Global Sourcing & Content Improvement Director

This position is responsible for all aspects of Global Sourcing, Supplier/Product Quality & CI initiatives. The purpose is to find opportunities for cost savings, incremental sales through new products sourced off-shore and overall EBIT improvement through the execution of the program. The position will also have accountability for establishing an overall Quality System for organizational, managerial, and accountability structures and the setting of objectives and long-range goals for Supplier/Product Quality & CI initiatives. Buying decisions are made by the category manager, but this position is responsible for the strategic facilitation, coordination and the reporting of AutoZone Global Sourcing, Supplier/Product Quality & CI efforts and to ensure the overall goals are achieved. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop a long-term vision for Global Sourcing, Supplier Quality & CI initiatives Facilitate the execution of the vision through cross functional efforts with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing and our Suppliers. Coordinate reporting and tracking of all program activities to show process improvements and savings progression for all initiatives. Partner with Category Managers, Directors and VPs to develop import targets for the operating plan and establish overall sourcing targets. Also coordinate with Finance to ensure proper reporting of costs incurred in the financial statements. Coordinate reporting and tracking of all programs' budgets. Ensure budget targets are met, working with Assistant Controller, Merchandising Controllers, and Supply Chain Controllers. Develop training materials and coordinate training sessions for Merchandising teams to educate them on the different programs' processes. Establishes overall Quality System for organizational, managerial, and accountability structures. Sets objectives and long-range goals. Establishes overall Quality System for organizational, managerial, and accountability structures. Sets objectives and long-range goals Oversees the Manager of Supplier Quality and CI in the Assessment process of current and potential suppliers, through on-site audits of their manufacturing and quality systems, with the goal of improving the AutoZone supply base. Develop Quality Assurance auditing structure for new suppliers, domestic and foreign suppliers. Ensures that the Manager of Supplier Quality and CI coordinates and manages audits for all supplier manufacturing facilities. Monitor and direct Manager of Supplier Quality and CI and CIMs in determining root cause analysis on damaged and undamaged returns. Establish frequency and feedback loop to Senior Management. Give functional direction and assistance to Manager of Supplier Quality in the development of the role and relationship between CIM and Category Manager. Partners with suppliers and AutoZone employees to understand and establish customer quality expectations. Facilitates the coordination with outside consultants on Quality / Continuous Improvement initiatives and projects as needed. Travel overseas 1-2 times per year to establish/maintain supplier and agent relationships when needed Lead the team responsible for Product Requirement documents to ensure we are setting the proper standards for the programs we are sourcing. Take the lead on ESG related topics for the Merchandising department. Manage the integrated system (WorkFront) used to manage the GS business and keep track of all projects/testing/etc. Work closely with Marketing to ensure all DI programs are aligned with the relevant brand standards for DI products. Manage the global relationships with 3rd party vendors who support our global quality (testing, compliance, etc..) initiatives. Lead the team responsible for packaging related initiatives. These initiatives are typically related to cost or quality areas of improvement. Support country diversification strategy for sourcing to expand the portfolio of countries we DI parts and products from. Support global vendor partner summits as needed. REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) or equivalent in finance, business, international business, engineering, or similar degree Experience with import sourcing in a retail establishment, managerial or oversight experience Experience with supplier/product quality, lean and continuous improvement initiatives PREFERRED MBA