Sourcing Manager (Malaysia)

About Branch:

Branch is shaking up the $46B office furniture industry to create an office experience for the 21st century: easy, affordable and flexible so you can sit down (or stand) and get to work.

We're based in NYC and backed by the investors behind household brands like Carta, Caraway and Peloton. Our founders arrive with experience in partnerships, real estate acquisitions and venture building at leading real estate companies like Oxford Properties, SL Green and Redfin. 

We’re an ambitious group of problem solvers innovating across software, design and logistics, and we’re looking for entrepreneurial teammates who like a challenge.

The Role:

The Sourcing Manager (Asia) is responsible for executing product development and sourcing initiatives across multiple markets. Reporting to the Director of Product Development (USA), this role serves as the primary liaison between the U.S.-based team and manufacturing partners — managing new product development, vendor relationships, Time & Action (T&A) calendars, key communications, and product costing.

The Sourcing Manager works closely with Branch’s Engineering and Production teams to support both factory operations and U.S. team requirements, ensuring alignment across the product development lifecycle.

This is an incredible opportunity to shape the sourcing function at a fast-growing, category-defining office furniture brand. If you're passionate about building exceptional products and elevating the way people work every day, we’d love to meet you!

Key responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Collaborate with the U.S. Product Development team on product strategy to ensure proper vendor allocation—right product, right vendor.
• Fully versed on Time & Action (T&A) master calendar and all key dates. Alert PD team around risks or when falling off the calendar.
• Partner with Engineering to manage product testing with factories and ensure adherence to testing protocols.
• Communicate target costs and sample ETDs to vendors, and follow up weekly—relaying progress updates to the U.S. Product Development team.
• Communicate program approvals to vendors and ensure the factory has the correct approved sample before production begins.
• Troubleshoot production issues in partnership with the Engineering team and factories to ensure on-time delivery; notify the Product Development and Operations teams of any significant delays.
• Negotiate costs and Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) for all new product developments.
• Obtain agreements on initial and reorder Minimum of Quantity (MOQs).
• Address factory up-charges during development by collaborating with Design, Engineering, Product Development, and factory teams to align and resolve.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and their technical teams.
• Liaise with Engineering regularly to align on all new developments—including construction, cost, and timelines—and help troubleshoot issues as needed.

Sourcing:

• Identify and source new products and factories through trade shows and industry contacts.
• Work hand in hand with US Sourcing to develop and execute against Branch sourcing strategies across all markets
• Plan and implement strategic vendor development initiatives to support long-term business growth.
• Monitor factory conditions (e.g., strikes, holidays) and communicate potential impacts to the U.S. team as needed.
• Facilitate On-boarding of new vendors through proper documentation, vendor relationship building, capacity confirmation, costing exercises, MOQ’s, payment terms, and vendor capabilities to align with Branch standards
• Maintain a working knowledge of competitor sourcing strategies, including factory locations, product categories, and cost benchmarks.
• Plan development trips as needed for new vendor exploration or sample reviews.
• Coordinate development trip logistics with U.S. Design and Product Development teams.
• Prepare all documents and samples for the U.S. team's visit.
• Partner with the Production team to monitor vendor performance related to product quality and on-time shipping.

What We’re Looking For:

• At least 5 years relevant working experience in sourcing, product development, or merchandising with an international company.  
• Strong costing and negotiating skills, with the ability to analyze all levels of product and vendor costing - including raw materials, labor, production efficiencies, container loading, packaging, etc.
• A self-starter that can work independently or as part of a team, with a strong sense urgency, and the ability to prioritize based on business needs
• High proficiency in project management; highly organized and detail-oriented 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take proactive steps and anticipate potential issues before they arise.
• Excellent at building strong vendor relationships while also maintaining appropriate levels of oversight and vendor accountability.
• Ability to assess and evaluate new and existing vendors in varying markets, with a high aptitude for global acumen.
• Full professional proficiency in English, with the ability to effectively communicate with North American leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel extensively across China, Southeast Asia, and other international regions as needed to oversee supplier engagement, product development, and factory evaluations.