Head of Sourcing

About the Role

JSW Sports is seeking a Head of Sourcing to spearhead the sourcing and manufacturing strategies for its expanding line of apparel, footwear, and accessories. This executive role involves crafting a world-class vendor ecosystem, driving operational excellence, and ensuring delivery of superior products that meet global benchmarks while maintaining cost efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies covering apparel, footwear, and accessories.
• Establish a scalable, responsive, and robust sourcing network aligned with the company’s expansion objectives.
• Source and incorporate strategic manufacturing partners throughout India and Asia.
• Continuously assess and enhance the supplier base to boost quality, innovation, lead times, and cost benefits.
• Maintain and nurture strong vendor and manufacturing partnerships.
• Lead contract negotiations, vendor management, and performance assessments.
• Manage production capacity to assure seamless supply and consistent business operations.
• Promote supplier capability advancement while enforcing ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without impacting product quality or innovation.
• Oversee value engineering efforts involving materials, manufacturing processes, and product assembly.
• Track sourcing efficacy through key performance indicators such as cost savings, supplier performance, quality, and delivery timeliness.
• Coordinate inventory planning and production schedules collaboratively with Product Development and Planning teams.
• Work jointly with Product Design, Merchandising, and Quality teams to launch innovative products.
• Utilize relationships with elite athletes and the Athlete Innovation Lab to identify materials and manufacturing solutions that boost product performance.
• Discover and implement new materials, manufacturing technologies, and sustainable sourcing methods.
• Support development of products tailored specifically for Indian athletes and consumers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Finance, Operations, and Marketing to ensure smooth product lifecycle from concept through market launch.
• Develop sourcing governance frameworks, processes, and supplier evaluation metrics to enhance transparency and decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-caliber sourcing team.

Qualifications and Experience

• 15 to 18 years of relevant experience in sourcing, supply chain, manufacturing, or vendor management, specifically within sportswear, apparel, footwear, or consumer product sectors.
• Proven expertise in establishing and managing sourcing operations encompassing multiple product categories.
• Extensive network of manufacturing partners and factories across India and Asia.
• Strong history of negotiating commercial contracts and overseeing strategic supplier relationships.