Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy(Direct Factory)

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Coupang

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy / Product Strategy

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-7 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive data-driven product strategy by analyzing e-commerce trends and consumer behavior to identify high-margin, high-demand product opportunities.

• Manage direct factory partnerships in Taiwan, focusing on agile production capabilities for rapid scaling based on real-time sales performance.

• Own strategic launch decisions for new products, utilizing pre-launch testing, A/B testing, and competitive analysis to validate market potential.

• Lead commercial negotiations with manufacturers, prioritizing speed-to-market and re-order flexibility over solely unit cost.

• Oversee product lifecycle management, monitoring key performance indicators to inform decisions on product iteration, scaling, or discontinuation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while not strictly a "Revenue Operations" title, is deeply intertwined with GTM strategy and product-led growth. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making, market intelligence, and optimizing product profitability aligns directly with operational excellence and revenue generation. The "Direct Factory" aspect indicates a strong focus on supply chain efficiency and cost optimization, crucial for maintaining healthy margins in an e-commerce environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of e-commerce platform sales data to identify "white space" opportunities and unmet market needs for new product development.

• Develop and present comprehensive business cases for new product launches, including projected ROI, landed cost analysis, and break-even point calculations.

• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Taiwan-based manufacturers, convincing them to prioritize Coupang's production needs based on data-backed demand forecasts.

• Negotiate manufacturing agreements that emphasize agility, speed-to-market, and flexible re-order quantities to support dynamic inventory management.

• Implement and manage "just-in-time" inventory strategies to minimize overstock risks and ensure consistent product availability for customers.

• Monitor and analyze post-launch product performance metrics such as Conversion Rate, Return Rate, and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) to inform strategic adjustments.

• Perform regular competitor benchmarking, including scraping and analyzing pricing, product features, and customer reviews to maintain a competitive edge.

• Direct factories on product design iterations or category exits based on ongoing performance analysis.

• Identify and vet Taiwan-based manufacturers capable of agile production, capable of handling smaller test batches and scaling rapidly.

• Ensure direct-to-factory products offer a superior value proposition through continuous competitor analysis and market understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed highlight a critical blend of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and operational execution. The focus on "Agile Production" and "just-in-time" inventory management suggests a need for strong supply chain operations awareness. The emphasis on data analysis for "white space" opportunities and post-launch performance metrics points to a role that directly impacts revenue through product assortment optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA is considered a strong asset.

Experience: 5–7 years of progressive experience in Category Management, Growth Marketing, Data-Driven Sourcing, or Product Strategy within a fast-paced e-commerce or retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of the Taiwan e-commerce ecosystem, including seasonal trends, consumer purchasing triggers, and competitive landscape.

• Proven ability to analyze large datasets (platform sales, market trends, competitor data) to derive actionable product insights and identify growth opportunities.

• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in building business cases, conducting ROI analysis, and performing landed cost analysis.

• Excellent negotiation skills with a focus on speed-to-market, flexibility, and partnership building, particularly with manufacturing partners.

• Proficiency in developing and managing product lifecycle strategies, from initial concept and launch to performance monitoring and optimization.

• Demonstrated ability to manage direct factory relationships, understanding manufacturing capabilities and driving agile production processes.

• Experience with competitor benchmarking and market intelligence gathering to inform product and pricing strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with agile production methodologies and direct factory partnerships in Taiwan or similar Asian manufacturing hubs.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies for product validation and landing page optimization.

• Knowledge of inventory management principles, including "just-in-time" (JIT) and its implications for agile supply chains.

• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese, in addition to English, to facilitate direct communication with local manufacturers.

• Experience in category management with a focus on private label or direct-to-consumer (DTC) product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5-7 years" aligns with a Senior Manager level, indicating a need for demonstrated leadership and strategic impact. The emphasis on understanding the "Taiwan e-commerce ecosystem" and "factories that can deliver products at best quality & lowest cost" suggests a need for local market knowledge or a strong ability to rapidly acquire it. The "Agile Production" requirement points to a need for candidates familiar with modern manufacturing and supply chain strategies that enable rapid response to market demand.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Strategy Case Studies: Showcase instances where you identified a market gap or opportunity and developed a successful product strategy, detailing the analysis, decision-making process, and outcomes.

• Data Analysis & Insights: Provide examples of how you've used sales data, market research, or competitor analysis to inform product assortment, pricing, or launch decisions. Quantify the impact whenever possible.

• Factory Partnership & Negotiation: Illustrate successful collaborations with manufacturers, highlighting how you achieved favorable terms (speed, flexibility, quality) and managed production.

