Director of Production and Supply Chain

Position Overview

The Director of Production & Supply Chain oversees the complete production process from final design handoff through factory manufacturing, compliance checks, international logistics, and receipt in the U.S. This role manages the production timeline and ensures alignment across Design, Product Development, overseas manufacturers, and Logistics, delivering collections timely, within budget, and with superior quality. As the operational lead for the production calendar, the director anticipates risks, enforces team accountability, and ensures all targets for successful product releases are met.

Key Duties

• Manage the comprehensive production schedule and critical milestones for all collections.
• Ensure all production benchmarks from design approval to final factory delivery are met.
• Collaborate with China-based production teams to oversee factory progress, capacity, production timelines, and shipment readiness.
• Detect potential production issues early and implement strategies to reduce delays.
• Conduct weekly production update meetings and report progress to senior leadership.
• Work alongside the Design team to guarantee timely submission of tech packs, specifications, artwork, trims, color approvals, and production documents.
• Maintain cross-functional team accountability on critical deadlines and resolve bottlenecks promptly.
• Coordinate with Product Development, Merchandising, Planning, and Sales to facilitate seasonal launches.
• Act as the primary communication liaison between U.S. internal teams and overseas manufacturing partners.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with foreign factories and vendors, monitoring their performance, quality, timelines, and delivery commitments.
• Team up with the China Production Manager to address production, quality, and scheduling challenges.
• Review vendor performance and suggest ongoing improvements.
• Manage international production logistics from factory completion through delivery to U.S. warehouses.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders, customs agents, and logistic providers to ensure timely transit.
• Track shipments proactively to manage transportation or customs-related setbacks.
• Guarantee inventory arrives according to launch schedules.
• Enforce U.S. product compliance standards including fabric and laboratory testing, safety, labeling, and import requirements before shipment.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to manage any test failures or quality issues.
• Maintain compliance paperwork for audit and regulatory needs.
• Enhance production and supply chain workflows to boost efficiency, transparency, and punctual delivery.
• Develop reporting systems and key performance indicators measuring production and vendor success as well as supply chain operations.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts across production planning and operational processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related discipline.
• Over 8 years of leadership experience in production, sourcing, or supply chain within fashion, apparel, or accessories sectors.
• Strong expertise in overseas manufacturing, especially with China-based production facilities.
• Experience handling production schedules, critical paths, and managing seasonal product launches.
• Knowledgeable in international shipping, import regulations, customs documentation, and U.S. product compliance standards.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and external manufacturing relationships.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Analytical thinker with keen problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and skilled with production management or ERP software.

Performance Indicators

• Consistent on-time delivery of seasonal collections.
• Meeting all production milestones and critical schedules.
• Minimizing production delays and risks during launches.
• Achieving high manufacturing quality and vendor performance standards.
• Compliance with all U.S. testing, safety, and import regulations.
• Smooth integration and coordination between Design, Production, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams.