Our client is a leading, well-established NZ retailer with a diverse brand portfolio and strong market presence. As they refine and modernise their global sourcing strategy, they are looking for a strategic, commercially astute leader to take ownership of apparel sourcing.

The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Head of Merchandising, this role is both strategic and hands-on. You’ll have the autonomy to challenge existing sourcing models, identify new opportunities, and drive commercial value while ensuring suppliers deliver on cost, quality, and sustainability.

Initially, you'll be office-based, learning the ropes and building relationships. Once established, you'll travel frequently to strengthen supplier partnerships, assess manufacturing processes, and keep the business ahead in sourcing innovation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Reimagine global sourcing – You’ll develop a forward-thinking sourcing strategy that improves cost efficiency, supplier performance, and long-term business sustainability.
• Lead supplier relationships – Negotiating the best pricing, terms, and quality outcomes while maintaining strong, strategic partnerships.
• Explore new markets – Seeking out new suppliers, regions, and manufacturing opportunities to enhance competitiveness.
• Optimise costs while protecting quality – Managing risks, improving efficiencies, and ensuring sourcing contributes to the bottom line.
• Collaborate across teams – Working closely with buying, merchandising, supply chain, and QA teams to align sourcing with broader business goals.
• Drive innovation and ethical sourcing – Ensuring sourcing decisions support compliance, sustainability, and long-term supply chain resilience.
• Influence senior stakeholders – Partnering with leadership to embed sourcing strategies that create commercial and operational success.

What We’re Looking For

We’re after someone with the right mix of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and hands-on execution. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• A degree in business, supply chain, merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in global apparel sourcing at a senior level, ideally within large-scale retail, fashion, or apparel manufacturing.
• A strong commercial mindset with a proven track record in negotiating pricing, contracts, and supplier terms.
• The ability to influence and challenge executive stakeholders, ensuring sourcing strategies align with broader business goals.
• Resilience, adaptability, and decisiveness—comfortable making high-level decisions in a fast-moving retail environment.
• A deep understanding of supplier management, compliance, and sustainability within the global apparel sector.

Our preference is to prioritise candidates who have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.

To apply, please use the APPLY link or email Michelle Elsley directly at michelle@convergencepartners.co.nz.