Manufacturing Sourcing & Product Development Assistant

Job Summary:

This is a brand new position! You must be able to speak Mandarin and/or Vietnamese.

The Sourcing and Product Development Assistant supports the Director of Sourcing and Product Development by coordinating day-to-day tasks related to offshore vendor communication, sample management, product development workflows, and sourcing research. This role helps maintain strong relationships with vendor partners, assists with documentation and process adherence, and contributes to the smooth execution of sourcing and development activities. The Assistant will gather information, prepare materials, and support cross‑functional communication to ensure projects move efficiently through each stage.

FLSA Classification: Non‑Exempt
Department: Impak Team

Reports To: Director of Sourcing & Product Development

Work Schedule: M–F 8:00–5:00

Essential Functions

Project & Team Support

• Assist the Director in coordinating project stages including initial concept, sourcing, cost updates, and sample tracking.
• Prepare documentation, organize files, and ensure project details are accurately maintained.
• Support communication between Project Managers, Sales, and offshore partners by gathering information and relaying updates.

Vendor & Sourcing Coordination

• Help research new product categories and potential factory partners, compiling findings for Director review.
• Assist with onboarding new vendor partners by preparing agreements, quality standards, and routing guideline documents.
• Maintain vendor files, acknowledgements, and updated contact information.

Relationship & Performance Tracking

• Support the monitoring of vendor performance by helping maintain scorecards and internal report cards, based on the Director’s evaluations.
• Assist in preparing materials for quarterly or annual vendor reviews.

Knowledge Sharing & Internal Training Support

• Help coordinate internal training sessions related to offshore production capabilities.
• Assist with preparing presentations, materials, and follow‑up documentation.

Offshore Communication Support

• Assist Director in communicating via email with offshore partners, including updates on production status, sample needs, and scheduling.
• Track overseas conditions and relevant updates as directed.
• Help maintain updated vendor policies and communication guidelines.

Inspection & Quality Control Coordination

• Assist in managing the offshore production inspection calendar, including scheduling, tracking sample shipments, and organizing invoices.
• Partner with Director and overseas QC team to document control procedures and standards.

Product Development Assistance

• Assist with product development tasks, especially within textiles, by gathering samples, organizing specifications, and preparing comparison documents.
• Help track development timelines and ensure updates are communicated to the appropriate team members.
• Partner with Director to drive projects from initial concept through final delivery for high-profile accounts

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must be able to speak Vietnamese as well as English.
• Must have experience in international manufacturing sourcing industry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving and follow‑through abilities.
• Ability to act with professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Degree in Business, Communications, Merchandising, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in sourcing, product development, project coordination, or related roles. Primary packaging experience preferred.
• Experience working with offshore vendors is a plus.
• Bilingual in Mandarin is highly preferred; Vietnamese and Khmer are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Remote work is allowed up to 2 days per week after 90-days probationary period.
• Occasional overseas travel up to 10–15% (support role).
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds.

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person