20 years experience in Retail with strong leadership and nego skills
After I achieved my Master Degree in Retail Management in 2003, I joined Kingfisher Group (B&Q China) as Assistant to Buying VP, started my career in Retailing.
In 2007, I started sourcing as Merchandiser in Kingfisher regarding project management, product development and delivery, vendor management, price negotiation, etc.
In 2011, with the promising growth market of B2C business in China, I left Kingfisher to join a local company as Business Development Manager, with more involvement for people / team management. I have learnt how to think and execute from a strategic view.
In 2013, due to family reason, I have chosen to come back to work for Kingfisher as Product Sourcing Manager to bring my strong managerial skills and leadership, perseverance and problem-solving skills, also strong presentation, and communication skills.
Currently, I’m leading Electrical team as Product Sourcing Manager based in Shanghai.
Product Sourcing Manager for Electrical and Data Communication
Team Management – manage objective setting and performance review every year to make sure the team performance and engagement. Backup and support when necessary.
Project management – delivery purchasing value and direct sourcing penetration and margin improvements, product improvements across different range of categories for Kingfisher companies. Leading internal diamond team (Sourcing, Quality, Manufacturing Excellence Management, Supply Chain) to implement commercial strategy and plan. Accountable for the sourcing / cost price negotiation.
Vendor management – identify qualified vendors and factories, establish and manage strong relationships with suppliers, consolidate vendor base for different categories. Understanding vendor map based in ASIA via vendor discovery and investigation.
Price management – cost price control and negotiate price with vendors, managing price increase and reduce. Understand cost breakdown and cost driver for each sub-category product.
Product development – developing new design products with Design Company, NPD team and QA Dept. Understanding product design trend for different categories. Sourcing new products for customers.
Budgeting and Forecasting – review category shipment and cost reduction performance regularly. Submit forecast and budget for the responsible category.
Managing communications with different Kingfisher Group team and Banners (Operating Companies in EU/UK countries), understanding customer needs. Internal communication with different local teams to represent purchasing on major projects and processes.
Full of passions and challenges everyday with supportive colleagues
As being a Product Sourcing Manager, I’m really enjoying working with different parties internally and externally. I’m participating in exciting projects and product development. Negotiation is quite challenging under the tough market circumstance. But when you work progressively, you can fell the sense of fulfillment and achievement, especially with the support from colleagues globally.
From my personality perspective, I’d like to face different challenges and this position can fulfil my willingness, in terms of vendor management, product development, negotiations, etc.
Don’t give up your dreams, be positive and having growth mindset
The only thing that will never change is change. The key to face change and challenge is to enhance the tenacity and resilience for yourself. Be positive, open, flexible, and having the right attitude will bring you a very successful career.
Having a growth mindset can help you overcome the obstacles, understand the importance of persistence and determination. To reach or maximize your potential, learn from the mistakes, be responsive to criticism, and face challenges positively, which allows you to explore, experience and achieve more in your life.
High score every year on team Employee Engagement Survey
In recent Employee Engagement Survey, my team achieved the score above the benchmarking, especially for the question with the highest score of “My manager provides me with the support I need to complete my work”.
I have received the high recognition from line manager, appreciation from co-workers in terms of contribution, dedication, and engagement.
I’m proud of the team achievement and hard-working spirit. The team has won the company annual award in past several years, e.g. “Collaboration” award in 2021.
