Sourcing Consultant

Job Description

About the Brand

Established in 2020 by Amy Zurek, Savette celebrates traditional leather craft in a new and modern form. 

The foundation of each handbag is a timeless, sophisticated silhouette, rendered in exceptional Italian leather. From the convertible strap to the signature hardware, every component is designed to be aesthetically refined and intuitively functional. Each bag is made by hand outside Florence with considered details and thoughtful design. 

Savette is born from Amy’s mother’s maiden name. Women in her family are a source of strength and inspiration; the notion of a bag being passed on through generations of women, a rare modern heirloom, is at the heart of the brand. Amy approaches the design process with the intention of only creating bags she feels are necessary and unique to the brand, adding to a highly edited collection of styles. 

Savette has been featured by VOGUE, British Vogue, ELLE, WWD and other publications around the world. The bags have been worn by notables such as Lady Gaga, Emily Ratajkowski, Leandra Medine, Camille Charriere and others. 

The Role

Savette is seeking an experienced Sourcing Consultant to identify, vet, and introduce new manufacturers, artisans, and suppliers across a range of materials and product categories. Reporting to the Founder, this individual will draw on an established international network and strong industry knowledge to identify partners who meet our standards for quality, craftsmanship, and reliability. Projects may include sourcing specialized manufacturers for macramé and raffia products, identifying suppliers of pearls, hardware, embellishments, and other components, and exploring manufacturing opportunities for new product categories such as jewelry.

• The Sourcing Consultant will work closely with our Product Development and Production Manager and our workshop outside Florence to ensure every new material and component is right for the product and ready for production. This is a contracted, part-time engagement, scoped by project. The role is flexible on location, with occasional meetings at our studio in Brooklyn, NY, and travel to suppliers and trade fairs as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Sourcing and Vendor Discovery:

• Sourcing Briefs: Work with the Founder to translate each request into clear requirements, including aesthetic, quality, target price, minimum order quantities and lead times.

• Supplier Search: Identify and present a shortlist of qualified suppliers for each brief, drawing on an existing network and on trade fairs such as Lineapelle and Première Vision.

• Source leathers, linings, metal hardware, chains, closures, embellishments and specialty components suited to luxury leather goods.

• Request, track and deliver swatches, hardware samples and quotes, presenting options side by side with a clear recommendation.

Vendor Vetting and Negotiation:

• Vet prospective suppliers for quality, finishing, consistency, capacity and reliability, including facility visits where appropriate.

• Confirm technical, testing and compliance requirements (i.e. leather origin and traceability, plating durability and restricted substance standards).

• Negotiate pricing, minimums, lead times and sampling terms on Savette’s behalf, within parameters set by the Founder.

• Facilitate introductions and onboarding between new suppliers, the Product Development and Production Manager and our workshop in Italy.

Reporting and Market Insight:

• Maintain a supplier database with contacts, capabilities, pricing, minimums, lead times and sample status.

• Provide regular status updates on all open sourcing briefs.

• Share insight on new materials, finishes, techniques and supplier capabilities, including responsible and sustainable alternatives.

Key Attributes

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in sourcing, materials development or product development for luxury accessories or leather goods

• An established network of tanneries, hardware manufacturers and trim suppliers, particularly in Italy

• Deep technical knowledge of leathers (tannages, finishes and grading) and hardware (casting, plating and finishes)

• Proven negotiator with a solid understanding of costing, minimum order quantities and production timelines

• Discreet, independent and highly organized, representing the brand with professionalism and care

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Fluency in Italian strongly preferred

• Availability to travel to suppliers and trade fairs as needed

• Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace

Engagement and Compensation

This is an independent contractor engagement. Pre-approved travel and expenses will be reimbursed. The Sourcing Consultant is compensated solely by Savette and may not accept commissions or other compensation from suppliers introduced to the brand.

Savette is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.

Please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com with your resume, cover letter, and any other pertinent materials.