Senior Sourcing Associate

About Us:
Twelve is a creative firm specializing in branded merchandise and packaging for some of the world’s most coveted brands. We’re seeking an experienced and proactive Sourcing Manager – to join our Asia team and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality products, packaging, and bags that meet our brand and clients’ standards.

The Senior Sourcing Associate is owns supplier sourcing and cost strategy across packaging, promotional items, and displays. This role balances execution and strategic input—driving supplier performance, protecting margin, and ensuring reliable, scalable supply across programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing & Supplier Strategy

• Following up and onboard new suppliers aligned to category needs across packaging, promotional items, and displays as directed by the Sourcing & Allocations Manager.
• Participate in mapping out the supplier landscape to identify opportunities for cost optimization, capability expansion, and risk diversification.
• Contributing to developing a balanced supplier portfolio to ensure capacity, redundancy, and flexibility across programs.
• Maintain accurate and updated contracts, NDAs for approved vendors.

Vendor Negotiations & Cost Management

• Participate in negotiations on pricing, payment terms, MOQs, lead times, and contractual agreements to meet margin and cost targets.
• Support cost-saving initiatives through competitive bidding, supplier consolidation, and should-cost analysis.

Supplier Performance Management

• Maintain supplier partnerships to secure priority capacity, favorable terms, and long-term value.
• Uphold clear performance expectations and conduct regular supplier evaluations across cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Address performance gaps and recommend corrective actions

Risk Management & Compliance

• Proactively identify and escalate supply chain risks (capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, material volatility).
• Partner with Compliance and Quality teams to ensure suppliers adherence to regulatory and ethical standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, and Operations to align sourcing with project timelines and technical requirements.
• Support early-stage development by providing supplier recommendations, feasibility input, and cost guidance.
• Resolve supplier-related challenges impacting delivery or quality.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of sourcing experience with direct involvement in supplier selection and vetting.
• Experience in cosmetic packaging, promotional products, or consumer goods
• Ability to negotiate pricing, MOQs, payment terms, and contracts with measurable cost savings
• Strong understanding of the China/Asia supplier landscape; existing supplier network is a plus
• Experience reporting on supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service
• Ability to assess factory capabilities, capacity, and production risk
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with Product Development, Merchandising, and Operations
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on risk mitigation and execution
• Familiarity with US/EU compliance and product safety standards preferred
• Fluent in English and Mandarin; Cantonese a plus

This role will be based out of our Shenzen office.