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The Operations and Production Director position works directly with the CEO, clients, vendors and partners to for our NOT MERCH and PRVT LABEL programs and you will be working with our INDUSTRIAL division {non-apparel goods} as well.
We work with multiple countries including China, Turkey, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Peru and Domestically. Maintaining profitability, on-time delivery and best production practices for both client and company is the core competency of this senior position.
You will be expected to lead -managing the program design managers + hiring of all contractors, vetting of suppliers and partners as needed, and in charge of the overall daily operations/ management. Establishing SOPs, ensuring best practices and knowing when to work in a system and when to not work in a system are all key skills you will need to bring to the role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
•With CEO – work on client/partner/vendor strategic initiatives and commercial project bookings- ensuring process, documentation and data in operations and production are in-line with company projections/forecasts.
•With CEO – work with accounting department regarding P&L annual and per project- ensuring the WIP/ ALL ORDERS data and documentation is managed properly and all client contracts and IP are negotiated, signed, in line with company standards.
•Ensure profitability of each client/program by delivering on-time/good quality merchandise that meets pricing levels for every delivery. Follow transaction details (estimates, purchase orders, invoices, etc.) and ensure correct payments are being always made. Initiate chargebacks as needed with accounting teams and partners.
•Manage direct reports and contractor teams to ensure all needed product development signoffs are executed and that all deliveries pass quality standards. Raise flag when/if problems arise and take independent action to resolve issues as needed.
•Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork and employee development to achieve operational/production goals and maintain a positive work environment.
•Streamline the entire supply chain process from sourcing to final delivery, enhance overall efficiency, reduce lead-times and eliminate confusion in current process/partnerships by implementing comprehensive scheduling and resource allocations.
•Build and maintain strong relationships with our manufacturing partners/suppliers~ ensuring our vendors are compliant and utilizing sustainable practices, safe and responsible working environments, and shipping non-defect goods.
•Establish SOPs and internal guidelines for sourcing, costing, delivery and documentation for both design departments and ensure internal compliance with processes and procedures to ensure smooth operations as a company overall.
•Establish Shipping, Logistics and production management protocols as needed to ensure companywide capabilities are meeting customer requirements.
•Establish and maintain compliance and production requirements for all programs/clients according to product needs.
•Daily communication with overseas/domestic vendor partners for development & production submits/approvals and maintain all needed documentation via WIP reports /email /phone /WhatsApp /WeChat /etc.
•Interface with clients as needed for approvals/sample requests/ deliveries/etc. Manage tracking and client expectations accordingly and ensure best quality product is delivered as communicated.
•Maintain ownership and knowledge of all productions- keeping up with all production issues thru completion. Ensure that problems and issues are handled properly {not brushed under the rug} and keep company and client commercial needs at the forefront of all decision-making.
•Ensure that we are onboarded properly across divisions to partner technologies and that teams are aligned on when, where and how to work with said technologies for best overall operational management goals.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
•Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management or related field preferred.
•Minimum of 10+ years of proven experience as a Product Director or similar leadership role within the fashion/apparel industry. Must have fashion/apparel production experience – but must be open to managing other products like accessories, toys, & hard goods with our partners and clients.
•Experience working with multiple countries (off- shore) and domestic factories.
•Possess a strong understanding of garment manufacturing processes, materials, quality control, etc.
•Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
•Proficiency in Supply Chain management, inventory control and logistics/freight/shipping.
•Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to both independently act and manage up.
•You must be highly organized, and detail oriented- with the ability to build and work in systems and create your own systems.
•Ability to speak Spanish/Chinese is a plus.
•Previous role in product development, or strong knowledge of salesdesigndevelopment feedback loops a plus.
