The Associate Vice President, Production is an experienced leader responsible for leading a product development and production teams overseeing Apparel and Active/Sport categories. They partner critically with Design, Raw Materials, Technical Design, Merchandise Planning, Logistics and Global Manufacturing to develop, plan and execute on time product consistent with design's vision within the Brand's global sourcing strategy. The AVP leads the development and execution of apparel products from concept through pass off and order placement , with a focus on on-time, quality products at the right cost, with the required speed and flexibility in support of the brand strategy. This role requires a high level of influence with global cross functional partners and owns the costing process, including overseeing the negotiation and management of costs as well as the planning and management of orders. Critical for success is a deep knowledge and experience operating within the apparel supply chain. In addition, the AVP, Production develops advanced concepts, techniques, standards, and brings solutions to problems of unusual complexity which require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity and innovation. The AVP collaboratively influences decisions in the development of overall objectives and long-range goals of the organization. They will also plan and directs projects and supply inspiration, leadership and consultation to peers and their team.
Leadership Expectations
This leader is expected to model VS&Co values by putting the customer first, building a culture of belonging, inspiring teams around a shared vision, and reinforcing collaboration, accountability, and inclusive leadership in day-to-day actions.
Your Impact
Reporting to the VP of Production & Sourcing, the AVP will spearhead the PINK Product Creation Lifecycle for Apparel and Active in partnership with Global Manufacturing teams, and the PINK Brand Leaders. It is critically important to build a strong partnership internally with other functional leaders in Design, Merchandise Planning, Merchandise Planning, Global Manufacturing and Development partners as well as externally with Factory Owners / Leaders and Material Suppliers. Key roles and responsibilities would include but not limited to:
Initiate and influence strategic ideas and decision making that will drive the business forward; this includes interface with Cross-Functional team leadership to ensure best results.
Capacity planning to align with business forecasts and plans for all apparel brands.
Developing and maintaining effective relationships with external partners (finished products/materials), ensuring products meet delivery and quality expectations.
Identifying situations, opportunities, issues and market conditions to realize cost reduction, operation & process efficiency, lead-time optimization and supplier development etc.
Integrating the buying and product development plans with sourcing and supply chain processes to reduce costs and cycle times while improving supply chain quality.
Engaging with Brand Management & Buying Organizations and Design teams to strengthen the end-to-end development cycle. Partnering up with Brand teams to develop and commercialize portfolios.
Partnering up with external vendors to identify new development techniques, alternate materials and/or product construction to keep abreast of the global competition.
Reviewing the end-to-end supply chain to identify issues and opportunities to better focus on the evolving customers' needs around speed & efficiency including factory capacity planning & scheduling, factory WIP oversight, all elements of inbound and outbound supply chain operations.
Partnering across regions to optimize Asia sourcing operations while collaboratively monitoring performance and execution of global sourcing activities across key supply markets, including but not limited to Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico.
Ensuring effective change management to reach functional and organizational goals
Ensuring a collaborative environment that fosters/values partnerships, diversity & trust
Lead and represent the team and process with brand on driving speed and efficiency through daily work
Communicate seasonal development and buying calendars to regional offices
Ownership of overall brand financial objectives and support for development of seasonal sourcing plan
Leverage industry knowledge to support Brand and Product strategies
Oversee the product costing process, including the negotiation and management of costs with direct reports to meet internal business IMU and AUC goals
Lead risk assessment & troubleshooting; recommend action and communicate issues that may hinder our ability to achieve our inventory and financial objectives
Support development of seasonal sourcing plan
Participate in the development of strategic vendor partnerships that support the allocation process in an effort to minimize costs and maximize efficiencies and manage capacity
Lead a team of multi-level associates
Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. Set clear goals, provide guidance, mentor team to enhance skills and career growth
Hire, coach and develop a quality Production team and ensure talent development and alignment across categories and brands.
The ideal candidate is a solid supply chain leader with a strong track record establishing a world-class global sourcing organization. He/she is well-versed with retail or branded sourcing, experience in buying/sourcing offices, trading companies and/or manufacturing operations. Successful track record of leading in a fast-paced environment with high SKU count, significant style turnover/short product lifecycle, broad item categories, complex product construction and wide price points. Other critical attributes/qualities would include:
10+ years' experience within sourcing/manufacturing, with 3-5 years within Retail Apparel industry in multiple categories - apparel experience required
Experience working with overseas partners required
Demonstrates experience in merchandising across a diverse product portfolio, with a strong preference for sourcing or production expertise in complex product categories. Brings deep knowledge of apparel with additional experience in outerwear, and performance wear. Possesses strong cross-functional expertise spanning product development, costing, quality with a solid understanding of timelines and end-to-end value chain processes from concept through delivery.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation capability. Strong leadership and people management capability.
Ability to set strategy and prioritize tasks. Strong partnering, problem solving and analytical skills.
Global garment production experience, with extensive knowledge and understanding of the supply/vendor base and manufacturing environment
Complete understanding of retail business operations and financial metrics
Demonstrate high level decision-making and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to lead a team
Detailed understanding of product cost specifically within the apparel space including but not limited to knits, wovens, outerwear, sweaters and denim
Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
Detail oriented with strong multi-tasking and organizational skills
Proven influencing and negotiation skills
Domestic and international
