Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy （Direct Factory）

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy （Direct Factory）

Company: Coupang

Location: z-Test & Templates Only

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations (Sourcing, Product Strategy, Supply Chain)

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-7 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product assortment and launch strategies by leveraging market intelligence and manufacturing capabilities, acting as a critical link between consumer insights and production.

• Utilize data analysis to identify "white space" opportunities for high-margin, high-demand products within the Taiwan e-commerce market.

• Negotiate directly with Taiwan-based manufacturers, prioritizing speed-to-market and re-order flexibility to ensure agile production and just-in-time inventory.

• Manage the full product lifecycle, from initial launch decisions and pre-launch testing to post-launch performance monitoring and strategic adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Manager, indicating a need for significant strategic input, leadership in decision-making, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams, particularly manufacturing partners. The focus on "Direct Factory" implies a hands-on approach to supply chain development and direct vendor management, distinct from traditional third-party sourcing. The emphasis on "Agile Production" suggests a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration and response to market signals are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of platform sales data, competitor offerings, and consumer behavior in Taiwan to identify and capitalize on "white space" opportunities for new product development.

• Own the strategic "Go/No-Go" decision for new product introductions, employing pre-launch testing, A/B testing on landing pages, and comprehensive competitive pricing analysis to validate market potential before committing to manufacturing Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs).

• Cultivate and manage direct partnerships with Taiwan-based manufacturers capable of agile production, ensuring they can support smaller initial test batches and scale production rapidly based on real-time sales performance data.

• Lead commercial negotiations with factory partners, focusing on securing favorable terms for speed-to-market, re-order flexibility, and just-in-time inventory management to minimize overstock risks and ensure consistent product availability.

• Monitor and analyze critical post-launch performance metrics, including Conversion Rate, Return Rate, and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), to inform decisions on scaling production, iterating product designs, or exiting specific product categories.

• Perform regular competitor benchmarking, including scraping and analyzing competitor pricing and customer reviews, to ensure Coupang's direct-to-factory products offer a superior value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic foresight, analytical rigor, and operational execution. The role requires not just identifying opportunities but also having the commercial acumen and negotiation skills to bring those opportunities to fruition with manufacturing partners. The emphasis on "Agile Production" and "just-in-time" inventory management indicates a sophisticated supply chain strategy focused on minimizing risk and maximizing responsiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Economics, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Manager role. A Master's degree or an MBA could be advantageous.

Experience: 5–7 years of progressive experience in Category Management, Growth Marketing, Data-Driven Sourcing, or a similar role within an e-commerce or retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of the Taiwan e-commerce ecosystem, including market dynamics, seasonal trends, and local consumer purchasing triggers.

• Proven ability to analyze platform sales data, identify market gaps, and translate insights into actionable product assortment and launch plans.

• Strong commercial acumen, including experience building business cases, conducting ROI analysis, Landed Cost Analysis, and break-even point calculations.

• Expertise in identifying and vetting manufacturing partners, with a preference for those capable of agile production and flexible batch sizes.

• Exceptional negotiation skills, with a focus on speed-to-market, re-order flexibility, and partnership development rather than solely unit cost reduction.

• Demonstrated ability to manage the complete product lifecycle, from ideation and launch to performance monitoring and strategic adjustments.

• Proficiency in competitor benchmarking, including pricing analysis and review aggregation to ensure competitive product positioning.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with direct factory engagement and management in consumer electronics, apparel, or home goods categories prevalent in Taiwan.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies applied to manufacturing and product development.

• Data visualization and reporting skills to effectively communicate performance metrics and strategic recommendations.

• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese, in addition to English, would be highly beneficial for direct communication with local Taiwanese manufacturers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 5-7 years suggests a role that demands a strategic perspective and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. The specific mention of "Direct Factory" implies that candidates with hands-on experience in manufacturing operations or direct supplier management will be highly valued. The "Ecommerce Savvy" requirement points to a need for candidates who understand the nuances of online retail in Taiwan.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful product launches, highlighting the process from market identification to successful retail execution and profitability.

• Examples of data analysis reports that led to strategic assortment decisions or product line adjustments, showcasing analytical depth and actionable insights.

• Documentation of negotiation strategies and outcomes with manufacturing partners, emphasizing how terms like speed-to-market and flexibility were secured.

• Evidence of product lifecycle management, showcasing how performance metrics were used to inform subsequent decisions and optimize product offerings.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions outlining the process for identifying "white space" opportunities and validating product potential.

