Sourcing Assistant

Company Overview

Children’s Apparel Network is a well-established source for a wide variety of children’s apparel, spanning private-label products, character-driven licenses, and recognized national brands. The business operates across several retail formats and continues to evolve with a strong emphasis on product quality, style, and dependable service for both customers and partners.

The company works with accounts of many sizes, from independent boutiques to large national chains. Its retail reach includes department stores, mid-market and mass merchants, club and off-price retailers, value chains, and dollar stores, creating exposure to a broad mix of sourcing and merchandising needs.

Role Summary

This full-time, on-site position in the New York City Metropolitan Area supports the sourcing function by helping identify and assess suppliers, assisting with purchasing tasks, and keeping accurate records for vendor details and purchase orders. The role is also responsible for coordinating sample requests, monitoring timelines, and making sure product requirements, quality expectations, and cost goals are met.

Day-to-day work includes supplier and market research, report preparation, and close coordination with teams such as design, production, and merchandising. The position requires regular vendor communication, follow-up on delivery and quality concerns, and support in improving sourcing workflows as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate potential suppliers to support sourcing decisions.
• Assist with procurement-related activities, including purchase order tracking and vendor record maintenance.
• Coordinate sample requests and monitor key timelines and deliverables.
• Verify that product specifications, quality standards, and cost targets are being met.
• Conduct market research and compile supplier and pricing information.
• Prepare reports and analysis for the sourcing team.
• Work with internal departments such as design, production, and merchandising.
• Communicate with vendors regularly and help resolve issues related to delivery and product quality.
• Support continuous improvements to sourcing processes and day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to analyze data and compare costs to inform sourcing choices.
• Clear, professional communication skills for working with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Good organizational ability to handle multiple projects, deadlines, and records at once.
• Working understanding of procurement tasks such as purchase orders, vendor coordination, and cost tracking.
• Research capability to identify suppliers, review market trends, and collect material and pricing details.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office, especially Excel; exposure to ERP or sourcing platforms is a plus.
• Background in apparel, retail, or supply chain is preferred, though not mandatory.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Fashion Merchandising, or a related area, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and the ability to collaborate in a fast-moving, deadline-focused environment.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in the New York City Metropolitan Area. No additional compensation, benefits, application deadline, or opening count was specified in the source information.