Sourcing Category Manager

Job Title: Sourcing Category Manager
Reports to: VP Supply Chain
Department: Supply Chain
FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary
The Sourcing Category Manager at Hinkley is responsible for executing sourcing strategies within key product categories, including decorative lighting, ceiling fans, and LED components. This role requires in-depth expertise in international supplier management, First Sale Valuations, and leveraging tariff and duty programs to optimize costs. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and timely product availability from contract manufacturers in Asia. The role involves global travel, with a preference for prior experience in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asia countries. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with extensive sourcing, procurement, and supply chain expertise, along with a strategic approach to international supplier management and program management for tariff and duty optimization.

Primary Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies in alignment with Hinkley Lighting’s business objectives, focusing on quality, cost savings, and delivery reliability.
• Manage and develop supplier relationships, including contract negotiations, performance evaluations, and improvement initiatives to support long-term strategic partnerships.
• Oversee category-specific initiatives such as large program relocations, supplier transitions, in close collaboration with new product development.
• Conduct First Sale Valuations and manage programs to leverage tariff and duty savings with suppliers, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with new product development, design, engineering, supply chain planning, and distribution operations teams to support product launches and ensure quality standards.
• Partner with offshore teams for ongoing quality assurance, inspections, and adherence to industry standards.
• Conduct market and supplier analyses to identify sourcing opportunities and maintain competitive cost structures.
• Utilize data from NetSuite ERP, HighJump WMS, and Qlik BI to monitor sourcing metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received   

• Works under the general direction and guidance of the VP Supply Chain.

Special Requirements     

• Ability to travel (internationally) up to 25%.

Type of Education and Work Experience Required   

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field supplemented with applicable experience.
• Minimum 5 years international sourcing experience with Asia contract manufacturers. 
• Solid understanding of the lighting industry preferred.
• Preferred 10+ years of combined experience in supply chain, procurement, and global sourcing.
• Prior travel to China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asia countries preferred. 
• Proven experience in large program relocations, supplier performance management, international logistics, and First Sale Valuations.
• CPIM or CPSM certification preferred (Association for Supply Chain Management - ASCM)
• Lean six sigma experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities     

• Expertise in First Sale Valuations and program management to optimize tariff and duty savings.
• Strong analytical skills with a high level of systems proficiency, preferably in NetSuite ERP, HighJump WMS, and Qlik BI.
• Deep knowledge of supply chain principles, including supplier negotiations, cost management, and lead time optimization.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions such as new product development, design, engineering, supply chain planning, and quality assurance.
• Ability to manage complex projects with attention to detail, balancing multiple priorities and adhering to tight deadlines.
• Experience preparing and delivering clear, concise, professional presentations.
• Self-motivated with a proven record of success working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional and international teams.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The following descriptions are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in an office and perform in a corporate environment. While traveling work environment will vary (i.e. airports, showrooms, hotels, etc.).
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to view computer screen and type on a keyboard
• Ability to converse over a telephone (hear, speak)