• Methodologies used for pre-launch testing, A/B testing, and competitive pricing analysis to inform "Go/No-Go" decisions.

• Frameworks for partner identification and vetting, specifically for manufacturers capable of "Agile Production."

• Structured approach to commercial negotiations focused on speed-to-market and re-order flexibility.

• Performance monitoring and feedback loops for product lifecycle management, detailing how metrics like Conversion Rate, Return Rate, and ROAS are tracked and actioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to structure and execute complex sourcing and product strategy initiatives. The portfolio should emphasize data-driven decision-making, strong vendor relationship management, and a clear impact on profitability and market competitiveness. The "Direct Factory" focus means demonstrating experience in building and managing direct manufacturing relationships is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy role in Taiwan, with 5-7 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is approximately TWD 1,500,000 to TWD 2,500,000. This estimate is based on market research for similar roles in the Taiwanese e-commerce and retail sectors, considering the seniority of the position and the specialized nature of direct factory sourcing and product strategy.

• Methodology: This estimation draws from publicly available salary data for comparable roles in Taiwan, factoring in the e-commerce industry, seniority level, and the specific responsibilities of direct sourcing and strategy. It also accounts for the cost of living and typical compensation benchmarks in major Taiwanese metropolitan areas where such roles are often based.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holiday schedule.

• Employee discounts on Coupang products and services.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Performance-based bonuses and potential stock options/equity.

• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Taiwan.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of e-commerce and direct factory management, flexibility may be required to accommodate international time zones, urgent production issues, or critical launch periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific salary and benefits details are not provided in the job description. The estimated salary range is based on market research for similar Senior Manager roles in Taiwan's e-commerce sector. The benefits listed are typical for a company of Coupang's scale and commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and Technology. Coupang is a leading e-commerce platform known for its innovative logistics and customer-centric approach, often referred to as the "Amazon of South Korea." Its expansion into Taiwan signifies a major growth initiative.

Company Size: Coupang is a large, publicly traded company with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale offers stability, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a structured yet dynamic environment.

Founded: Coupang was founded in 2010. Its rapid growth and expansion into multiple international markets, including Taiwan, highlight a culture of innovation, speed, and aggressive market penetration.

Team Structure:

• The Sourcing & Product Strategy team likely operates within the broader Merchandising or Category Management division.

• This role will report to a Director or VP level executive overseeing product sourcing and strategy for the Taiwan market.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using sales data, customer insights, and market trends to inform all strategic choices.

• Agile Operations: A focus on rapid iteration, flexibility, and responsiveness to market changes, particularly in production and inventory management.

• Customer Centricity: The core philosophy is to "wow" customers, driving all product and service decisions towards exceeding customer expectations.

• Direct Partnership Management: A proactive approach to building and managing direct relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.

Company Website: https://www.coupang.jobs/

📝 Enhancement Note: Coupang's culture is characterized by its fast-paced, results-oriented environment, driven by a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. The "Direct Factory" aspect suggests a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to supply chain management, even within a large organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Manager, indicating a significant level of responsibility and strategic input. It requires not just execution but also the ability to define strategy, manage complex relationships, and drive business outcomes. This level is typically a stepping stone to Director or VP roles within operations, supply chain, or category management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager will report to a higher-level executive (e.g., Director or VP of Merchandising/Sourcing/Category Management for Taiwan), indicating a clear path for mentorship and exposure to senior leadership. They will likely manage a team or work with key cross-functional stakeholders to drive initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Coupang's revenue and profitability in Taiwan. By identifying and sourcing high-margin, high-demand products directly from factories, the Senior Manager directly influences the company's Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), profit margins, and competitive positioning in the market. Strategic decisions in assortment planning and product development are critical to Coupang's success in expanding its customer base and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Director or VP roles within Sourcing, Category Management, or broader Operations in Taiwan or other markets.

• Strategic Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in direct sourcing, agile manufacturing, product strategy, and e-commerce market expansion.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broad experience by working closely with logistics, marketing, data science, and technology teams.

• International Mobility: Potential for future roles in other Coupang international markets as the company continues its global expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Manager" title and the emphasis on strategic decision-making and direct factory partnerships suggest this role offers significant career development potential. Candidates should highlight their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and experience in driving tangible business results.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Coupang's operations in Taiwan would likely involve a combination of office-based work for strategy, planning, and administrative tasks, and potential on-site visits to manufacturing facilities for direct factory engagement, quality checks, and negotiation meetings. The "z-Test & Templates Only" location suggests this is a placeholder and actual office environment details are TBD.

