Job Description: Sourcing Manager

Nester (Flem Consumer Pvt. Ltd.)

		Department
		
		
		Operations & Supply Chain
		
	
	
		
		Location
		
		
		GUrgaon, India
		
	
	
		
		Reports To
		
		
		Founder/CEO
		
	
	
		
		Position Type
		
		
		Full-Time, Permanent
		
	
	
		
		Salary Range
		
		
		₹15-25 L per annum (based on experience)
		
	
	
		
		Start Date
		
		
		Immediate (within 2-4 weeks)
		
	

 

About Nester

Nester is a premium Indian D2C homeware brand redefining kitchen appliances through exceptional design and functionality. Our positioning—"Glorify Your Home Rituals"—is reflected in our Smoked Caramel design language and a curated portfolio of products including:

Full Stack Steam Air Fryer
Premium Coffee Machine
Cold Press Juicer
7-Litre Air Fryer
Electric Pressure Cooker

We are a fast-growing startup (FY2026-27: aggressive revenue growth) seeking a dedicated operations professional to scale our supply chain and ensure best-in-class product quality.

Role Overview

The Sourcing Manager will own the complete end-to-end sourcing process for Nester's product portfolio, from supplier identification through final dispatch from China and assembly in India. This role is critical for ensuring we receive products that meet our exact specifications, quality standards, and durability requirements—protecting both our brand reputation and customer satisfaction.

You will be the single point of accountability for:

Identifying and qualifying suppliers
Negotiating pricing and terms
Managing production timelines and quality controls
Coordinating logistics and customs clearance
Building long-term supplier partnerships
Continuous improvement on cost and lead times

This is an execution-heavy role. You will own the sourcing playbook, manage multiple concurrent products at various stages, and ensure zero surprises at the port.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Discovery & Management (30%)

Identify 3-5 qualified suppliers per product category via Alibaba, Global Sources, trade shows, and direct outreach
Conduct supplier pre-screening: verify credentials, business registrations, certifications (ISO 9001, BSCI, SEDEX)
Send and evaluate RFIs and RFQs
Maintain dynamic supplier database with performance metrics
Conduct supplier qualification questionnaires and reference checks
Onboard new suppliers and manage KPIs via quarterly scorecard reviews
Build and maintain backup suppliers to mitigate risk
Negotiate payment terms, pricing, and contract terms

Key Outcome: [See detailed playbook]

Sample & Specification Management (25%)

Coordinate sample sourcing from qualified suppliers
Create detailed specifications documents (CAD drawings, materials, tolerances, performance specs)
Conduct comprehensive sample testing (visual, functional, durability, documentation)
Establish detailed testing protocols and scoring frameworks
Iterate specs based on sample feedback until all quality gates are met
Lock final specifications and prevent mid-production changes
Lead pre-production meetings to align suppliers on tooling and timeline

Key Outcome: [See detailed playbook]

Production Quality Assurance (25%)

Oversee First Article Inspection (FAI) for initial production batches
Define and enforce defect standards (critical, major, minor)
Monitor in-process inspections weekly; request photo evidence
Conduct final pre-shipment inspections (10-15% sample verification)
Coordinate third-party QC inspection for high-value orders (>5,000 units)
Log defects and manage resolution
Maintain quality documentation

Key Outcome: [See detailed playbook]

Logistics & Dispatch Coordination (15%)

Select freight forwarders and negotiate shipping rates
Coordinate shipping methods: sea freight (bulk), air freight (urgent)
Prepare import documentation
Ensure compliance certifications are complete
Monitor shipment in-transit
Coordinate India port arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery
Conduct incoming inspection at Nester warehouse

Key Outcome: [See detailed playbook]

Required Qualifications

Experience (Minimum 4 years)

4+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience
Preferred: Direct experience sourcing from China (home appliances, electronics, or consumer durables)
Proven track record managing suppliers in Asia (vendor management, negotiation, quality oversight)
Experience with kitchen appliances or small appliances sourcing is a plus

Technical Skills