Head of Buying, Sourcing and Product Development - Fashion

Company Description

Do you want to be responsible for the full AlphaTauri collection development & purchasing process from vendor portfolio, allocation, proto development, SMS, costing, material and trim sourcing to quality control? Then this is for you!

As Head of Buying, Sourcing & Product Development, you'll own the end-to-end product journey from strategic vendor portfolio management to final quality control. You are responsible for building and delivering successful, on-brand collections that meet margin, quality, sustainability, and timing targets.This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution across buying, sourcing, development, and production.

Job Description

PRODUCT & PATTERN DEVELOPMENT

You'll lead the full collection development process from concept to bulk production, ensure product performance, quality, fit, and innovation meet brand standards and you'll drive seasonal development timelines and critical path execution.

SOURCING & VENDOR MANAGEMENT 

In this role, you’ll build, manage, and optimize the global vendor portfolio, lead vendor allocation strategies based on capability, cost, quality, and sustainability, negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and contractual terms, and identify as well as onboard new suppliers aligned with our brand values and innovation goals.

MATERIALS, FABRICS & TRIM SOURCING

You'll oversee sourcing of fabrics and trims and ensure innovation, performance, and sustainability in material selection. Managing material costing, orders, availability, and risk mitigation will also be part of your role, as well as driving continuous improvement in fabric quality and performance.

COSTING & MARGIN CONTROL                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       You'll own product costing and margin targets across categories. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or design intent.

QUALITY CONTROL & PRODUCTION 

Part of your role will be to ensure that product quality standards are consistently met from development through to bulk production, oversee fit approvals, lab testing, and final quality inspections, and proactively manage production risks, delays, and corrective action plans.

LEADERSHIP & CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

You'll lead and develop the Buying, Sourcing, Pattern, and Product Development teams (approximately 12 team members), act as a key interface between Design, Product Management, Operations, and Sales, and define clear goals, processes, and KPIs for the department.

Qualifications

10+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles.

Deep end-to-end product development expertise across materials, production, and quality in premium and sportswear.

Strong track record in managing timelines, budgets, and vendors while consistently delivering to high quality standards.

Solid global sourcing experience with international suppliers and complex supply markets.

Excellent negotiation skills, securing premium materials and favourable terms within budget and margin targets.

Additional Information

Due to legal reasons, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary according to the collective agreement for this position, which is €2.565 gross per month. However, our attractive compensation package is based on market-oriented salaries and is therefore significantly above the stated minimum salary.

As an employer, we value diversity and support people in developing their potential and strengths, realizing their ideas and seizing opportunities. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or origin.