WHAT IS THE JOB?As
Manager of Sourcing & Production, you will work with the Product Develop Teams to deliver maximum productivity, flexibility, and responsiveness to business needs while staying true to our product core values: Quality, Service, Integrity, and Value. This position is ideal for a highly multi-functional, roll up your sleeves, entrepreneurial professional who has demonstrated excellent thought, people, and process leadership.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES?- Responsible for the on-time supply of manufactured goods and raw materials, meeting and exceeding the Company's quality standards and IMU expectations.
- Accountable for the successful outcome of any order placed, including quality, timely delivery, and end cost to the Company.
- Work closely with cross functional teams to ensure the execution of the Product Development Calendar (at Seasonal and Store Set levels).
- Drive and execute the Seasonal Production Plan.
- Responsible for WIP report management & Time & Action Calendar.
- Effectively communicate any critical issues related to order placement, or vendor performance, to Senior Management and key cross-functional partners at all times.
- Take necessary actions to resolve issues, always being collaborative and transparent.
- Build strong cross-functional and vendor relationships through excellent oral and written communication & interpersonal skills.
- Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of production & sourcing processes.
- Drive the cost analysis, building of the history data base, and negotiate at placement stage for CMT and Full Package, to meet financial targets as the Company grows.
- Manage the Company's liabilities to maintain them at reasonable levels and to ensure their accuracy and integrity. Partner with Design and Merchandising to strategize prompt utilization.
- Manage chargebacks to vendors and RTVs.
- Validate HTS classification with the Company's Freight Forwarders.
- Ensure the Company is in compliance with all duty and taxation regulations.
- Work with SVP of Product to allocate styles based on vendor's capabilities, capacities, performance, and profitability.
- Communicate and build consensus with all manufacturers on the seasonal calendars.
- Partner with Vendors on the production plan at category and style level.
- Serve as a liaison for the day-to-day operations with vendors to ensure that all activities related to product development, costing, production planning, manufacturing and shipping flow efficiently.
- Partner with the Raw Materials Team to monitor that fabrics and materials deliver on time for the execution of the vendor's production plan.
- Drive resolutions of production issues during the manufacturing cycle by teaming up with the Design and Merchandising Teams.
- Negotiate capacities to execute both BSR programs and the Seasonal Production Plan.
- Evaluate vendor's performance using the Vendor Scorecard on a quarterly basis.
- Identify, evaluate and recommend reliable sources that meet quality, service and cost efficiency expectations. When required, execute dual sourcing.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS?- 5+ years of experience in Production, Sourcing and Manufacturing.
- Complete knowledge of the product development process, from initial Design Concept to final production, as well as strong vendor management experience.
- Well versed in costing by vendor & location.
- Understanding of yields and garment construction.
- Proven track record in developing long-term relationships and negotiating strategic agreements to ensure on-time, in-full deliveries that meet and exceed quality standards and margin goals.
- Strong understanding of the technical aspect of Apparel/Footwear manufacturing.
- Strong influence, negotiating, and analytical skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High degree of comfort in a start up environment, and a determination to think outside of the box for solutions.
- Anything is possible attitude.
- Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through and organizational skills are critical.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and functions in an entrepreneurial organization.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills & ability to be proactive, collaborative, and a transparent team player when providing solutions.
- Must be a self-motivator & self-starter.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Reflect our core values of Hopeful, Helpful, Hospitable, Hard Work, Nimble and Humble.
