A leading Apparel Organization is searching for a Merchandising & Production Manager to oversee the production process from start to finish, ensuring timely product delivery, cost efficiency, and top-tier quality standards. The role is responsible for managing production schedules, ensuring all materials are available when needed, and optimizing shipping logistics to meet delivery targets. The manager will also be involved in factory relationships, cost negotiations, and quality control.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate production timelines to ensure raw materials and products are delivered on time.
- Build and maintain relationships with domestic and international factory partners, conducting regular visits and virtual meetings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development and Merchandising, to align on production needs and timelines.
- Analyze lead times, production capacity, and minimum order quantities to support accurate purchasing decisions.
- Negotiate pricing with factories, monitor production costs, and maintain cost records for key products.
- Oversee new factory sourcing and compliance, working to diversify the vendor portfolio based on trade agreements and production expertise.
- Anticipate potential sourcing and costing challenges due to global events, making strategic adjustments as necessary.
- Manage logistics, ensuring freight optimization and overseeing third-party logistics (3PL) partners to meet shipping and delivery goals.
- Track product quality and handle any issues that arise, working closely with customer service and development teams to resolve defects.
- Ensure compliance with operational metrics and conduct regular audits of logistics and freight providers.
- Provide regular status updates to internal teams on production progress, offering high-level insights and solutions to meet business objectives.
- Lead and develop the production team, driving collaboration and efficiency.
Qualifications:
- 6+ years of experience in apparel production and logistics, including managing teams.
- Experience with both domestic and international production, as well as accessories and apparel.
- Strong understanding of global logistics, including incoterms, and experience in multi-channel fulfillment.
- Proven ability to negotiate costs, manage vendor relationships, and ensure quality standards are met.
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Advanced Excel proficiency, with experience in PLM systems preferred.
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.