Office Location(s): While the provided location is a placeholder ("z-Test & Templates Only"), Coupang's operations in Taiwan would typically be based in a major metropolitan area such as Taipei, to facilitate access to talent, business partners, and logistical hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with internal teams (Merchandising, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (factories). Expect a dynamic and interactive workspace that fosters idea exchange and problem-solving.

• Data-Rich Environment: Access to extensive sales data, analytics platforms, and market intelligence tools will be standard, supporting the data-driven nature of the role.

• Fast-Paced Culture: Coupang is known for its speed and agility, so the workspace will likely reflect an environment where quick decisions and rapid execution are valued.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected. However, given the global nature of e-commerce and direct supplier management, flexibility to communicate with international partners or address urgent operational needs outside of standard hours may be required. This could involve early morning or late evening calls depending on time zone differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The placeholder location indicates that specific details about the physical work environment are not yet defined or are subject to change. However, based on Coupang's business model, the environment will likely be fast-paced, data-centric, and require significant cross-functional collaboration and external engagement with manufacturing partners.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and applications to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• Phone Interview: A preliminary discussion with an HR representative or hiring manager to gauge initial fit, discuss experience in more detail, and answer candidate questions.

• Onsite (or Virtual Onsite) Interview: This stage typically involves multiple interviews with different stakeholders, including potential peers, direct reports (if applicable), and senior leadership. Expect behavioral questions, situational judgment tests, and case studies.

• Offer: Extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate the business impact using specific metrics (e.g., % increase in margin, % reduction in lead time, % improvement in conversion rate, revenue generated from new products).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Detail the thought process behind your decisions. Explain why you chose a particular strategy, how you analyzed the data, and what alternatives were considered.

• Highlight Direct Factory Experience: If applicable, provide specific examples of successful partnerships with manufacturers, detailing negotiation successes, problem-solving during production, and how you fostered strong relationships.

• Demonstrate Data Proficiency: Present examples of data analysis performed, including the tools used, the insights derived, and how those insights directly informed product strategy or sourcing decisions.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by functional area (sourcing, product strategy, analysis) or by impact (profitability, market expansion, efficiency). Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: Be prepared for case studies that simulate real-world scenarios. These might involve analyzing a product category, identifying "white space" opportunities, evaluating factory capabilities, or devising a launch strategy for a new product in the Taiwan market.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting sales data, competitor analysis, and financial metrics quickly and accurately. Understand concepts like unit economics, landed cost, break-even points, and ROI.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach challenges related to supply chain disruptions, quality control issues with factories, or unexpected shifts in consumer demand.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your findings and recommendations concisely and persuasively. Be ready to defend your decisions and respond to challenging questions from interviewers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of experience validation, strategic thinking assessment, and cultural fit. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating tangible results and a data-driven approach, especially concerning direct factory engagement and product strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• E-commerce Platforms: Deep familiarity with major e-commerce platforms relevant to Taiwan (e.g., Shopee, PChome, potentially internal Coupang platform analytics).

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like SQL for data extraction, Excel/Google Sheets for analysis, and potentially Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for dashboard creation and reporting.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com for managing multiple product launches and factory engagements.

• Communication & Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for daily communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales/Performance Analytics: Tools to track sales volume, conversion rates, customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and return on ad spend (ROAS).

• Inventory Management Systems: Familiarity with systems that track stock levels, forecast demand, and manage re-order points.

• Market Intelligence Tools: Resources for competitor analysis, pricing intelligence, and trend forecasting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly stated, understanding CRM principles for managing supplier relationships or customer insights could be beneficial.

• ERP Systems: Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning systems that integrate supply chain, finance, and operations.

• Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software: Experience with specialized SCM tools for procurement, logistics, and inventory optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong analytical foundation and comfort with data-driven decision-making tools. While specific software isn't listed, proficiency in common e-commerce analytics, data manipulation, and project management tools is essential. Experience with direct sourcing and manufacturing systems would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations, driving all decisions from product selection to delivery. This is Coupang's core "Wow" principle.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data analytics to uncover opportunities, validate strategies, and continuously improve processes and product offerings.

