Director of International Spirits & Components Sourcing

Job Description/Responsibilities

We are seeking a Director of International Spirits & Components Sourcing to join us at our global office in Lucerne, Switzerland. As the Director of International Spirits & Components Sourcing, you will lead our organization's efforts in procuring premium spirits and components from global markets, driving our competitive edge in the spirits industry. You will spearhead strategic initiatives, build robust supplier relationships, and ensure the integrity and quality of our spirits portfolio. This role requires a blend of strategic vision, industry expertise, and operational excellence to navigate the complexities of international sourcing while delivering exceptional products to our customers.

Qualifications/Requirements

Sourcing Strategy Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing and category strategy tailored to the spirits industry, considering market trends, consumer preferences, and business objectives.

Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and nurture relationships with global spirits suppliers, fostering collaboration and trust to secure favorable terms and maintain a sustainable supply chain.

Supplier Mgmt. Product Selection and Evaluation: Identify, assess, and select spirits suppliers based on criteria such as quality, authenticity, provenance, and production capabilities, ensuring alignment with brand standards and consumer expectations.

TQM Quality Assurance and Compliance: Establish rigorous quality control processes and compliance standards to uphold product integrity and regulatory requirements across the international supply chain.

Supplier Mgmt. Contract Negotiation and Management: Lead negotiations with spirits suppliers to optimize pricing, terms, and conditions, while mitigating risks and ensuring contractual compliance throughout the procurement process.

Optimize Import Supply Chain Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline the end-to-end supply chain for imported spirits, implementing efficiency improvements, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service levels.

Cont. Process Improv Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with international sourcing, including geopolitical factors, trade regulations, and market fluctuations, to maintain supply chain resilience.

Cont. Process Improv Market Analysis and Forecasting: Conduct thorough market analysis, trend forecasting, and competitive benchmarking to anticipate demand fluctuations, identify growth opportunities, and inform strategic decision-making.

KPI Program Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor supplier performance, product quality, and supply chain efficiency, leveraging data analytics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Culture Team Leadership and Development: Provide visionary leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the international sourcing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Additional Components

• NBD Innovation and Product Development: Collaborate with R&D and marketing teams to drive innovation and develop new spirits products that resonate with consumer preferences and market trends.
• Optimize Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Champion sustainability initiatives and ethical sourcing practices throughout the supply chain, ensuring responsible sourcing of raw materials and promoting environmental stewardship.
• NBD Global Market Expansion: Identify and explore opportunities for market expansion and diversification, leveraging insights from international sourcing to penetrate new geographies and demographics.
• Supplier Mgmt. Supplier Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within the supplier base, actively seeking partnerships with minority-owned and women-owned businesses to foster economic empowerment and social impact.
• Reg Compliance Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Stay abreast of regulatory developments and compliance requirements relevant to the spirits industry, ensuring adherence to international trade laws, customs regulations, and industry standards.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management within the spirits industry, with a focus on international markets.
• Deep understanding of the global spirits market, including product categories, trends, and consumer preferences.
• Strong negotiation skills and proven ability to build and maintain relationships with spirits suppliers worldwide.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, import/export regulations, and compliance standards relevant to the spirits industry.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data, conduct competitive analysis, and develop actionable insights.
• Leadership experience, with a track record of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present complex information clearly.
• Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.