The Gig: Sourcing Specialist (Expected length of contract between 6-12 months, with 1 month notice period) 

Where we create: HQ is based in New Forest, UK. We envisage this role being in the office 60% of the working time.

Who we are:
Passenger is driven by a passion for escapism, connection, and the wellbeing of both people and the planet. As a fast-growing brand in the outdoor sector, we create products that are 'made to roam' and embody a culture that embraces inclusivity and fosters a collaborative team environment. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for protecting the planet while building something unique and authentic.

The Lowdown:
An exciting project has emerged within our fast-growing product team at Passenger. We are deeply committed to celebrating diversity and fostering a collaborative culture that reflects our love for the outdoors and sustainability. We expect the project to last between 6-12months and we would provide 1months notice period. 

In this pivotal role as Sourcing Specialist, you will be at the forefront of sourcing material that meet our high-performance, sustainability, and aesthetic requirements. Your expertise will be instrumental in working closely with both internal teams and external vendors to maintain the high standards we are known for. Reporting directly to our Head of Sourcing, you’ll play a key role in elevating the craftsmanship and authenticity that define our products. If you’re driven by a passion for quality and sustainability, and ready to contribute to something truly distinctive, this is the role for you.

What you’ll be doing day to day:

• Sourcing and developing specialist materials aligning with Passenger design, sustainability, and budget requirements.

• Leading specialist material projects from planning to commercial readiness by following the critical path.

• Sourcing and managing the seasonal specialist materials for design team use through consolidation and replacement.

• Working with the QA team to set and maintain quality standards for specialist materials, ensuring they meet technical and aesthetic requirements through rigorous testing.

• Troubleshooting specialist fabric characteristics, construction, lead times, and costing challenges.

• Assisting in developing Passenger’s ethical sourcing strategy.

• Contributing to sustainability commitments and staying updated on industry trends in specialist materials.

• Maintaining accuracy of specialist material and supplier data in product line management systems and HQ fabric library.

• Cultivating relationships with Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 suppliers.

• Ensuring specialist materials comply with industry legal and regulatory requirements.

• Travelling to vendors and trade fairs as needed.

What you will bring:

• Significant experience in specialist materials development within the performance, technical, and lifestyle apparel and gear industry.

• In-depth knowledge of textiles, textile manufacturing processes, and fabric applications, with a focus on specialist materials.

• Strong understanding of industry testing standards for specialist fabrics and trims.

• Experience using product line management systems is a plus.

• Lateral thinker and problem solver with highly developed numerical skills.

• A friendly, collaborative, and self-starting way of working.

• Endurance and perseverance to find the most effective solutions for the company.

• Willing and able to travel.

What we offer:
We nurture and empower the whole you – mind, body, and spirit. Our rewards package is designed to fuel your passions, support your ambitions, and cultivate an environment where you can thrive. In addition to a competitive salary, it includes:

• A culture of empowerment, freedom, flexibility, and trust.

• Escapism is serious business for us. We practice what we preach and connect together for monthly cabin sessions and getting outside. Our HQ is in the New Forest, 5 minutes from the sea.

• Typical Hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm, 5 days a week, with an expectation of three days a week based at our HQ Office in the New Forest.

• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays + a day for your birthday (pro-rata for the contract period).

• Very generous staff discount and friends and family discount.

• Private Medical Insurance for you and your dependents.

• Enhanced pension contributions and family leave policies.

• Annual Volunteering Day to support causes that matter to you.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other factors. Any applicant that believes they need reasonable accommodations to perform the duties of this role is invited to discuss this with us and let us know in their application.

Hearing from us:
We truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to apply with us, but sadly we won’t be able to provide feedback to anyone who isn’t taken through to the interview. Sometimes it will be the right person, wrong role, or time, so please sign up to hear about new roles at Passenger Careers and try again if you see something better suited.