• Lifecycle Management Examples: Present a product's journey from ideation to post-launch performance, demonstrating your ability to monitor metrics, iterate designs, and make strategic decisions about its future.

• ROI & Financial Modeling: Include examples of business cases or financial models you've built for new product initiatives, demonstrating your ability to project profitability and justify investments.

Process Documentation:

• Product Ideation & Validation Framework: Document your process for identifying, researching, and validating new product ideas before committing to manufacturing.

• Agile Sourcing & Production Workflow: Outline your approach to working with direct factories, including supplier vetting, negotiation strategies, and managing agile production cycles.

• Performance Monitoring & Iteration Process: Detail your system for tracking post-launch product performance and the methodology used for making data-informed decisions on product adjustments or discontinuation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For roles focused on strategy and sourcing, a portfolio demonstrating tangible impact is critical. The emphasis on "Direct Factory" partnerships and "Agile Production" means that showcasing the ability to manage complex supplier relationships and execute quickly will be paramount. Candidates should highlight their ability to translate data into actionable product strategies and demonstrate a clear understanding of manufacturing constraints and opportunities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Manager roles in Taipei, Taiwan, with 5-7 years of experience in e-commerce product strategy and sourcing, the estimated annual salary range is NT$1,500,000 - NT$2,500,000 (New Taiwan Dollars). This range accounts for the specialized nature of direct factory partnerships and strategic product development.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and potential conference attendance.

• Employee discounts on Coupang products and services.

• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to advanced analytics and reporting tools to support data-driven decision-making.

• Potential for stock options or equity grants, depending on role and performance.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, given the dynamic nature of e-commerce and the need for rapid response to market changes and factory communication, some flexibility may be expected, potentially including occasional work outside standard business hours to manage urgent production or launch-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from reputable sources for Senior Manager roles in Taipei within the e-commerce and retail sectors, adjusted for the specific responsibilities of direct sourcing and product strategy. Benefits are typical for a large, international e-commerce company and are tailored to attract and retain talent in operational and strategic roles. The "Agile Production" and "Direct Factory" focus implies a need for responsiveness, which can translate to some flexibility in working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce & Technology. Coupang operates at the intersection of retail, logistics, and technology, aiming to revolutionize the customer shopping experience through innovation and efficiency.

Company Size: Coupang is a large, rapidly growing global e-commerce company, employing thousands of individuals across various functions and geographies. This size implies structured processes but also opportunities for significant impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Coupang was founded in 2010. Its rapid growth and expansion into new markets like Taiwan demonstrate a culture of ambition, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction ("Wow").

Team Structure:

• The Sourcing & Product Strategy team likely operates as a critical component of Coupang's GTM and Product Development functions in Taiwan.

• This role will probably report into a Director or Head of Category Management or Merchandising for Taiwan, with close collaboration with local operations, marketing, and global product teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Coupang emphasizes using data analytics to inform all aspects of its business, from product selection and pricing to operational efficiency.

• Customer Centricity: The core philosophy is to "wow" customers, driving continuous improvement in service, product quality, and delivery speed.

• Agile Execution: The company culture fosters rapid iteration and adaptation, essential for staying ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape. This is particularly relevant for the "Agile Production" aspect of this role.

• Innovation: Coupang actively seeks innovative solutions to enhance the customer experience and optimize operational processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Coupang's reputation as a fast-paced, customer-obsessed e-commerce giant suggests a demanding yet rewarding environment. The "Direct Factory" focus indicates a strategic move to gain deeper control over product quality, cost, and speed, which aligns with operational excellence and a competitive GTM strategy. The emphasis on "Wow" means that exceeding customer expectations is the benchmark for success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Senior Manager, Sourcing & Product Strategy" position represents a mid-to-senior level role within Coupang's GTM and Product operations framework. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and hands-on execution, particularly in managing direct supplier relationships and product lifecycles. The role is pivotal in shaping the product offering and profitability for the Taiwan market.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director of Category Management or a similar leadership position overseeing product strategy and sourcing for Coupang Taiwan. This structure provides a clear line of sight to senior leadership and strategic decision-making processes within the organization.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Coupang's revenue and profitability in Taiwan. By identifying and sourcing high-demand, high-margin products directly from factories, the manager influences product assortment, cost of goods sold (COGS), customer acquisition cost (CAC) through competitive pricing, and customer lifetime value (CLV) through product quality and availability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Director-level roles overseeing broader category management or sourcing operations for Taiwan or other regions.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific product categories, direct sourcing strategies, or agile manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into broader GTM strategy, business development, or operations leadership roles within Coupang.

