Head of Sourcing

Note: Hiring for one of our clients in luxary fashion retail space (D2C).Title: Head of SourcingLocation: GurugramExperience: 8+ YearsAbout RoleThe Head of Sourcing will own end-to-end sourcing strategy for Miraggio's retail product categories, identifying and onboarding manufacturers/vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, managing seasonal and bulk buying cycles, and ensuring product availability, quality, and margins are optimized across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Category ManagementDevelop the sourcing roadmap for each product category (apparel/footwear/accessories/general merchandise, etc.) aligned with seasonal buying calendarsIdentify and evaluate new manufacturers, vendors, and trading partners — domestic and internationalDrive private label / in-house brand sourcing strategy, if applicableTrack fashion/retail market trends, raw material costs, and seasonal demand shifts to inform sourcing plansVendor & Manufacturer ManagementBuild and manage relationships with manufacturers, wholesalers, and trading partnersNegotiate pricing, MOQs (minimum order quantities), payment terms, and delivery schedulesConduct factory/vendor audits for quality, capacity, and compliance (labor standards, safety, sustainability)Manage vendor performance scorecards — on-time delivery, quality rejection rates, cost competitivenessCost & Margin OptimizationIdentify cost-saving opportunities across sourcing categories to protect and improve gross marginsPartner with Merchandising/Buying teams on landed cost calculations and pricing strategyNegotiate better terms during peak seasons (EOSS, festive, new launches)Supply Planning & Inventory AlignmentAlign sourcing timelines with merchandising calendars, new collection launches, and replenishment cyclesManage lead times to prevent stockouts or excess inventoryCoordinate with logistics/warehousing teams on import, customs, and delivery timelines (if sourcing internationally)Team LeadershipLead and mentor the sourcing/buying teamSet sourcing KPIs (cost savings, vendor lead time, quality compliance) and track performanceBuild negotiation and category expertise within the teamCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Merchandising, Design, Finance, and Retail Operations teamsSupport new product development (NPD) with timely, cost-effective sourcingPartner with Finance on cost budgeting, forecasting, and margin analysisCompliance & Risk ManagementEnsure vendor compliance with quality standards, labor practices, and sustainability guidelinesDevelop contingency sourcing plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions (raw material shortages, geopolitical/logistics risks)RequirementsExperience8+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement within retail, fashion, or consumer goodsProven experience managing vendor/manufacturer relationships, ideally across domestic and international marketsExperience with private label sourcing and seasonal buying cycles preferredSkillsStrong negotiation skills with manufacturers, agents, and trading housesUnderstanding of retail merchandising calendars, landed costing, and margin structuresFamiliarity with quality control, compliance audits, and sourcing/ERP systemsAnalytical mindset — comfortable with cost sheets, pricing models, and market trend dataStrong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills