of goods.
Develops strategic vendor relationships with multi-year contracts for business continuity. Identifies, develops, and maintains supplier relationships that meet company financial, ethical, and sustainability standards. Assesses and develops vendor production, distribution, and technological capabilities to ensure adequate supply. Conducts quarterly performance reviews with vendors. Manages and resolves vendor issues.
Drives the execution of multiple business plans and projects by identifying customer and operational needs; developing and communicating business plans and priorities; removing barriers and obstacles that impact performance; providing resources; identifying performance standards; measuring progress and adjusting performance accordingly; developing contingency plans; and demonstrating adaptability and supporting continuous learning.
Provides supervision and development opportunities for associates by selecting and training; mentoring; assigning duties; building a team-based work environment; establishing performance expectations and conducting regular performance evaluations; providing recognition and rewards; coaching for success and improvement; and ensuring diversity awareness.
Promotes and supports company policies, procedures, mission, values, and standards of ethics and integrity by training and providing direction to others in their use and application; ensuring compliance with them; and utilizing and supporting the Open Door Policy.
Ensures business needs are being met by evaluating the ongoing effectiveness of current plans, programs, and initiatives; consulting with business partners, managers, co-workers, or other key stakeholders; soliciting, evaluating, and applying suggestions for improving efficiency and cost effectiveness; and participating in and supporting community outreach events.
Leadership Expectations
Assertiveness ( Collaboration & Influence)
-Takes charge and gives direction confidently in most situations.
-Handles moderate levels of conflict and are capable of dealing with a variety of people and circumstances.
Intellectual Curiosity (Learning Agility)
-Learns from experience and others and applies learning to perform successfully under new or first-time condition.
-Stays current in his/her field and seeks knowledge from other areas.
Talent Development (Talent Builder)
-Identifies and attracts the best, diverse talent both inside and outside of the organization that has the right balance of skills, experiences, and values, and then builds them into a high performing, diverse and inclusive team.
-Recruits talent that aligns to the company’s business and talent objectives.
-Builds a team that sets aggressive goals and achieves results.
-Determines the key strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and challenges of each team member and uses the insights to coach for optimal individual and team performance and to assign tasks.
-Gives actionable, timely, and constructive feedback and outlines strengths and areas for improvement for associates.
Creates a discipline and focus around developing talent through feedback, coaching, mentoring, and developmental opportunities.
-Fosters associate engagement and commitment. Communicates with energy and positivity to motivate, influence, and inspire commitment and action.
Enterprise Mindset
-Adopts a holistic, end-to-end perspective, considering different parts of the enterprise when making plans.
Accountability
-Sets high expectations personally and for the team.
-Holds self and others accountable for results.
Change Agility
-Understands and applies customer/member insights and analysis in implementing change.
-Actively and rapidly embraces change by experimenting and gaining buy in and support for change initiatives.
Team Alignment(Deliver Results)
-Aligns goals and objectives with core values; communicates that the Walmart values and culture are paramount to achieving business objectives and strategic priorities.
-Delivers results for the short-term while shaping the team’s strategy and aligning to the long-term strategy of the business.
-Ensures that the team delivers expected business results across all key metrics while fully adhering to our ethical values and principles
Customer Orientation
-Demonstrates a strong understanding and appreciation of retail experiences from both the customer/member and merchant perspective; focuses on serving the customer/member however they choose to shop.
Strategic Orientation
-Develops sourcing strategies for assigned products.
-Oversees assigned sourcing programs at the item level.
-Directs team members to accomplish sourcing objectives.
-Leads the implementation of sourcing methodologies used for sourcing categories, as well as risk mitigation strategies.
Data & Digital Mindset
-Encourages the team to use new digital tools, ways of working and technology in the day-to-day leading of the team as we strive to be faster, more productive, and more creative in the way we serve our customers/members.
Act with Integrity
-Maintains and promotes the highest standards of integrity, ethics and compliance.
Culture Champion
-Serves as a Walmart ambassador and models our values in everyday behavior to foster and shape our culture.
Requirements
Excellent command of English
Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain or related area
Minimum 10-15 year’s experience in retail, manufacturing, sourcing, or related area. Experience working for a retailer, or major brand, importer/agent serving a major retail customer in Apparel/Fashion is a must
Proven track records of cross-cultural team management and people development
Analytical and problem-solving ability
High integrity and business ethics
Highly organized – able to deal with multiple activities and meetings with suppliers and factories
Good communication and persuasive skills
Team Player
Able and willing to travel as required