Senior Manager, Footwear

Job Description

• This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager, Footwear based in the United States. This role will lead strategic sourcing and supply chain initiatives across the footwear and accessories category, with a strong focus on the Americas. You will build and manage supplier partnerships while identifying opportunities to improve cost, speed, quality, and availability. The position combines strategic thinking, commercial judgment, product development, and hands-on supplier management. A key focus will be developing nearshoring strategies that reduce lead times and logistics costs while supporting rapid replenishment. You will work closely with Merchandising, Product Development, and manufacturing partners to bring new products to market efficiently. Success requires strong analytical skills, operational discipline, and the ability to make high-impact decisions in a fast-moving environment. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in scaling a modern, data-driven sourcing organization and shaping the future of footwear supply.
• Accountabilities Develop and execute the category supply chain strategy for footwear and accessories across women's, men's, and kids' products, including multi-sourcing across different product and material categories. Scout, evaluate, negotiate with, and onboard supplier and manufacturing partners across the Western Hemisphere, with an emphasis on Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Dominican Republic, as well as relevant Asian markets. Build long-term strategic relationships with suppliers and communicate the organization's business model, operating expectations, and value proposition to prospective manufacturing partners. Develop nearshoring strategies that reduce lead times and logistics costs while strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting rapid replenishment. Conduct detailed cost analyses and cost engineering for core products to ensure competitive pricing, strong margins, and efficient sourcing decisions. Partner with suppliers on product development, leveraging their expertise to design, cost-engineer, and bring new products, styles, and colors to market. Collaborate with Merchandising and Product Development teams to support product expansion and introduce styles approved through established product development processes. Train and enable suppliers on operating processes, financial expectations, technical capabilities, and vendor systems to support efficient execution. Drive operational excellence by maintaining high product quality, rapid replenishment, strong inventory availability, and continuous cost improvement. Establish and monitor key supplier performance metrics, targeting defect rates below 0.5%, replenishment lead times below 14 days, and inventory availability above 99%. Conduct monthly and quarterly business reviews with supplier leadership, evaluating performance, strategic priorities, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Identify and resolve supply chain issues proactively while continuously improving processes, supplier performance, and operational efficiency. Requirements 8+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or a related function, with a focus on footwear, accessories, and/or leather goods. Experience working with major U.S.-based retailers or comparable consumer businesses. Established manufacturing and factory relationships across the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, South America, and/or the Dominican Republic, with relevant experience in Asian sourcing markets. Strong product development experience, including the ability to leverage supplier expertise for design, cost engineering, and commercialization. Strong general management mindset with experience applying lean manufacturing, just-in-time processes, and supply chain optimization principles. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a consistent focus on execution and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners. Proactive and assertive approach, with the ability to operate independently and effectively in a remote environment. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder-influencing skills. Fluent Spanish. Bachelor's degree preferred. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, data-driven environment where priorities can evolve and decisions often need to be made with limited precedent. Benefits Base salary range of $130,000–$160,000 USD, depending on experience, qualifications, and location. Potential eligibility for bonus and equity in addition to base compensation. Opportunity to influence a rapidly scaling footwear and accessories sourcing organization. Remote work environment with flexibility to operate from a home office. Opportunity to work on strategic nearshoring initiatives and global supplier partnerships. Exposure to product development, sourcing strategy, supply chain optimization, and cross-functional business leadership. Mission-driven environment focused on quality, sustainability, transparency, and customer value. Opportunity to collaborate with talented teams and international manufacturing partners. Equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation support for qualified candidates. Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
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