About the Company
Well-established specialty retailer operating 40+ coastal retail locations across the Southeast, supported by a multi-site distribution and warehousing network. The company has built a loyal customer base around a distinctive in-store experience and is investing in its merchandising, sourcing, and operations infrastructure to support its next phase of growth. The company's identity is being kept confidential at this stage of the search; details will be shared with candidates who advance in the process.
Position Overview
Our client is seeking an International Sourcing Buyer to identify, negotiate, and manage the flow of product from overseas suppliers into the company's assortment. This role is a hybrid of buying, sourcing, and import execution: rather than simply placing orders against a pre-set assortment, this person actively hunts for the right products overseas, evaluates suppliers and factories, negotiates cost and terms, and owns the process from initial sourcing through production, quality control, and shipment. Regular international travel — including to sourcing events such as the Canton Fair and Yiwu Market — is a core part of this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Travel to overseas sourcing events (e.g., Canton Fair, Yiwu Market) and walk factory/trading company booths to identify new products, suppliers, and trends that fit the assortment.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify new factories, manufacturers, and trading company partners, primarily in China and other Asian sourcing markets.
- Understand target costs for each product category and negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and payment and delivery terms with suppliers and trading partners.
- Own the end-to-end import buying cycle: sourcing, sample review, order placement, production tracking, quality control, and shipment coordination.
- Review and approve pre-production and production samples for quality, compliance, and fit with the brand's assortment.
- Coordinate with QC teams or third-party inspection agents to ensure product quality standards are met before shipment.
- Track production timelines and shipping schedules, proactively troubleshooting delays or issues with factories and trading partners.
- Partner with the domestic buying/merchandising team to align sourced products with seasonal assortment plans and target price points.
- Coordinate import documentation, compliance, and logistics with freight forwarders and customs brokers as needed.
- Monitor overseas market trends, factory capabilities, and cost structures to surface new sourcing opportunities.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in import buying, international sourcing, or overseas procurement, ideally in retail or consumer products.
- Direct experience sourcing from Asia, with China strongly preferred; familiarity with trade shows such as the Canton Fair or Yiwu Market is a strong plus.
- Established relationships with factories, trading companies, or sourcing agents in Asia preferred.
- Strong negotiation skills across pricing, MOQs, and payment/delivery terms.
- Working knowledge of import/export logistics, customs requirements, and international shipping processes.
- Experience managing sample review and quality control processes for overseas-produced goods.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple products, purchase orders, and timelines simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across time zones, languages, and cultures.
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
How to Apply
This search is being conducted on a confidential basis. Interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume for consideration; the identity of the hiring company will be disclosed to candidates who advance in the process.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
