The Sourcing Specialist will work collaboratively with various individuals within the department as well as other departments to achieve company product development and sourcing objective. Experience in hardline products, product development, and factory evaluations with overseas manufacturers are essential. This individual must be deadline oriented and excel in multi-tasking a variety of pending projects. Willingness to learn is essential for success and in conjunction with strong communication and collaboration with multiple groups throughout our business, provides a chance to make a big impact, and offers opportunity for career growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn and attain fingertip knowledge of product base;
• Develop a detailed understanding of HFT’s multiple databases and how they’re connected to ensure data alignment.
• Assist department in building a strategic vendor base for prioritized HFT categories;
• Develop assessment skills to determine a vendor’s ability to ship on time, provide quality goods, and to produce their products at costs that meet the economic requirements of HFT ;
• Learn the HFT methodology to find, evaluate, and select vendors to supply products that are sold by HFT
• Cross-functionally support product line transitions from sourcing of viable vendors through product costing, sampling, and quality testing in our own laboratories;
• Learn the HFT methodology to identify new products that would enhance the HFT mix and how to propose them to the cross-functional team by triangulating data from the vendor, portfolio, and market landscape.;
• Work within urgency and deadline requirements ;
• Collaborate closely with merchandising and packaging, quality and manuals, and sourcing teams on a daily basis to serve enterprise objectives and understand total impact of any actions.

Scope:

• Organizational Scope – All US locations/Single Category/Region/District/Distribution Center
• Travel – 15-30% Overseas
• Location—HQ Corporate.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,600 – $131,500 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Job Qualifications –
Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant and progressive buying experience in retail industry or 2 years’ experience in project management and/or new product development role
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Demonstrated ability to drive product implementation and strategy
• Experience with a fast-paced, high volume, efficient organization with emphasis on customer service and delivering results
• Ability to research products and trends and analyze products and product specifications in supplier proposals
• Considerable attention to detail and sense of urgency to ensure value-added content in the purchasing process and confidence in the continuity of supply
• Sourcing merchandise through new and existing vendors, trips and tradeshows;
• Ability generate and analyze sales reports and data
• Must be proficient with computers and automated process and systems;
• Must be a self-starter, results driven and proven leadership ability
• Strong sense of urgency, collaborative team style, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in priorities.

Physical Requirements:
General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports
• Lift up to 15 lbs;
• Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

About Harbor Freight Tools

Founded in 1977, we are a $10 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth mindset of a Championship Team. With more than 1,600 stores across 48 states, we're continuing to grow and open new locations every month. We offer our customers more than 6,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, shop equipment, and automotive tools. By delivering quality and value to our customers, we've built a culture where Associates can learn, grow, and do meaningful work every day.