• Global Exposure: As Coupang expands, there may be opportunities to contribute to or lead international sourcing and product strategy initiatives.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in e-commerce trends, data analytics, supply chain optimization, and negotiation tactics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Manager title implies a degree of autonomy and responsibility for strategic outcomes. The growth opportunities suggest that Coupang invests in its talent, offering clear paths for career advancement within its rapidly expanding global operations. The direct impact on revenue and profitability makes this a high-visibility role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Coupang typically offers modern office environments designed to foster collaboration and innovation. This role is based in Taipei, Taiwan, and will likely involve working in a hybrid or primarily on-site capacity to facilitate direct engagement with local teams and potentially factory visits.

Office Location(s): The primary office location will be in Taipei, Taiwan, a major business hub. Specific office details would be provided during the recruitment process, but Coupang aims for accessible and well-equipped workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and quiet zones to accommodate various work styles and promote cross-functional interaction.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to Coupang's internal systems, data analytics platforms, and communication tools will be standard. Expectations for utilizing these tools to drive efficiency and informed decision-making are high.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: Expect a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where quick decision-making and adaptability are valued. Regular team huddles and cross-functional syncs are common.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the nature of e-commerce and direct factory management may require flexibility. This could include early morning calls with international teams or late-day communications with local factory partners to ensure smooth operations and timely execution. The focus is on achieving business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is key for a role involving direct factory partnerships and local market dynamics. The emphasis on collaboration and data tools is standard for tech-driven e-commerce companies. The dynamic atmosphere aligns with Coupang's growth trajectory and its commitment to rapid execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and applications to assess qualifications against the role requirements, with particular attention to e-commerce experience and sourcing/product strategy background.

• Phone Interview: A preliminary discussion with an HR representative or hiring manager to gauge general fit, understand career motivations, and confirm essential qualifications.

• Onsite (or Virtual Onsite) Interview: This stage will involve multiple interviews with key stakeholders, including potential direct reports, peers, and senior leadership. It will likely include:

  • Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a pre-prepared case study on a product strategy initiative or a sourcing challenge they solved.
  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
  • Technical/Functional Interviews: Deep dives into e-commerce analytics, sourcing negotiations, product lifecycle management, and factory partnership strategies.

• Offer: Final offer extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For every project or initiative in your portfolio, focus on quantifiable results. Use metrics like revenue growth, margin improvement, cost reduction, speed-to-market reduction, or customer satisfaction scores.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your decisions. Explain the market context, the data that informed your choices, and the strategic rationale for your approach to product development and sourcing.

• Highlight Data-Driven Approach: Emphasize how you used data analytics, A/B testing, or market intelligence to identify opportunities and drive decisions. Provide specific examples of tools and methodologies used.

• Demonstrate Partnership Skills: Include examples of successful collaborations with internal stakeholders and external partners (factories). Showcase your ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively.

• Tailor to Coupang: Research Coupang's specific product categories, market position in Taiwan, and stated values. Frame your portfolio examples to resonate with their business objectives and operational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case: Prepare a detailed case study demonstrating your ability to identify a market opportunity, develop a product strategy, select manufacturing partners, and manage its lifecycle. Focus on the Taiwan market if possible.

• Sourcing Negotiation Scenario: Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating with direct factories, emphasizing how you balance cost, quality, speed, and flexibility.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Prepare to walk through your analysis of a hypothetical sales dataset or market trend and explain the actionable insights you would derive.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of strategic, analytical, and interpersonal skills. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable results and a data-driven approach will be critical for success. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their thought process and demonstrate a deep understanding of the e-commerce landscape and direct sourcing dynamics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Proficiency with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing sales data, competitor performance, and market trends.

• E-commerce Platforms: Familiarity with major e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento, or custom internal platforms) and their backend analytics.

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for understanding customer behavior and sales pipeline dynamics, though this role is more product/sourcing focused.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for financial modeling, data manipulation, and reporting (e.g., VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, complex formulas).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with Google Analytics or similar tools to understand website traffic, conversion rates, and user behavior.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Ability to leverage BI platforms for creating dashboards and generating reports on product performance, profitability, and market trends.

• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Optimizely or Google Optimize for conducting landing page and product feature tests.

CRM & Automation:

• Sourcing & Procurement Software: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with any sourcing management platforms or tools that facilitate factory communication and order tracking would be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing product launch timelines and cross-functional projects.

