Senior Manager, Global Procurement - Lounge / Swim / Intimate / KBM

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager, Global Procurement – Lounge / Swim / Intimate / KBM based in India. We are seeking an experienced procurement leader to drive global sourcing strategy, product cost optimization, and supplier performance across lounge, swimwear, intimates, and related categories. This high-impact role focuses on building transparent, competitive, and sustainable cost structures while maintaining exceptional product quality. You will lead strategic negotiations with international manufacturing partners, oversee competitive sourcing processes, and develop detailed cost models to achieve ambitious savings targets. Working closely with merchandising, materials, production, and technology teams, you will identify opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience. You will also leverage data analytics and AI-powered tools to modernize procurement processes and support smarter commercial decisions. This is an opportunity to shape global sourcing strategies, unlock new value across the supply chain, and contribute directly to business growth.

Procurement Strategy: Define and execute short- and long-term procurement strategies for assigned product categories, establishing vendor distribution plans, commercial targets, and cost optimization initiatives aligned with business growth. Cost Optimization and Savings: Drive substantial product cost reductions without compromising quality, sustainability, or ethical sourcing standards. Establish measurable savings targets and deliver approximately 700 basis points of product cost reduction over the first 12 months. RFP Management and Negotiations: Lead end-to-end request-for-proposal processes, from identifying potential suppliers to evaluating bids, negotiating commercial terms, and awarding business. Develop repeatable negotiation frameworks to secure immediate savings and long-term competitive advantages. Clean-Sheet Costing and Buy Plan Approvals: Develop and apply component-level clean-sheet cost models to establish transparent, data-driven pricing benchmarks. Review and approve buy plans, evaluate margins, and identify opportunities to bring product costs closer to target or should-cost levels. Upstream Material Sourcing: Partner with material sourcing teams, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and manufacturing partners to secure competitive pricing and reliable availability for fabrics, yarns, fibers, trims, and other critical inputs. Integrate material sourcing considerations early into product design and development. Supplier Performance and Scale Economics: Establish launch-costing benchmarks and structured renegotiation schedules to capture improved pricing as volumes increase. Support merchandising teams with achievable scale-cost targets and ensure that procurement decisions support margin objectives. Supply Chain Value Creation: Identify opportunities for vertical integration, supplier consolidation, strategic commodity purchasing, and innovative sourcing models. Explore partnerships with mills, manufacturers, and upstream producers to improve cost efficiency, supply continuity, and access to critical materials. Technology and AI Enablement: Collaborate with technology teams to integrate procurement workflows into vendor management and product catalog systems. Help develop AI-powered agents and scenario analysis capabilities to streamline RFP execution, improve decision-making, and automate complex procurement activities. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with merchandising, materials, production, and senior leadership teams to align sourcing decisions with product innovation, commercial priorities, sustainability goals, and operational requirements. Requirements Professional Experience: At least 8 years of experience in global procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably within apparel, fashion, soft goods, or home goods. Strategic Sourcing Expertise: Proven success managing competitive RFP processes, negotiating with international manufacturing partners, and developing effective supplier allocation strategies. Costing and Financial Analysis: Hands-on experience creating and using clean-sheet cost models, analyzing component-level costs, evaluating supplier quotations, and identifying opportunities for margin improvement. Commercial and Negotiation Skills: Strong commercial acumen and a demonstrated ability to secure competitive pricing, improve supplier terms, and build mutually beneficial long-term manufacturing partnerships. Supply Chain Knowledge: Understanding of upstream material sourcing, raw material availability, manufacturing processes, consumption analysis, production efficiency, and commodity price dynamics. Analytical Capabilities: Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data, cost models, and scenario analysis to guide strategic decisions. AI and Technology Aptitude: Comfortable using AI-powered platforms, large language models (LLMs), and digital tools to automate procurement processes, evaluate sourcing scenarios, and improve operational efficiency. Cross-Functional Leadership: Experience collaborating with merchandising, materials, sourcing, and production teams to translate business objectives into actionable procurement strategies. Education: Bachelor's degree required. An MBA or other advanced qualification is an advantage. Leadership and Communication: Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to influence decisions and drive results in a fast-paced, performance-oriented environment. Benefits Opportunity to lead global procurement strategy across multiple product categories and influence key commercial decisions. A high-impact role with ambitious cost optimization objectives and significant scope for strategic ownership. The opportunity to build innovative sourcing models and reshape traditional supply chain practices. Exposure to advanced technology, AI-powered procurement tools, data analytics, and process automation. Collaboration with international manufacturing partners and cross-functional teams. The opportunity to contribute to more sustainable sourcing practices and improved supply chain efficiency. Potential for professional growth and expanded leadership responsibilities as the business scales.