• Speed & Agility: Embracing a fast-paced environment where quick decision-making, rapid execution, and adaptability to market changes are paramount.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for outcomes, from identifying sourcing opportunities to managing product lifecycles and factory relationships.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain and product operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on seamless collaboration between Sourcing, Merchandising, Operations, Marketing, and Data Analytics teams to ensure alignment and integrated strategies.

• Direct Partnership: Building strong, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships with direct factory partners, fostering open communication and shared goals.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are grounded in data and analytics, encouraging objective and evidence-based conversations.

• Feedback Loops: Encouraging continuous feedback from all stakeholders, including factories and internal teams, to drive iterative improvements in products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Coupang's values are deeply embedded in its operational philosophy. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with customer obsession, data-driven approaches, and a high-energy, results-oriented work ethic. The ability to foster strong partnerships, especially with manufacturers, is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Market Evolution: The Taiwan e-commerce landscape is dynamic; staying ahead of trends, competitor moves, and evolving consumer preferences requires constant vigilance and adaptability.

• Direct Factory Management Complexity: Building and managing direct relationships with Taiwanese manufacturers involves navigating cultural nuances, ensuring quality control, and maintaining production schedules in a competitive manufacturing environment.

• Balancing Profitability and Speed: The role requires balancing the need for high-margin products with the agility to launch quickly and test market demand, which can be a delicate operational and commercial balancing act.

• Scalability of Agile Production: Ensuring that chosen factory partners can consistently scale production efficiently based on real-time sales data without compromising quality or lead times.

• Data Integration & Interpretation: Effectively integrating data from various sources (sales, customer feedback, competitor analysis) and translating it into actionable product and sourcing strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into E-commerce Strategy: Gain unparalleled insight into the strategic levers of growth and profitability within a leading e-commerce market.

• Supply Chain Optimization Expertise: Develop advanced skills in direct sourcing, agile manufacturing, and just-in-time inventory management.

• Cross-Cultural Negotiation: Enhance skills in negotiating with international manufacturing partners, understanding local business practices and cultural dynamics.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives, potentially manage a team, and influence senior leadership decisions.

• Industry Exposure: Access to industry trends, innovative technologies, and best practices in e-commerce and manufacturing through company resources and potential external engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a fast-growing e-commerce market and a role focused on direct sourcing and product strategy. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these challenges and how their skills can be applied to overcome them. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to make a significant impact and advance their careers in the e-commerce operations space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a 'white space' opportunity in an e-commerce market. What data did you use, what was your proposed product strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "Walk me through your process for selecting and onboarding a new direct factory partner. What criteria do you prioritize, especially regarding agile production capabilities?"

• "How do you balance the need for competitive unit costs with the imperative for speed-to-market and re-order flexibility when negotiating with manufacturers?"

• "Explain your approach to managing the lifecycle of a product. How do you use post-launch metrics like Conversion Rate and ROAS to make strategic decisions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Coupang's mission and its expansion in Taiwan?"

• "How do you embody Coupang's core value of 'customer obsession' in your daily work?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, data-driven environment. How do you prioritize tasks and make decisions under pressure?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that directly align with the role's requirements (e.g., a successful product launch driven by data, a strong direct factory partnership, a significant improvement in profitability through sourcing strategy).

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study with a clear beginning (the challenge/opportunity), middle (your strategy, actions, and data analysis), and end (the results, impact, and lessons learned). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a guide.

• Quantify Everything: Ensure all results are backed by numbers and metrics. Explain the ROI, cost savings, revenue impact, or efficiency gains achieved.

• Focus on Direct Factory Aspects: If possible, highlight experiences where you directly managed or significantly influenced manufacturing partners.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your role, the data used, the decisions made, and the challenges encountered during your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of analytical prowess, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the e-commerce and manufacturing landscape in Taiwan. Highlighting direct experience with factories is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the Coupang jobs portal link provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in category management, data-driven sourcing, product strategy, and direct factory engagement. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics related to profitability, speed-to-market, and inventory management.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to analyze market trends, identify product opportunities, negotiate with manufacturers, and manage product lifecycles. Be ready to present these with a focus on data, impact, and your strategic approach.

• Research Coupang & Taiwan Market: Understand Coupang's business model, its recent performance, and its expansion strategy in Taiwan. Familiarize yourself with the competitive e-commerce landscape in Taiwan and common manufacturing capabilities there.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that showcase your strategic thinking, data analysis skills, and negotiation capabilities, particularly in the context of direct factory partnerships.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.