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New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap’s Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site café, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team!

The Asst. Manager, Technical Sourcing is responsible for day-to-day execution of business objectives in alignment with New Era’s global sourcing strategy and the entire product development process. This position works closely with the design and merchandising teams to develop on trend materials across multiple product categories. The Asst. Manager, Technical Sourcing establishes relationships with global suppliers and leads the overall product development process while ensuring timely delivery of quality products that meet New Era’s financial targets. The Asst. Manager, Technical Sourcing works closely with peers in the Categories, Merchandising, Design, Planning and Production teams to turn ideas into great merchandise.

Responsibilities

+ Lead cross-functional collaboration with Category, Merchandising, Design, Production, Planning, Logistics, Customer Service, Social Compliance, and Quality teams to ensure seamless execution of the product development process and while managing the Time & Action Calendar (TAC)

+ Demonstrate advanced market insight by monitoring apparel and accessories trends, fabric innovation, and textile manufacturing developments to inform sourcing and product strategies

+ Apply strategic supply chain understanding to optimize sourcing decisions, ensuring development processes align with global supply chain objectives and efficiency targets

+ Oversee and analyze product costing across multiple categories; leverage cost structure expertise to guide supplier negotiations, identify cost-saving opportunities, and achieve margin goals

+ Evaluate and approve technical specifications and sourcing packs, ensuring design intent, functionality, and cost objectives are balanced across supplier capabilities

+ Direct the proto and sample development process, setting priorities, resolving production challenges, and ensuring all milestones are met according to the T&A calendar

+ Oversee data integrity and workflow in the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, ensuring timely updates to costing, development status, and material approvals

+ Partner with Merchandising and Category teams to address style exceptions and margin variances, providing informed recommendations prior to final costing approvals

+ Identify potential risks related to lead times, minimums, or capacity constraints early in the development cycle, proposing proactive solutions to maintain timelines

+ Lead new fabric and trim development initiatives, guiding suppliers through the approval process and ensuring all raw materials are aligned with design and production needs

+ Facilitate the handoff from Sourcing to Production, clearly communicating adopted styles, technical requirements, and delivery expectations to ensure a smooth transition into bulk production

+ Provide technical leadership in pattern, fit, and construction development; oversee silhouette research, grading, and pattern digitization to ensure consistency across product lines

+ Manage and approve lab dips and material color standards, partnering with suppliers to improve color execution and maintain consistency across global vendors

+ Oversee the raw material and color libraries within the PLM system, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility for cross-functional teams

+ Act as a primary liaison between global internal teams and overseas vendors, driving alignment on product details, timelines, and quality expectations

+ Track and evaluate vendor performance using KPIs and quarterly scorecards; partner with suppliers on improvement initiatives to strengthen long-term relationships and efficiency

+ Ensure compliance with company sourcing policies and supplier standards, upholding New Era’s commitment to ethical and sustainable production practice

+ Monitor and manage supplier performance (Vendor KSAP) for raw material suppliers to contribute to quarterly supplier improvement plans

+ Keep all sensitive matters confidential

+ Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Knowledge of trade regulations, production cycle timeline, calendar management, fabric construction and manufacturing

+ Ability to analyze information, make decisions, and recommend actions to drive business results

+ Understand the importance of this position and the role it plays and able to bring improvements to the bottom line through price reductions of goods and services

+ Demonstrated agility in adapting to change and evolving priorities

+ Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects

+ Detail oriented with strong follow through

+ Strong communication and organizational skills

+ A positive attitude, high level of energy, clear sense of urgency and direction

+ Achieves “Superior” level on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test

+ Working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MRP systems, quality and supplier management

+ Computer skills: proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Power Point, web-based applications, SAP experience preferred

Education and Experience

+ Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design or relevant field preferred; relevant job experience in lieu of degree will be considered

+ Three (3) to five (5) years of experience negotiating finished goods costing required; experience in Softline highly preferred

+ Experience establishing credible relationships with suppliers, customers, and employees with proven results required

+ Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required

+ Technical Design and pattern making experience preferred

+ Strong experience in overseas sourcing preferred

+ PLM experience preferred

Travel Requirement

+ The location for this position is 100% on-site in Buffalo, NY

+ 0% to 10%; domestic and/or global

New Era Cap, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that believes in inclusion and does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

The salary range for this posted position is $60,000 - $70,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

Our casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!

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