ROLE SUMMARY
The Senior Sourcing Manager will lead one of Blue Labs' highest-priority product categories, focusing on gloves, hand protection, and broader PPE. This role oversees supplier relationships across nitrile, vinyl, latex, and specialty glove programs, as well as masks, protective apparel, and safety equipment.
The position drives private label development and manages complex global supply chain dynamics, including raw material volatility, tariff exposure, and evolving customer requirements across foodservice, industrial, medical, and jan/san channels.
This high-visibility, high-impact role reports directly to the Director of Strategic Sourcing and collaborates closely with sales, operations, and executive leadership to shape category strategy, win new business, and strengthen existing accounts.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Category & Supplier Management
Own end-to-end sourcing for nitrile, vinyl, latex, and specialty glove SKUs, as well as broader PPE categories including masks, protective apparel, face shields, and safety equipment.
Manage and develop relationships with overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs, and supply agreements.
Maintain a competitive supplier matrix and continuously evaluate alternative sources for risk mitigation.
Coordinate with factory contacts on product development, certifications (FDA, EN455, ASTM, BRCGS), and quality control.
B. Private Label & Product Development
Lead custom glove and PPE programs from concept through commercialization, including artwork, approvals, tooling, and first-order coordination.
Manage parallel program setups (nitrile and vinyl) for key accounts with disciplined ~150-day lead times.
Develop and maintain SKU-level cost models, pull-pack formats, and retailer/distributor-specific configurations.
Partner with sales on RFP responses, customer presentations, and new program proposals.
C. Supply Chain & Market Intelligence
Monitor and analyze raw material pricing (NBR, vinyl resin, latex) using industry indices such as MARGMA, ICIS/Platts, BLS PPI, and HIDA.
Communicate cost drivers, supply risks, and recommended pricing actions to internal and external stakeholders.
Develop force majeure and contingency sourcing strategies for commodity-exposed categories.
Build and maintain Blue Labs' proprietary glove and PPE market map across trademarked, private label, and distributor-exclusive brands.
D. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with the CRO and sales team on account strategy for distributors (Fastenal, Grainger, Veritiv, Bunzl, Imperial Dade) and end-users.
Support RFP/RFI submissions with sourcing data, certification documentation, and landed cost analysis.
Collaborate with operations and logistics on inventory forecasting, ERP input, and fill rate performance (target: 99%+).
Coordinate with compliance and QA on regulatory requirements across medical, foodservice, and industrial segments.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
5+ years of sourcing or procurement experience with a significant focus on gloves, PPE, or disposables.
Proven experience managing overseas factory relationships, particularly in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Strong working knowledge of glove materials (nitrile, vinyl, latex, neoprene) and manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with key certifications: FDA 510(k), EN455, ASTM D6319, GRS, ISO 13485, ANSI/ISEA 105, NIOSH.
Experience navigating commodity pricing cycles and communicating cost changes to customers.
Proficiency in landed cost modeling, DDP pricing, and tariff impact analysis.
Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems.
Preferred
Experience developing private label glove and PPE programs from artwork through first production run.
Existing relationships with glove and PPE manufacturers in Malaysia, Thailand, China, or Vietnam.
Knowledge of the U.S. glove and PPE distribution landscape across foodservice, jan/san, medical, industrial, automotive, and safety channels.
Experience supporting national account RFPs for distributors or big-box retailers.
Familiarity with MARGMA, HIDA, or ICIS/Platts raw material reporting.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive base salary plus performance bonus tied to category growth.
Direct access to executive leadership and meaningful influence over category strategy.
High-growth environment with aggressive expansion plans across new channels and accounts.
Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with fast decision-making and real ownership.
Comprehensive health benefits, PTO, and 401(k).
Remote work flexibility.
| Location | *, CA |