As Sourcing specialist for Trims you will work for our brands, Dressmann, Cubus, Volt, Bik Bok, Carlings and Junkyard, in a production-driven purchasing organization. This role is a link between purchasing, design, and production. You will also work closely with other professional functions within Varner and have a specially strong interaction with our Global production Offices located in Turkey, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and China.  

Your tasks range from analyzing the global market on raw materials, establish a complete sourcing network with Trims suppliers to secure Varner’s focus on full traceability from Tier 1-5. It will require price negotiations direct with suppliers on Varner level. Close interaction with our various brands designers and buyers to fulfill their needs of correct trims meeting Varner’s Sustainability and gross profit goals. The role requires travel to our production countries to establish relationship with suppliers. Visiting global fairs to source for new suppliers, new innovations, and trends within your category. 

The role is located at our head office at Slependen in Oslo Norway, and report to Category Manager. 

Areas of responsibility 

• Responsible for a portfolio of materials that support Varner's sustainability goals and fiber strategy. 
• Contribute to the development of our sourcing network within your category. 
• Map the need from the brands and ensure accessibility for the required materials. 
• Maintain and develop our Sourcing Routines. 
• Keep yourself updated and informed about new trends and innovation within production and materials. Attend to fairs and be proactively connected with suppliers and mills with the aim to establish strong partnership. 
• Research and Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, consolidation, and growth within your category. 
• Ensure that materials selected for Varner’s products meet our requirements based on Varner Sustainability- and Quality parameters. 
• Be part of price negotiation with Mill / suppliers to optimize production flow, regulate long-term costs and reduce lead-times. 
• Prepare and present trend presentations for inspiration and as a base of fabric sourcing for the bands within Varner. 

Experience and education 

• Extensive knowledge about the entire supply chain of a product 
• High knowledge and experience from working with materials covering zippers, buttons, rivets, pocketing, linings, labels, various material components along with production understanding and production cost. 
• Strong analytical skills within trend and sales, quality innovation, price development and market availability within the Apparel Industry. 
• Higher relevant education, experience and strong results can compensate for education. 
• High skilled in written and verbal English. 

Your work style: 

• Passion for leading the development of qualities and catching opportunities.  
• Curious about innovation and industry development within your field. 
• Able to work independently, through resources related to Brand and within Buying & Production, Design, and our Production Offices. 
• Strong collaboration and communication skills in teams both internal and external. 

We offer:  

• A key position in one of Scandinavia’s leading fashion retailers with strong brands and high market shares. 
• The opportunity to elaborate and develop an exciting and crucial department in the Organization.  
• A business minded and collaborative culture, driven by performance and ambitious people.  
• Our Head Office at Slependen is a spacious, state-of-the-art facility, equipped with several recreation areas, inspiring interiors, a restaurant with healthy varied selection of food and a private coffee shop.  
• You will work with fantastic colleagues and a culture that is quite unique.  

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact Category Manager Jonas.Arrelov@varner.com