Global Sourcing Merchandise Manager

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Level: Salaried

Division / Department: Merchandising/Global Sourcing

Reporting to position: Division Merchandise Manager

Travel: Do it Best May and October Markets, National Hardware Show, Domestic travel for member visits when necessary, International Travel for sourcing 3 to 4 times a year.

About the Role:

The position is responsible for all activities in the Global Sourcing department. The Manager has the primary responsibility for managing the sourcing efforts with our Merchandising Staff and our Asia Offices. Additionally, this person is responsible for identifying potential suppliers and then managing projects. They will lead sales efforts of Globally Sourced products with the Merchandise Managers and Sales Territory Managers for markets and field efforts. They will work with Merchandise Managers and Category Management to develop effective tools to help members display and sell products at the retail level.

Responsibilities Include:

• Work with Division Manager to develop and execute Global Sourcing strategic plan

• Manage the company’s import activities

• Work with all Merchandise Managers to:

• Identify future import opportunities

• Successfully implement new import programs

• Maintain and update existing import programs

• Product sourcing—identify and qualify factories to use for direct imports worldwide

• Oversee import factory negotiations; this includes prices, terms, packaging, order quantities, etc.

• Take the lead role in Freight Forwarder negotiations/communications as needed to lower our landed costs.

• Play an active role in Global Sourcing supply chain activities

• Expedite container shipments with brokers, ocean carriers, factories, and Do it Best -Asia as needed.

• Monitor and manage container movement with Finance, inventory analysts, Expeditors and factories

• Manage the preparation of import quotes for product managers including landed costs

• Develop packaging, sales literature, and brand name usage for imports in collaboration with graphics, factories, and product managers

• Responsibility for sales of import programs at Markets with merchandise managers; this includes booth layouts and product specials at Markets

• Assist with the development of any independent testing needed on products.

• Develop and maintain relationship with UL in Chicago.

• Coordinate Letter of Credit preparation with Finance

• Play a key role in container ordering with Inventory control/Merchandise Managers/factories

• International travel—multiple Asia Trips annually, other int’l travel as needed

• Manage daily activity with the Do it Best Asia office and other sourcing offices.

• Manage the staff of the Global Sourcing Department

• Direct member drop ship container orders

• Collaborate on international member drop ship container orders with International Merchandising team

• Other duties and projects as required.

  Education and Experience:

  Minimum

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field

• 5+ years Purchasing experience

• Supervisory/management experience

  Desired

• Related experience in home improvement industry

• Public speaking experience

• Training experience

• Experience writing training documentation

• International Travel Experience

  Skills and Abilities:

  Minimum

• Solid managerial and leadership skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Excellent presentation skills

• Ability to work well with, direct, and motivate others

• Effective prioritization and project management skills

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility

• Ability to multi-task

• Good problem-solving skills

  Desired

• Retail management experience.

  Benefits available to you:

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision with a premium free plan available

• Paid time off to foster work/life balance

• Profit sharing

• Bonus Pay opportunities

• Retirement funding opportunities

• Education reimbursement

• Health club reimbursement

• Career advancement opportunities

  Please note that for this role, relocation assistance is not available. Candidates should be willing and able to work in Fort Wayne, IN without the need for relocation support. We encourage local candidates or those already planning to move to the area to apply.

  About Do it Best:

  At Do it Best, we take pride in being the only U.S.–based and member-owned hardware & lumber/building material buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. We have made it our philosophy to serve over 3,800 member-owned locations across the United States and in over 50 countries by offering a full menu of exceptional merchandise and services to increase our member’s market share and profitability. By reaching over $4 billion in annual sales, Do it Best is the second largest co-op in the industry. Our success stems from our mission to make the best better, and our goal to help our members grow and achieve their dreams.