As our Sourcing Specialist, you will be responsible for driving sales, margin and customer satisfaction by identifying, evaluating, and maintaining supplier relationships that provide optimal costs, quality, and delivery of merchandise assortment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

1. Research and identify potential vendor and factories capable of meeting the company's cost, quality, and delivery requirements
2. Establish and maintain strong relationships with current and potential suppliers to ensure consistent performance and alignment with company objectives
3. Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions while ensuring adherence to quality standards
4. Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure suppliers comply with company standards and industry regulations
5. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to reduce procurement expenses while maintaining quality standards
6. Stay updated on global market trends, changes in trade policies, and economic factors that may impact sourcing strategies
7. Work closely with internal departments, such as merchants, inventory, logistics, and finance, to align sourcing activities with company objectives
8. Abides by all policies and procedures of Oriental Trading Company
9. Maintains regular and predictable attendance
10. Work requires in-person collaboration among colleagues and contractors
11. Must be able to attend face to face meetings on short or little advance notice

Marginal Functions

1. Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Here’s what you need to join the fun:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, particularly in international markets.
• Knowledge of global manufacturing processes and supplier landscapes.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and supplier evaluation metrics.
• Ability to work independently and make data-driven decisions as well as the ability to collaborate and partner with a team.
• Familiarity with trade regulations, import/export requirements, and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of MSOffice (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or Business-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• 3 – 5 years of experience with foreign sourcing and/or buying/merchandising in a retail or manufacturing organization is preferred

Join us at Oriental Trading, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, where fun means business! 

Oriental Trading Company (www.orientaltrading.com), is the nation’s largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of teaching supplies and affordable home décor and giftware. Founded in 1932 by a Japanese American, the Oriental Trading history of fun spans the better part of the last century. Today, Oriental Trading offers more than 60,000 products to individuals, teachers, schools, churches, businesses and nonprofits. With a corporate vision to “Make Life More Fun,” Oriental Trading (a Berkshire Hathaway company) spreads joy and smiles to millions each year through a robust family of brands; Oriental Trading, Fun Express, MindWare, SmileMakers, Morris Costumes and halloweenexpress.com.

EOE