About the Role:
As Director of Production you sit between strategy and execution - translating the VP's direction into operational reality across OluKai and Melin. You own the end-to-end production and supply chain process, manage key vendor relationships, and lead the day-to-day team. You're a strong operator with the commercial acumen to understand how production decisions affect brand margins, and the leadership presence to drive accountability across a cross-functional organization.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Production & Supply Chain Operations
- Own end-to-end production operations across all two brands - from PO issuance through factory delivery
- Manage master production calendars, seasonal timelines, and delivery milestones in alignment with brand plans
- Oversee factory capacity planning and allocation - ensuring the right products are placed with the right partners
- Partner with demand planning and finance to align production output with inventory targets and revenue plans
Vendor & Factory Management
- Manage day-to-day and strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners
- Lead cost negotiations, vendor performance reviews, and corrective action processes
- Maintain a healthy vendor portfolio - evaluating factory capabilities, quality, and risk on an ongoing basis
- Travel internationally to support factory visits, quality reviews, and relationship development
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Lead and develop the Production Manager and broader production team
- Serve as the primary cross-functional liaison between production, product development, logistics, marketing, and finance
- Drive alignment on seasonal calendars, launch readiness, and replenishment planning across brands
- Build and refine tools, systems, and processes that improve team efficiency and visibility
Reporting & Performance
- Own production KPIs - on-time delivery, cost variance, quality rates, and inventory accuracy
- Present performance updates and operational risks to the VP and leadership team
- Identify and lead initiatives that drive continuous improvement across the production function
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required
- 10+ years of experience in production, supply chain, or operations - with at least 2 years in a director or senior manager role
- Deep understanding of international production and vendor management, preferably in footwear, apparel, accessories, or consumer goods
- Strong grasp of unit economics - BOMs, landed cost, COGS, and margin levers
- Proven ability to lead a team and drive cross-functional accountability
- Highly organized with strong systems thinking - you build structure where it's lacking
- Excellent communicator across all levels of the organization
- Comfortable with international travel
Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. On call as needed and subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $145,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.
Benefits and Perks:
- Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday
- Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
- Company bonus program
- 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
- Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
- 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
- 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year
- Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
- Work with talented and great people who share a love of the ocean lifestyle
