Manager - Sourcing, Accessories

The Manager – Sourcing & Procurement (Leather & Luggage) will be responsible for sourcing and procurement of leather, fabrics, trims, hardware, and related materials used in the manufacture of leather bags, wallets, belts, luggage, travel accessories, and small leather goods (SLG). The role will ensure material availability, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, supplier development, inventory optimization, and support for product development and production requirements. The incumbent will work closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Production, Quality, Stores, and Finance teams to ensure efficient procurement operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Source leather and accessory materials including cow, goat, buffalo and sheep leather, finished and semi-finished leather, vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather.
• Procure fabrics, linings, webbings, zippers, locks, buckles, handles, trolleys, wheels, fittings, and packaging materials.
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with quality, cost, and business requirements.
• Ensure timely procurement for sampling, development, and bulk production.
• Build reliable domestic and international supplier networks and identify alternate sourcing options.

2. Vendor Development & Management

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop suppliers, tanneries, and component manufacturers.
• Build strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost efficiency, innovation, and delivery reliability.
• Conduct supplier assessments covering quality, commercial competitiveness, capacity, compliance, and delivery performance.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives and corrective action plans.

3. Commercial Negotiation & Cost Management

• Lead negotiations on pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Monitor leather and raw material market trends.
• Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and procurement optimization initiatives.
• Prepare supplier comparison analyses and procurement reports.
• Manage procurement budgets and cost-effective purchasing practices.

4. Quality & Compliance Management

• Coordinate with Product Development and Quality teams to ensure materials meet specifications.
• Monitor quality parameters including thickness, GSM, grain, texture, colour consistency, finish, softness, durability, and defect rates.
• Resolve supplier quality issues and material rejections.
• Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, and sustainability standards.

5. Inventory & Material Planning

• Collaborate with Production Planning and Stores teams to forecast material requirements.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.
• Monitor stock movement, consumption patterns, and replenishment cycles.
• Ensure uninterrupted material availability for production and shipment commitments.

6. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Product Development, Merchandising, Sampling, Design, Production, Quality, Stores, Logistics, Finance, and Accounts teams.
• Provide updates on material availability, procurement status, shortages, and supplier performance.
• Participate in production planning, sourcing reviews, and business planning meetings.

7. Documentation & Governance

• Maintain purchase orders, supplier agreements, contracts, invoices, delivery records, and inventory documentation.
• Manage procurement data through ERP systems.
• Support audits and compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethical sourcing practices, and governance standards.