Serve as a trusted sourcing partner to Product Development, Merchandising, Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Distribution, Risk Management, Global Compliance, QA, and other cross‑functional teams, balancing competing priorities to deliver shared business outcomes.
Sourcing Management:
Partner pre‑season to review assortments, assess sourcing implications, and define sourcing requirements that support business objectives.
Own sourcing plans and timelines, proactively managing dependencies, risks, and cross‑functional alignment.
Negotiate delivery schedules and manage production capacity with vendors and planning teams to support service and inventory goals.
Lead sample development and production readiness, including specifications, lab dips, photo samples, and approvals.
Manage raw materials sourcing, including pricing, testing, quality standards, and delivery timing.
Monitor tech pack accuracy and timeline adherence; identify issues early and drive resolution with partners.
Recommend and support process, system, and workflow improvements that enhance efficiency, visibility, and execution discipline.
Vendor Management:
Represent L.L. Bean Sourcing in the selection, development, and ongoing management of vendor partnerships.
Maintain strong, professional vendor relationships through clear expectations, consistent communication, and performance feedback.
Assess vendor risk and performance across cost, quality, capacity, delivery, financial stability, and social responsibility; drive corrective actions as needed.
Establish and monitor Vendor Performance Management (VPM) goals, on‑time delivery metrics, and action plans.
Negotiate product costs, payment terms, lead times, and production minimums in alignment with business needs.
Partner with Risk Management and Legal to mitigate vendor, contract, and recall‑related risk.
Mentor Sourcing Specialists and support resolution of near‑term vendor or production issues.
Quality Management:
Own quality outcomes for assigned products and vendors, partnering closely with Quality Assurance.
Collaborate with QA to monitor quality benchmarks, identify risks, and drive preventive actions upstream.
Ensure accurate documentation and execution of product specifications and quality requirements within FLEX PLM.
Sourcing Strategy:
Support execution of short‑ and mid‑term sourcing strategies aligned to cost, quality, delivery, and growth objectives.
Assess sourcing risks related to geography, vendor concentration, and core programs; recommend mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing where appropriate.
Stay informed on business growth priorities and contribute forward‑looking sourcing solutions.
Cost Management:
Oversee terms of sale and COGS management for assigned categories and vendors.
Maintain cost accuracy and resolve invoice discrepancies.
Support cost‑based pricing and savings initiatives.
Requirements
BS/BA required
5+ years of relevant experience required
Textile and/or sourcing experience preferred
This role requires periodic domestic and international travel to supplier locations and sourcing offices
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills with the ability to a
Benefits
Health insurance
Additional Information
At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome-both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.
The Senior Sourcing Specialist leads end‑to‑end sourcing for assigned product categories and vendor partners, with clear ownership of cost, quality, on‑time delivery, and supplier performance. You'll work closely with cross‑functional teams and global suppliers to bring L.L. Bean products to market-ensuring they reflect our high standards for quality, value, and social responsibility.
With a high degree of autonomy, you'll manage medium‑ to high‑complexity initiatives that are critical to executing sourcing strategy, mitigating risk, and delivering results. This role offers the opportunity to build and demonstrate strong, emerging leadership through influence, sound judgment, problem‑solving, and project ownership. You'll also have the chance to coach and mentor others, providing technical expertise and informal leadership support as part of a collaborative sourcing team.
Llbean · Freeport, ME