Director of Sourcing (Boots)

Director of Sourcing (Boots)

Irvine, CA

Product Development / Production / Full Time / On-site

SOURCING DIRECTOR- Boots and Accessories

REPORTS TO : VP SOURCING STATUS : EXEMPT

OVERVIEW

This is where the community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and implement out-of-the-box ideas. We celebrate new innovations, congratulate one another's achievements, and most importantly support each other.

We work together to make a positive impact on the world around us, and by working collectively with encouragement, we consider ourselves "Partners." With the values of the West guiding us, we celebrate heritage, welcomes all, and values each unique Partner within our Boot Barn community.

Our vision is to offer everyone a piece of the American spirit one handshake at a time.

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Director of Sourcing for Boots & Accessories, you will lead the global sourcing strategy for our Exclusive Brands, with direct accountability for cost optimization, margin enhancement, quality performance, and timely product delivery. This role requires strategic oversight of a global vendor network, including cost negotiations and management of complex supplier relationships. You will exercise independent judgment and discretion in shaping sourcing direction, mitigating global supply chain risks, and driving compliance. As a key cross-functional leader, you will mentor sourcing team members, influence product development, and play a critical role in meeting company-wide financial and operational goals. International travel is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sourcing Strategy & Execution : Lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies for Boots and Accessories, optimizing factory allocation by capability, product type (e.g., work, western, fashion), lead time, cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Vendor Portfolio Management : Strategically diversify and manage a global factory / vendor base with deep specialization in boot construction types (e.g., Goodyear welt, cemented), ensuring alignment with brand and margin goals.

Risk Management & Compliance : Design and implement risk mitigation strategies for geopolitical volatility, raw material constraints, and regional disruptions. Ensure full compliance with international labor, environmental, and California legal standards.

Trade & Tariff Optimization : Lead tariff mitigation efforts and duty optimization for footwear under various trade programs (e.g., GSP, USMCA). Partner with legal and customs to ensure strategic country-of-origin (COO) shifts are fully compliant and cost-effective.

Time & Action (T&A) Oversight : Ensure timely execution of design handoffs, sample approvals, commercial buy readiness so that production milestones and delivery is met.

Strategic Vendor Relations : Serve as executive point of contact for key boot and Accessory manufacturers. Drive continuous improvement, innovation in design-for-manufacturing, and strategic partnership development.

Product-Centric Cost Leadership : Lead seasonal and core cost negotiations at the factory level. Leverage deep knowledge of construction methods, materials (e.g., leather, rubber, synthetics), and component sourcing to secure best-value pricing. Create raw material standardization, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives, including outsole, upper material, lining, and component procurement.

Margin & P&L Ownership : Own sourcing contribution to category-level margins. Drive multi-season cost reduction and efficiency programs that directly impact gross margin, inventory turns, and operating profit.

Forecasting & Capacity Planning : Lead vendor capacity planning to align with rolling forecasts, market demand, and product tiering. Ensure vendors have the visibility to meet fluctuating demand cycles.

International Travel & Vendor Engagement : Conduct strategic travel to key global manufacturing hubs (e.g., Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam, India) for vendor onboarding, cost discussions, and relationship-building.

New Vendor Development : Lead strategic identification and onboarding of new boot / accessory vendors based on category expansion, risk diversification, or regional shifts. Ensure onboarding aligns with technical, social compliance, and brand standards.

Executive Reporting & Insights : Prepare and present strategic sourcing updates to senior leadership, offering insights on vendor performance, cost trends, margin impact, and sourcing risk indicators.

$140,000 - $160,000 a year