OAK + FORT is brought together by a passionate group of people with a natural bond over an aesthetic vision that radiates throughout the collections. Fueled by the purpose to enhance and explore our own personal style—we authentically embody a place where individuality and uniqueness are celebrated. An ever-evolving point of view, joy in self-expression, and quality are central to our contemporary philosophy
POSITION SUMMARY
The Production Manager oversees the operations and vendors to ensure our production process is optimized. This position also plays a strategic role in spearheading and implementing production strategies to support business growth and development. As a people manager, the Production Manager is responsible to ensure its departmental KPIs are met.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategize with the HOGS on Seasonal Sourcing Strategies setting AUC goals and supply/demand needs
- Develop the Strategic Sourcing Direction that supports corporate initiatives and business needs including cost, lead-times and risk management
- Ensure timely execution of product development and sourcing strategies while serving as the primary leader between all business partners and the global supply chain
- Set category cost (margin) targets along with negotiation strategies for implementation; sign off on all costs
- Drive product development calendar timelines to ensure corporate milestones and business needs are being met
- Sign off on all vendor allocation
- Identify and implement opportunities to reduce lead-times and costs
- Manage vendor relationships, including facilitating negotiation of major chargebacks and delivery issues
- Participate in developing the Strategic Sourcing Direction that supports corporate initiatives
- Own the execution of the category product development and sourcing strategies while serving as the primary contact between Design, Merchant, Planning and Suppliers
- Identify product engineering opportunities through fabric, garment construction, vendor/mill or country alternatives to meet IMU and speed-to-market goal while keeping design and brand integrity
- Develop costing strategies and review final costs for all styles to meet and excee IMU goal expectations
- Drive product development timelines to ensure calendar deliverables and dates are being met
- Own capacity planning with supply chain to ensure capacities meet volume forecasts
- Identify and implement opportunities to reduce lead-times and support chase strategies
- Initiate seasonal hindsights with HOGS align on supply chain category strategies
REQUIREMENTS
5+ years of experience in non-apparel (Home, accessories and jewelry) Sourcing & Production management (Product development responsibility is also key, not a “plus.”)- Has managed a cross-apparel-category team of people.
- Experience is in Apparel Specialty Retail
- Understanding of a global picture regarding vendor relationships, capabilities and associated skill sets of those vendors (what I’m saying here is that the candidate needs to have traveled and knows what can be produced and where.)
- A strong and proven leader and performer.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills. Be clear, concise and direct.
- Strong knowledge of fabrics in your cateogory(s) of expertise along with manufacturing standards for apparel and/or accessory/jewelry/home furnishings related categories
- Proven experience in developing and maintaining long-term relationships and negotiating strategic agreements to ensure constant cost and quality improvements
- Understand branded specialty retail
- Overseas and domestic manufacturing experience a must
- Work independently and be flexible in a fast-paced business environment
- Excellent analytical as well as interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to problem solve and prioritize tasks in order of importance
- Well organized, self-starter, and multi-task oriented
- Confidence and experience in PLM web-based product lifecycle software
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