• Communication Tools: Proficiency in Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for real-time team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes data analytics and business intelligence, reflecting the "data-driven" nature of the role. While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of managing CRM workflows, understanding how data flows from customer interactions and sales impacts product strategy is crucial. The emphasis on direct factory partnerships might involve less common operational tools, so adaptability and a strong analytical foundation are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations, translating into product quality, pricing, and availability that "wows" them.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Decisions are consistently informed by data and analytics, driving efficiency, profitability, and strategic clarity.

• Agility & Speed: A culture that embraces rapid iteration, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt to market dynamics swiftly.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for product success, from ideation and sourcing to performance monitoring and lifecycle management.

• Partnership & Collaboration: Fostering strong relationships with internal teams and external manufacturing partners to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close partnerships with marketing, operations, finance, and logistics teams are essential for successful product launches and ongoing management.

• Data-Sharing Culture: Openness to sharing data and insights across teams to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.

• Direct Communication: A preference for clear, concise, and direct communication, especially when dealing with time-sensitive issues related to production or market response.

• Feedback Loops: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve processes, product offerings, and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Coupang's values are geared towards rapid growth and customer satisfaction, which translates into a demanding yet rewarding work environment. The emphasis on agility and data-driven decision-making is paramount for any role impacting product strategy and revenue generation in this fast-paced e-commerce setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Market Evolution: The e-commerce landscape in Taiwan is competitive and dynamic, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation to changing consumer preferences and competitor strategies.

• Supply Chain Agility: Balancing the need for speed and flexibility from direct factories with maintaining consistent quality and cost-effectiveness can be challenging.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Synthesizing vast amounts of data from various sources to derive clear, actionable insights for product strategy.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (marketing, operations, finance) are aligned on product strategy, launch timelines, and performance expectations.

• Navigating Manufacturing Capabilities: Identifying and partnering with suitable Taiwan-based manufacturers who can meet Coupang's stringent requirements for agile production and quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• E-commerce Strategy Mastery: Deepen expertise in e-commerce product lifecycle management, assortment planning, and go-to-market strategies within a leading global platform.

• Supply Chain Innovation: Gain hands-on experience with agile manufacturing, direct sourcing, and optimizing supply chains for speed and efficiency.

• Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Enhance skills in leveraging advanced analytics tools and techniques to drive business decisions.

• Negotiation & Partnership Skills: Develop advanced negotiation tactics and relationship management skills with manufacturing partners.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for mentorship and training to grow into broader leadership roles within Coupang's expanding operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-growth e-commerce environment and a role focused on direct sourcing and product strategy. They present significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in areas critical to modern retail and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant product opportunity by analyzing e-commerce data. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data analysis, insight generation, and impact.)

• "How would you approach selecting and negotiating with a new direct factory partner in Taiwan to ensure agile production capabilities for a high-demand product?" (Assess understanding of factory vetting, negotiation strategy, and agile production.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing the lifecycle of a new product from launch through to its eventual discontinuation or scaling. What key metrics would you track?" (Evaluate product lifecycle management expertise and data-driven decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Coupang's mission and its expansion into Taiwan?" (Gauge understanding of the company and alignment with its goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest e-commerce trends and consumer behavior shifts in markets like Taiwan?" (Assess market awareness and commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by key responsibilities (e.g., Product Strategy, Sourcing & Negotiation, Performance Management). For each case study, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework.

• Quantify Everything: Ensure every achievement is backed by numbers. Highlight the ROI, margin improvements, cost savings, or growth percentages.

• Visual Appeal: Use clear visuals, charts, and graphs to illustrate data insights, market trends, and performance metrics.

• Tell a Story: Frame your experiences as compelling narratives that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to drive results.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and how they aligned with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, and practical execution. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples that demonstrate their ability to leverage data and manage complex relationships to drive product success and profitability.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the Coupang Jobs portal via the provided link: https://www.coupang.jobs/en/jobs/?gh_jid=7916663

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experiences in e-commerce, product strategy, direct sourcing, category management, and data analysis relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the posting.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that showcase your ability to identify product opportunities, manage direct factory relationships, drive agile production, and analyze performance data. Ensure clear quantification of results.

• Research Coupang: Deeply understand Coupang's business model, its operations in Taiwan, its competitive landscape, and its company culture. Prepare to articulate why you are a strong fit for their "Wow" philosophy and growth ambitions.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral, situational, and technical questions, particularly those related to data-driven decision-making, negotiation, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

⚠️ 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.